“No, she didn’t say a word, which actually makes me feel worse. Last night we were with her friends, and they all called her Charlie and it made me realize that I am the only person who calls her by her full name, probably because they all do as she asked and not use it.” I started sweeping, taking my anger at myself out on the floor. “I lied to her when I agreed and was not respectful of her wishes.”
“Did you apologize? Just because she lets you be in charge doesn’t mean you’re not required to admit your mistakes and apologize. We all make mistakes sometimes, Toby. It shows character when you own up to them.”
“I know, Dad. I will. I called her Charlie last night for the first time, and she looked so relieved and happy. It made me feel terrible, but it wasn’t the right time to get into an apology.”
He chuckled, understanding my meaning. “Well, do it today. Be the man I know you are.”
With that, he went to check on the milking while I filed away his tidbits of wisdom.
An hour later I pulled up to my house to find Charlie waiting on the porch for me. She waved and rushed over to my truck.
“I didn’t mean you had to be standing outside when I texted to be ready,” I said as she climbed into the vehicle.
“It’s fine. I know you’re busy and taking time out of your day to drive me home will set you back.” She buckled her seatbelt and then leaned over to give me a kiss on the cheek.
“Charlie,” I started, earning me a grin, “I’m thrilled you spent the night last night and if the cost is working a half hour longer, than it’s very much worth it. There’s no need for you to be concerned. It’s not like I’m punching a clock here.”
“I know, but I still don’t want to be a disruption to your life.” She blushed and looked away, but I wasn’t having any of that.
“Hey,” I said, drawing her gaze back to me, “you’re not a disruption to my life. You’re an enhancement, a bonus that I probably don’t deserve, and I enjoy every minute I spend with you.”
My compliments made her fair skin even more red, but she maintained eye contact.
“I need to apologize to you for continuing to use your full name even after you asked me not to.” She opened her mouth to say something, but I shook my head and continued, “I was being stubborn and not listening to you and I’m sorry for that. From now on I promise to stop doing that. Okay, Charlie?”
She nodded. “Thank you, Tobin. It means a lot to me that you’re willing to admit that and apologize to me.”
I gave her a wry smile. “I’d do anything for you, little fairy. And as my father pointed out, a good man isn’t ashamed of admitting his mistakes and that’s what I want to be for you. A good man.”
“You are, Tobin.”
Her words made me feel ten feet tall, and I promised myself I’d never give her a reason to think anything else.