Two and Half Men - Reborn as Jake Harper

Chapter 7

Evening arrived quietly, and I was relaxing in the living room, trying to recover from an exhausting day of forced socializing with Ernie. Charlie walked past me, grabbing his keys from the table near the door.

"Don't wait up, guys," he announced casually, straightening his shirt collar.

Alan glanced up suspiciously from the sofa. "Back to Vegas?"

Charlie smiled smugly, adjusting his cuffs. "Even better. Sherman Oaks. The gateway to Van Nuys."

Alan raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Kate again? Charlie, you really don't know what you're getting into with single mothers."

Charlie shrugged casually, clearly unconcerned. "Relax, Alan. I can handle myself just fine."

Alan rolled his eyes, sighing dramatically. "Famous last words."

I looked over at Charlie with mock seriousness. "As long as I don't have to entertain any more twelve-year-old kids, you've got my full support, Uncle Charlie."

Charlie chuckled lightly, flashing me an appreciative grin. "Deal, Jake."

Alan stood up, suddenly remembering something important. "Oh, by the way, I'm going out tonight too."

Charlie stopped abruptly, giving Alan a curious look. "You? Out? That's unusual. What's the occasion?"