Before I know it, I’m in front of her, cupping her chin in my hand and gently coaxing her lip free with my thumb.
I brush my thumb over the tender spot, trying to soothe it as we lock eyes. “Stop,” I whisper. “I’ve done enough damage. Don’t hurt yourself more.”
Everything hangs between us—the memories, the dreams, the love, and the pain. It all plays out in silence as our eyes meet.
Hers screaming, ‘You broke me.’
Mine crying out, ‘I’m sorry.’
Hers wailing, ‘I hate you.’
Mine shouting, ‘I hate me too.’
Hers sobbing, ‘I hate that I love you.’
Mine exclaiming, ‘I love that I love you.’
So many things in such a short amount of time that our eyes say to each other before Charlie realizes what’s happening and pulls away with a frown.
“Thanks for letting us know about the video and for being here while I filed the charges against Rianna.”
I retreat another step, hands shoved deep in my pockets, because all I want is to reach for her again.
Fuck. How am I supposed to sit inches from her in a car when all I want is to pull her close and never let go?
“It’s the least I can do, Char. This is all because of my fuck up. I’m the one who brought this mess to your life.”
“Yeah,” she says softly, coming to stand beside me. “I ordered an Uber, but I’m paying. I know I agreed to you giving me a ride, but I’m just not ready. If I’m honest, this is actually a lot for me. It’s not as hard as it was in the beginning, but it’s still not easy being around you, Kea.”
I hold my hand out next to hers, honestly not expecting anything, just wanting to feel the heat from her. “I understand, Charlie. It’s okay. You do whatever you need to feel safe.”
The quick squeeze to my hand is startling and so fleeting that I might have just imagined it because I want to feel her touch so badly.
We both watch silently as her Uber pulls up.
“Charlie,” I say in a low voice.
She shakes her head. “Not yet.” Her eyes roam my face for a second. “Take care of yourself, Keaton Carr.”
My throat tightens. “You too, Charlie Henderson.”
Friendships, Feelings, and Fucking Triggers
Charlie | The Past
Inthepastmonth,things with Alek have shifted. The physical spark has faded, but our friendship burns just as brightly as it did when we first met.
Friendships are delicate. I doubt Alek and I will need to cut ties, but I know some partners dislike their significant other staying close with an ex. If that day comes, I’ll either step back or do my best to welcome her, because Alek’s happiness means more to me than holding on too tightly.
It’s the least I owe him after the way he’s been there for me and helped me on my healing journey.
A sudden sting snaps me out of my thoughts, laughter from my two best friends swirling around me and scattering my worries.
“What the hell?” I mutter, glancing down at the Skittle that sits perfectly in the middle of my cleavage.
“Oh, hey. Let me grab that for you,” Alek teases, reaching down to pluck it out.
“Perv. You just wanted to cop a feel,” I sass.
