Chapter 16: Want to Grab a Drink at My Place?
After work, Frederick turned down a few invites and drove to the restaurant where Charlotte worked part-time.
It was 8 PM, the busiest time at the restaurant. Charlotte was elegantly playing the piano, wearing a long dress that showed off her shoulders. Her golden hair cascaded down her back, making her look even more romantic and beautiful.
Frederick watched her through the glass for a while before getting out of the car and walking in. He ordered some food without really paying attention to what he chose and leaned back, enjoying Charlotte's piano playing.
He noticed men occasionally approaching her, clearly attracted to her. Charlotte politely turned them all down.
During a break, Charlotte received a business card.
"Wise Counsel Law Firm, Frederick Hawkins."
Charlotte was taken aback. She turned and saw Frederick sitting in a corner, holding a pre-dinner drink, looking effortlessly elegant.
Charlotte didn't want to cross paths with him again, but she was even more afraid to offend him.
She thought for a moment but walked over. "Hello, Mr. Hawkins."
Frederick nodded slightly, gesturing for her to sit down.
As soon as she sat, Frederick noticed the fresh needle marks from an IV on the back of her hand, guessing it was from getting caught in the rain last night. She was already in poor health. "Ms. Russell, you probably haven't eaten yet. Care to join me?"
Frederick seemed very serious, showing none of the casualness from earlier when he handed her the card.
Charlotte placed the card on the table, feeling a bit uneasy. "The restaurant has a rule that we can't eat with customers during work hours."
Ignoring the card, he asked directly, "What about after work? Ms. Russell, want to come to my place for a drink?"
His intentions were clear. Dating him would quickly get Charlotte out of her current predicament, eliminating the need for excessive work for money. It was just sex, after all. Frederick thought that since Charlotte had already slept with him, doing it a few more times wouldn't be a big deal. Besides, she seemed to enjoy it the previous times.
Charlotte didn't understand why Frederick was suddenly interested in her again and why he was pestering her. She knew her situation and chose her words carefully to avoid offending him. "Mr. Hawkins, thank you for helping with my father. I'll find a way to repay you in the future."
Frederick was surprised. He understood her message. She didn't want to sleep with him again. Money couldn't sway Charlotte!
Frederick wasn't fixated on Charlotte. He was just reminded of their previous encounters by her piano playing and her delicate demeanor. Furthermore, it was the inherent flaw in men; having had her and finding it satisfactory, he might occasionally linger in thought.
Frederick put away the card, gracefully letting it go.
Charlotte thanked him softly, keeping a low profile.
As tension mounted, Oliver approached with a teenage girl.
"Frederick!"
Oliver greeted him warmly, without a hint of rivalry between them.
Frederick made a gesture, and Oliver sat down casually. He immediately introduced his sister to Charlotte. "This is my sister, Sophie Taylor. She's a great student but needs a reliable piano teacher. Charlotte, could you teach her?"
These words made Charlotte feel embarrassed.
Frederick understood Oliver's intentions but didn't care. He took out some cash from his wallet and placed it on the table. "Ms. Russell, I see you're busy; I won't keep you."
Out of courtesy, Charlotte escorted him to the restaurant door.
Frederick didn't linger. He got into his car, nodded at her, and drove away.
He was so dignified that it didn't seem like he had come specifically to ask Charlotte out for a casual hookup.
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