“Just because she’s older, you know women don’t lose value just because society says they have no worth after the age of—”
“Emma.” I rubbed my eyes, adjusting to the brightness. “Agata is a grandmother and married. I’m sure that she’s a lovely woman but that was not who I was referring to. Also, what the hell?”
“Sorry. I—” She waved away whatever she’d been about to say. “All right. Out with it. Who’s the new lady? Wait. Can Harrison join in?”
“Yeah.”
A moment later, Harrison’s stupid handsome mug filled up the screen.
“Heya, mates.” He had to yell to be heard over the din. In the background, attractive people stood around laughing and chatting.
Emma and I said “hi” in unison.
“What’s going on? Everything okay?” he asked.
I rolled my eyes.
“Oh shit, is it the end of the month already? Hang on.” The phone rustled as he juggled some papers and left the loud area of wherever he had been. “Sorry about that.”
“Need us to ring later?” Emma asked.
Harrison stood on a quiet patio, produced an e-cig, and took a pull. “It’s just a party.” He shook his head and blew out the e-smoke.
I didn’t blame Harrison for forgetting our monthly call, but once again, the sting of feeling like I was the only one who’d not been able to move on got me.
Distantly, I heard Emma nag him about his smoking, but I was lost in regret for having mentioned Kate. She felt … like my secret. My safe thing. Like if I shared her, somehow, the delicate balance of our friendship would vanish into thin air. It would end just like that. She was a good thing, and I knew better than most that all good things must come to an end.
“Right, Charlie?” Emma asked, bringing me back to the present. “You said you met someone?”
In for a penny…
“Yeah. Online,” I said.
“Oh yeah? Congrats, mate. Serious then?” Harrison assumed.
I never brought up women. Ever. I’d stopped the random hookups with fangirls along with the excessive drinking.
“We’re just talking.” I shrugged.But I can’t stop thinking about her, and I flirt with her, and I fancy the bloody hell out of her.
“Well, what’s her name? What’s she like?” Harrison prompted.
“She’s a writer. She’s talented and hilarious and thoughtful and gorgeous. We talk every day …” Their eyebrows shot up with every word. I cleared my throat and finished with, “So. Right.”
“She sounds lovely.” Emma took pity on me and stopped me from talking anymore. “When do we get to meet her?” Emma asked.
“About that.” I looked toward the window. “She’s American.”
“Oh lord, so it’s terminal then?” Harrison said, dryly. “Christ, mate, you said it like you’re dying. It’s America, not the moon.”
I shot him a look. “And, I haven’t exactly told her who I am.”
Harrison winced and Emma’s jaw dropped.
“How?” Emma asked, shaking her head in confusion. “How can you talk every day and her not know?”
“We’ve kept things anonymous.” I groaned. “Well, I have. She’s shared her email and I’ve looked her up. She told me I could,” I added before it got too creepy.
If that revelation was bad, wait until they found out how I met her.No. That would forever remain my secret. I absolutely would not share that embarrassing factoid.
