Charlie could tell Alicia wanted to say more, but she seemed to think better of it eventually, as she just nodded Charlie’s way one more time before leaving.
Charlie took it as a sign to get a move on too, and she grabbed her phone to send a quick message to Olive, inviting her out for a celebratory dinner.
As much as Charlie liked her privacy, she was starting to recognize that if she wanted to actually be with Olive, she couldn’t ask her to meet only for sex. As enjoyable as that was, she really needed to get her head back in the game. Besides, when was the last time Charlie had gone on a proper date? It was likely years at this point.
She went back to her room, oddly relieved to find Plaker there. Maybe she could help Charlie with her outfit.
Charlie went to her suitcase and pulled out the thin sweater she had packed in case she had to go out for a team dinner at some point.
“What do you think of this sweater?” Charlie asked Heather, causing the hockey player to glance up from her phone.
“It’s nice,” she said before turning back to scrolling.
“Cool,” Charlie said, trying not to sound as excited as she felt. She must’ve failed, because Heather turned back to her.
“Lajoie, I know we don’t get along but…” She trailed off before she could finish her thought, blushing slightly.
“But?” Charlie pushed.
“It’s kinda nice to see you happy,” Plaker finally finished.
Charlie laughed. “Because I’m normally such a miserable person?”
“You said it, not me.” Plaker turned back to her phone.
Charlie didn’t have a response to that, so she fell back into her usual pensive mood as she got ready for her dinner. The sweater she chose was definitely more dressed up than what she aimed for, and she tried not to feel self-conscious as she also did a little bit of her makeup. It wasn’t that she had many thoughts about her appearance or wanted to look a certain way, but she wanted to dress up for Olive. She rarely wanted to do anything for other people’s attention, but if it was Olive who was looking at her, she wouldn’t mind that at all.
Charlie shook her head as her thoughts trailed off, recognizing that she was being ridiculous.
You barely know this woman,Charlie reminded herself.
But that wasn’t necessarily true. She may know a little too much about her in intimate scenarios, but that didn’t mean she didn’t understand her outside of that. It was clear that Olive was as disciplined about her work as Charlie was—and perhaps that is why they were so drawn to each other. Two people seeking a refuge from the expectations put on themselves by others, and themselves.
The thought was comforting to Charlie, and she was still upbeat as she left the Olympic Village and headed towards Milan proper to meet Olive.
She had suggested the fancy, upscale restaurant to Olive after reading a few outstanding Google reviews, and she hoped it did not disappoint. It was clear Olive was used to being the one making all the decisions, so Charlie felt good about being able tohelp Olive with some of the mental load, if she could. She hoped she was reading Olive correctly, but even based on their few conversations, she had a feeling that Olive that was not used to having someone else think about her. Want to be with her, want her, sure. But to take care of her? Charlie wasn’t sure if Olive recognized that feeling.
Olive was waiting at the entrance to the restaurant when Charlie arrived, stunning in a long dress and cardigan.
“You’re here early,” Charlie said, helpfully.
“I was hungry,” Olive replied.
Charlie was trying not to get distracted by her shiny lip gloss, but she was failing. Instead, she smiled like the dork she was and grabbed Olive’s hand.
“Let’s go inside,” she said.
Charlie gave her name at the desk, the reservation under Charlie Joy, and they were seated inside. The restaurant was perfect in its dim lighting and fancy flourishes, but Charlie had a hard time trying to commit any of it to memory when her stomach was tense with excitement. She was possibly more nervous for this date than she had been for her last two hockey games.
When they arrived at their table, Charlie held out a chair for Olive and sat down across from her after Olive had taken her seat.
“Thanks,” Olive said, now that the women were facing each other.
“You’re welcome,” Charlie replied. She still had that ridiculous grin on her face, but she didn’t want to stop it.
She was going to say something equally ridiculous, but was thankfully stopped by the waiter who approached the table.
“How are we doing this evening, ladies?” Charlie tried not to cringe at the question.
