He applies a little more pressure, then removes his hand and smacks my buttocks."But we'll get there someday."
I whimper, desperate need blazing from my core outward. I crush my lips against his, stroking and sucking histongue, taking what I want. His other hand reaches under my skirt and skims across my slit. Before I can encourage him to go farther, we hear footsteps and untangle ourselves in time for the door to swing inward.Charlieturns his back so his tented pants aren't visible, resting an arm against the wall to block most of my body from sight.
"Oh, sorry,"a woman's voice sings out, followed by a snicker. I peer overCharlie'sshoulder to seeMeiandLibertywalking into the restroom.Libertyhas a strange look on her face when she catches my eye, but she quickly glances away.
"It wasMeiandLiberty."I groan, dropping my face into my hands."We look so obvious."
"Is it really that big a deal?"Charliehuffs.
I look up at his scowling face, though he looks morehurtthan angry."I guess not. I just didn't want anyone to know we were hooking up."
A muscle tics inCharlie'scheek."Are you embarrassed?"
"God, no,"I insist."If anything, it'd be the opposite. I'm notexactlyyour type."
He runs his hands through his hair and huffs."My type,"he mutters.
His eyes roam over my features. Does he see what I see, the moon face and apple-round cheeks? Pale, blotchy skin made worse when I was embarrassed? The unusual eyes, the nose slightly too wide, and the mouth that always felt too large?
"I wish you'd believe how beautiful you are. I want people to know we're together because I feel sofuckinglucky."His voice hitches and he clears his throat."Coco, I need to tell you–"
The door to the women's restroom bangs open, making us both jump.Charlielets go of my cheek asLibertystomps away, followed a minute later byMei, whogivesus a wink and a sly smile.Charliedrops his head on a sigh."Sorry. I should go and let you finish the night with your friends."
"Charlie, don't go,"I put a hand on hischest."I feel lucky to be with you, too."
Hegivesme a half-smile andkissesmequickon the lips."Havefuntonightand we'll talktomorrow, 'k?"
Myshouldersslump, but I agree and heholdsmy hand for another moment before exiting out the alleyway door. I use the restroom to put myself back together–smooth my hair down, fix my smearedlipgloss. Then I rejoin myteammates, ignoring their loaded questions and changing the subject until they finally move on to different topics. I can't focus, though, my mind drifting back toCharlie.
I wish you'd believe how beautiful you are. I want people to know we're together because I feel sofuckinglucky.
Did he really mean that? It's been more than two weeks since we made our arrangement, and I could think of a million ways he's made me feel special. More than that, he's made me feel treasured, something no one—not my parents, not my previous boyfriends—has ever done. But is this why he's so popular with women? Is this how he is with all of them?
I try to stay longer, but my thoughts won't stop straying toCharlie. I want to be with him. So I say my goodbyes and head out the door, debating whether I should warn him I'm on my way or simplyshowup and hope he lets me in.
I'm barely out the door whenLibertycalls out to me."Palmer, wait up."
I stop and wait for her, clocking her appearance. Her ruby locks, normally sleek and shiny, are a frizzy halo around her head. Her hazel-brown eyes are glassy, her lipstick smeared in one corner, and her cheeks have an alcohol flush to them. She walks unsteadily in her Steve Madden wedges. She is the picture of drunken regrets, and I feel sorry for her.
"Hey,Liberty. Do you need a lift somewhere?"Iholdup my phone."I can call a Lyft."
She dismisses me with a shaky wave of her hand."Mei's taking me home. I wanted to tell you something."
"Okay."I shift on my feet, waiting for what I have a sneaking suspicion is going to be something aboutCharlie. I'm proven right.
"He'llbreakyour heart,"she says."He's so good-looking. So charming. Says all the right things. But he'll never settle down."
I look around, but thankfully, it doesn't seem like anyone inside is payingattentionto us. The last thing I want is a public argument with a drunken colleague."Look,Liberty. I appreciate the warning, but it's not necessary.Charlieand I are friends?—"
"Did he tell you how lucky he is to be with you? How he wishes you knew how beautiful and special you are?"Her lips curl in an ugly snarl."He did. I can tell by your face. And you fell for it."
I refuse to admit anything to her, especially not that she's right. My heart drops to my feet. It shouldn't matter. He's not myboyfriendand he never will be. In fact, I'm happyLibertytells me this because now it's easier to quash any growing feelings.
"Thankyou,"I say, clearing my throat."I appreciate the heads up. But it's unnecessary, truly. Have a good night,Liberty."
I move down the block, checking once over my shoulder to ensure she went back inside. Around the corner, I lean against a building and blow out a breath. Myplanto surpriseCharlieat his place isn't a no-brainer any longer. I take out my phone and call up the rideshare app, dithering between following through or calling it and going home. Does whatLibertysaid change anything? So what if he uses the same lines; makes sense why he would switch women as often as he switches socks if he's got a standard repertoire he uses.
My finger hovers over the icon for the rideshare app.Come on,Palmer. Make a decision. Go home or go toCharlie?
