I shook my head, forcing myself to stay calm. “No, not at all,” I said, gesturing him to seat. I turned quickly, my hands trembling as I poured him a drink, tears threatening to spill. "I can’t reach him. His phone … maybe he doesn’t care about his family anymore.”
The man eyed the meat I had just bought, his brows raised. "Buying so much meat, did you carry it all by yourself?” Before I could answer, he stood and moved towards the door where the bags still sat. "Let me help you," he offered, already reaching for the bags.
Panic shot through me. I rushed to block his path and grabbed the bags from his hand. “It’s fine, I can do it myself. The freezer’s pretty full and I wouldn’t want to trouble you with it.”
The man smiled, his hand brushed mind as he let go of the bag. "You don't have to be so polite,” he murmured, his voice lowered. “It must be hard, being alone for so long. As Charlie's leader, I feel a certain responsibility.” He patted the back of my hand, making my skin crawl.
I instinctively stepped back. "I’m fine, really. I'm used to living alone,” I said, trying to sound resolute.
The man smiled again, sly and knowing.
He wiped his hands together and settled back onto the sofa.