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Stunned to receive such a gift, I run my fingers over the front cover. Oh, book boyfriend, we meet again.
“Don’t forget the next box, Charlie.”
I open the lid of the next one, and low and behold, my instincts are correct. I lift what appears to be a crystal vibrator. “In keeping with the theme of the book and the fact that you broke your rabbit,” Nikki points out.
“I never said I broke it.”
“Oh my God, that’s just like mine. Right, Elijah?”
Lex cringes, shaking his head with disapproval. “You didn’t just say that.”
“Go on, there’s more,” Nikki coerces
It’s like a Mary Poppin’s bag of sex toys. I pull out handcuffs, a butt plug, and a flogger. After a table discussion on how each should be used, I thank Nikki and Rocky, avoiding at all costs looking at Lex, who seems to be amused with all the toys. My purse vibrates, and benea
th the table, I read the text.
Lex: I’ve already planned on when and where all those items will be used on you.
The phone slips from my hand, falling onto the floor. As I excuse myself to find it, I can’t help but look over at Lex’s legs. I nearly have a coronary as I watch his hand rub the front of his pants. Son of a bitch! I sit back up and try to compose myself as best as I can. He isn’t looking my way, but the smirk on his face says it all.
“Time to open your gift from Lex.” Adriana pushes Lex’s hand toward me.
Instead, he stands and walks over to me, handing me a small box. “Happy Birthday, Charlotte.”
Lex is known for giving extravagant gifts. I fumble with the bow that sits on top of the brown box. I’m nervous, and having the entire table watch me, anticipating my every move, makes it even worse. As the bow comes undone, I lift the lid. Inside sits a Tiffany’s box. Already, my heart is fluttering at the iconic blue box in my hand, terrified of the contents that lie underneath. I lift the lid of the box, and my heart stops when my eyes catch sight of the contents. It’s a necklace, but it isn’t the necklace that makes me want to cry, it’s the pendant attached—a white-gold phoenix bird encrusted with diamonds.
“Lex… I… thank you,” I choke.
If only he knew what it truly means to me. How this tiny little bird represents so much more than I can ever tell him at this moment. I stand, legs shaking, and hug him really tight.
“How did you know?”
“Your tattoo. I know it means a lot, I just wish you would tell me why,” he whispers.
I completely forgot about the tattoo and the night he asked me. He pulls away from me, taking the necklace out of the box and motions for me to turn around. Placing the pendant on my chest, he fastens the clip at the back. Like placing the missing piece from a puzzle in its spot, everything at the moment feels right.
The night goes on, and we relax, drinking away, telling stories. An announcement comes on advising us that the karaoke stage is now open. The restaurant cheers. I notice that the cheering comes from the busload of Japanese tourists who sit toward the front of the stage. Unusual, since it’s a Spanish restaurant.
“Oh-em-gee, Charlie! Duo time!” Eric races to the stage, grabbing the karaoke books. Five of them to be exact. My friends scour through the books, discussing songs they want to sing. I drink another glass of sangria. I fucking need it if I’m gonna sing karaoke with Eric. I hear Julian rustle his belongings beside me, only noticing now he has remained quiet since Lex gave me the necklace.
“Is something wrong?”
“Look, Charlie, I’m going to go.” He gets up from the table, unaware he will actually just get up and leave and not say goodbye to anyone. As he walks out, I throw my napkin on the table and follow him outside. We’re met by the cool breeze, and instantly, he turns around to face me with a pinched expression. “Is something going on between you and Lex?”
I’m caught off guard, my mind catching up, thinking of how to answer this question correctly.
“Julian, he’s just a friend.”
“I’m not a fool, Charlie. I know what type of guy Edwards is. Is that what you want?”
“Julian. Lex is the past. I don’t want anything with him.” The words hurt as they leave my mouth. Here I am trying to save this relationship, but why? I’d ruined what Julian and I have with my indiscretions. From this moment on, our relationship is nothing but a lie. The guilt, unless I come forward with the truth, will never ever be built on honesty and love. I’ve ruined it and all because of someone else sitting inside that restaurant.
There’s a visible flush in his cheeks, his arms are crossed tightly in front of his chest. The truth desperately wants to be told, but I hold back, terrified of losing Julian all of a sudden.
“I’m going crazy, okay? This is—”
“Nothing,” I reassure him. “Lex is nothing.”
