I took a sip of the beer. “He’s important, professionally. But any crush is long gone. Totally evaporated.”
“Doesn’t look like he knows that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he put his arm around you, and you just stood there.”
“What else was I supposed to do? Jump back and yell ‘cooties’?”
“If you’re not comfortable, you shouldn’t just let it happen.”
My eyes narrowed. “Well, next time you’re a first-year associate in that position, let me know how you decide to handle it.”
He looked hurt. “Look, I’m not trying to sound judgmental. I’ve been watching him cozy up to you for the last hour, and it’s not a good look. I know how important your career is to you.”
“You’ve been ‘watching’ me?”
“I mean, not like from a dark corner—but yeah, I was around enough to notice.”
“I haven’t asked for your opinion on any of this, you know.”
“I’m only saying anything because I care. I fucking care a lot. Things have definitely felt weird over these last couple of weeks, and I hate that. I don’t really know what to do.”
I felt embarrassed about Charlie noticing Leo’s attention. Was Ithatgirl?
I wanted to tell him how much I’d missed him, how it washisattention I wanted. It was him. Not anyone else. Instead, I bit my lip. I didn’t want to have this conversation when Leo could walk back out any second. “I can’t do this. Not here,” I said helplessly.
“We don’t even know what ‘this’ is yet.”
“Whatever it is, I’m not good for you.” I took another sip of the beer, my lips almost sticking to the frozen glass bottle.
He looked exasperated. “Jesus, Sam. You’re just so hell-bent on convincing yourself that you’re not good for anyone that you’re going to miss out on something you’ll regret. I’m not even saying that’s me. But I know all the arguments you make in your head. And I don’t buy any of them. You can do all the things you want to do without getting hamstrung by some schmo. I’m not here to hold you back.”
I took another sip against my better judgment. I couldn’t find any words that seemed right. I could feel my eyes filling up.
“I think I’m falling in love with you,” he said quietly.
My emotions had gone full tilt.
I stared at Charlie. Behind him, Leo was hovering inside.
I took a shaky breath. “Charlie. We can’t do this here. Please understand that.”
Charlie reached into his pocket and handed me a room key. “Will you come by later so we can talk?”
I nodded and slid the key into my pocket as I watched him go inside.
“Clock’s ticking, little lady.” Leo reappeared, holding my coat. I felt like I was being hunted.
“I just need to find the restroom.”
I locked myself in the last stall and pulled out my phone.
Building B, Room 1601. I’ll wait up.
I leaned my head against the tile wall, fighting the urge to lie down on the floor. All I needed was for Elinor to find me passed out the next morning.
I begrudgingly put on the one-piece swimsuit I’d bought earlier without trying on, pulling my dress over it.
