Page 11 of Coffee Eyes and Little White Lies

Imani softened. “Char…”

More than anyone, Imani dealt with the wretched moods Victoria brought about. In some ways, Imani, not her family, picked up more of the pieces and helped Charlotte rebuild the image of herself after the relationship ended. Hiding her struggles from everyone else was easier when you didn’t see them five days a week.

“I just…” Charlotte sighed, leaning forward and picking up her fork again. “Lizzie was worried. I’d be a sitting duck for the relatives. I can’t keep avoiding Victoria. Ali is sunshine personified. I’ve enjoyed talking to her in the mornings. I thought—I thought she might make it easier to be in Victoria’s presence,” Charlotte finished, pushing wilting leaves around the container.

“Well, that’s a lot of romantic situations over several months. More than enough time to sweep her off her feet, as it were.”

“I doubt it. I’d be using a walker and she’d still be young and full of life.”

“I hear some people are into an age gap.”

Charlotte rolled her eyes, ignoring Imani’s teasing and dug back into her salad, her feelings sufficiently muddled. She couldn’t let herself imagine a future where Ali or anyone else wanted something real with her. Especially not after Victoria… but some small and quiet part of her hoped she was wrong. Maybe Ali would see her and want her, too.

ALI

It wasn’t until after her shift ended, feet aching as she made her way to her car that a gust of wind carried the scent of the pizzeria down the street. She changed directions, heading down the sidewalk, craving their perfect crust and the overabundance of melted cheese. Sunlight hit the damp street from the scattered shower earlier making it gleam. She dug her phone out of her pocket to take a photo only to find a notification with a text from an unknown number sitting in front of her most favorite recent photo of her cat, Willow.

It could only be from one person.

She opened the text thread without hesitation, photography endeavors quite forgotten as she continued down the street.

Unknown Number

Today 2:05PM

Hello, darling. :)

An excited squeak leapt past her lips, which was ignored by a passerby. But her fingers flew over the screen, typing her reply.

Miss Davenport, is this you?

I think Miss Davenport is too formal, don’t you?

Warmth spread across her cheeks. If anyone had told her she would be texting with Charlotte today she would have laughed. A lightness fluttered in her chest as she saved the contact info and updated the name, opening their thread again.

I dunno, it has a ring to it.