The Other Side

Charli could believe that. Kimberly always believed she had done nothing wrong. She had sat in on Kimberly’s trial one day and heard Kimberly deny that she had given drugs to players and had given drugs to Andy, even though he tested positive for several steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. It was a wonder the concoction he had didn’t kill him.

It explained his paranoia over Charli but it wasn’t an excuse.

“I don’t want any bad blood between us.” Drew looked up at Mark, bravely meeting his narrowed gaze. “I really like Stephanie, Mr Hildenstern, and I want to be with her. She gets along well with my extended family and my aunt adores her. If you don’t want us to date, I’ll understand even though I won’t like it. And I have a great amount of respect for you, sir. I wouldn’t do anything to lower myself like him.”

Charli knew what she thought; she decided to give Drew the benefit of the doubt. He wasn’t under his parents’ influence and seemed to genuinely like Stephanie. She loved her daughter and didn’t want her hurt but Stephanie would need to find out for herself.

She was willing to trust Drew with Stephanie. But it had to be a joint decision. She and Mark decided everything together.

Mark stood up and went to stand over Drew, who straightened up and didn’t look away. That would be in his favor not to look away.

“I think one of these days I’ll take you on a long walk and we can talk some more.” He smiled and held out his hand. “I think Stephanie would appreciate us getting along.”

Drew’s face lit up. Charli couldn’t believe how handsome he was. He had some of Andy’s features but he was his own person. Stephanie was very lucky.

“Thank you, sir.” Drew shook Mark’s hand and stood up. “Thank you.”

Mark grinned and nodded towards the terrace.

“Go on. Your girlfriend’s waiting. Treat her for us.”

“I will do.”

Drew headed towards the terrace. Charli stood and hurried after him.

“Drew.” She caught up with him at the steps. She glanced back at Mark, who had moved to the doorway, before looking back at the boy. “I can tell you’re not like your father. And the fact you don’t let them influence you makes me respect you. But I won’t tolerate if you hurt my daughter.”

“I don’t plan to, ma’am.” Drew didn’t look away. “I’m starting to fall for her and that would be the last thing on my mind.”

Charli knew he was sincere. She touched his arm.

“As long as you don’t treat Stephanie as your father treated me, you and I are going to get along great.” She grinned. “And it’s Charli.”

Drew nodded and smiled back. Charli watched him go down to the court, Stephanie meeting him at the gate. Mark joined her as Stephanie hugged Drew and they kissed, Stephanie’s brothers wolf-whistling. Mark put his arms around Charli’s waist.

“Do you think we’re doing the right thing?”

“I think so.” Charli leaned into him. “And if not, Stephanie’s old enough to find out on her own.”

Although, judging from the way Stephanie and Drew were smiling at each other, cheating was the last thing on their minds.

The end.