So she didn't question it. She tucked her lips into a self-effacing smile and accepted Charlie's proposition. 
And Charlie, he couldn't help but feel pretty pleased with himself-- at least he did at first, but it was soon overtaken by a sense of rightly-deserved guilt. 
That guilt stuck with him throughout the rest of that afternoon to evening time. As Collins stepped out wearing the white button up shirt and black vest that all the waiters had to wear at Midsummers, she looked so eager for the night ahead. Charlie had already planned on asking the manager at the hotel if she could get a job as a lifeguard at the pool, but was quickly realizing that the weird feeling he was experiencing at the pit his stomach was shame. Shame that the only reason why he was letting her do this was to keep her away from the only friends she'd ever had.
It wasn't like he didn't want her to be happy, he'd always wished she'd find someone other than him to depend on. It was just unfortunate that the people she could call companions, the only ones she'd ever had in her life, were terrible influences. 
The next part he really should've seen coming-- and Charlie felt pretty stupid that he hadn't- but he didn't exactly think things through well enough in his attempt to keep Collins from the Pogues. In fact, he did a shit job all around, because he hadn't anticipated that Pope and his dad would be the caterers for the event, and Kie would be a formal guest attending with her family. 
Charlie felt like a total idiot when they walked in and there they were. Collins lit up at the sight of them and left his side to meet them and before Charlie could stop her. His manager was in his face, giving him orders and grief for not coming earlier. He was meant to be serving drinks while Collins served hors d'oeuvres, how could he watch her now? All the debutantes wanted to get shit-faced, it was the most constant thing that happened at Midsummers. His hands were going to be full with liqueurs and mixers, all night.
Not to mention, that he'd kept the news of JJ's arrest from her, and now she was undoubtedly going to find out about it from Kie and Pope. Charlie hadn't wanted her to know because he knew she would be ridden with worry; so much so that he didn't think she'd be able to do her job or enjoy any aspect of this night that she'd wished to see for so long. Once again, her mind would be overburdened with concern for JJ and he needed to keep it clear of such thoughts. 
He watched painfully as Collins carried an empty tray over to Pope's food table, where he and Kie stood next to each other conversing. When they saw that it was her approaching, both of their eyes widened in surprise.
"Collins!" Kie greeted. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Collins looked over her purple satin dress longingly; she'd never be able to wear a dress like that in her lifetime. Only Kie could pull it off with such effortless elegance.  
"Hey guys," Collins said, "can you believe it? Charlie actually let me go to a party after what happened last night. Granted, I'm working, but still."
Pope chuckled. "Yeah, nice penguin suit." He nodded at her outfit. She stuck her tongue out at him mockingly but smiled anyways. 
"I was just asking Pope if he's ever seen this many Kooks in one place." Kie mentioned casually as they all looked out into the party.
"I have," Pope replied, then deadpanned, "last year."
They each shared amused snickers at his remark. Collins had to admit, it was about everything that she had expected and more. There were fairy lights majestically draped into a canopy over the dance floor, a live band playing music that was upbeat and classy at the same time, and people were dressed in gowns and flower crowns like they had been styled by Mother Earth. Everyone looked like they were talking about their rich people subjects; what they were planning to make for their next dinner party, what new topic they were going to bring up to the next HOA meeting, who they thought was wearing the most questionable outfit of the night.