Page 70 of Voices
Once I’m out on the street, I tap his shoulder. “It’s clear.”
He sits up and looks around again. When he realizes that we’ve left the parking area, he relaxes into the seat.
“Where did Lily and Noah go? I thought we’d all go out and get to know each other a little more.”
“They went to an after-party at one of the frat houses.” He plays with one of the hoodie strings, looking out his window.
I hope I didn’t ruin his plans to hang out with them tonight, even though he doesn’t strike me as a partygoer.
“Did you want to go? I can drive you there and we can celebrate the win together.”
He’s shaking his head before I finish. “No, I’m good. They stay all night, and I don’t feel like being around people anymore tonight. I’m peopled out for at least two weeks.”
“Well, I hope you’re still up for spending time with at least one person because I’ve missed you. And I need to make up for the time we lost.” I smile and wink at him as he smiles back. “I’m starving and way too tired to make anything. I know this amazing sandwich shop down the street from me where they make their own bread and condiments,” I tell him as I stop at a red light. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head but is still smiling. “What? Can’t a guy like freshly made food? I bet you’d love their grilled cheese. It has sun-dried tomatoes and a sweet basil pesto on crispy homemade bread. Add crispy applewood bacon and it’ll have your taste buds dancing.” He laughs at my shimmy as I recall how good that sandwich is.
“Okay. But no bacon.”
Fuck his smile is stunning. And those dimples. I need to get him to smile more.
“I love this song.” He nods along so I turn it up and listen to him sing along as I continue driving. I have no idea who this band is but I like the similarities to Linkin Park with a rapper and a singer. I nod along to the beat until it’s over and I’m parked in front of the sandwich shop.
“Who was that? They sound awesome.”
He looks at me as he unbuckles. “From Ashes to New. They’re one of my favorite bands.”
“Never heard of them. Are they a newer band?”
He shakes his head as he opens his door and jumps down. Looking up at me still in my seat, he smiles the brightest I have yet to see. And I’m frozen. Completely awestruck by this beautiful man. He’s let his guard down and is smiling freely. This, this is the real Charlie that’s been hidden this whole time. And I’m going to do everything in my power to bring him out as often as possible.
“You coming?” he asks, closing the door.
Blinking quickly, I jump out of the truck and walk up to him. I hold out my hand and he threads his fingers through mine without hesitating.
“The band has been together for a while. They reminded me of Linkin Park and since it was after Chester had passed, I kind of listened to them on a loop.”
I love how passionate he is about things that interest him. His art, Avatar, and now this band. It has me wanting to find out what else he likes just so I can listen to him talk openly and not care about what I might think.
“I take it you like Linkin Park then,” I ask as we step inside the shop. The smell of freshly baked bread hits my nose making my stomach rumble.
We walk up to the line, still hand in hand. He moves closer when a group of girls walk past. I release his hand and wrap myarm around his back to grip his hip. He looks up at me with a relieved grin.
“I’m a big Linkin Park fan. I have a tattoo on my ribs with some of the lyrics fromCrawlingunder the Linkin Park Soldier.” I don’t remember seeing that. I make a mental note to look later.
We step up to the counter and I place our orders and pay. Stepping to the side, I see him chewing the shit out of his bottom lip. I turn to face him and gently pull it free.
“Why are you abusing your lip?” I rub my thumb over the red spot from his teeth. “You didn’t have to pay for mine. I appreciate it but I-I have m-money,” he stutters looking at the center of my chest.
I lift his chin with my finger as I rub his bottom lip. “I don’t mind paying when the man I’m spending my time with is as beautiful as you. I would pay for a thousand sandwiches as long as you’re with me.” He tries to look away, but I catch his eye. “But, if it’ll help, you can pay next time. How’s that sound?”
“Yeah. Th-that’ll work.” He sticks the tip of his tongue out and swipes it over my thumb while his eyes droop almost closed.
“Order for Shane.” We’re interrupted by a worker holding up our bag of food.
I thank the girl and grab our bag. I hold Charlie’s hand as we head back to my truck.
The ride was quiet except for the music he put on after connecting his phone. We’re now on the balcony eating and listening to the party going on in the courtyard. Well, I am. He’s lost to the stars again.
He’s only taken one bite of his sandwich and a handful of chips. My grilled chicken parmesan sandwich was gone less than five minutes after being opened.
