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I extend my hand to shake on it.
“Welcome to the team, Noah.”
Lex pulls out the Macallan as we toast to the news before going over some details. Throwing my head into work is a stress reliever until Charlie walks in and makes herself comfortable on Lex’s lap. Those two don’t bother me as much anymore. I’ve learned to shut out their romantic behavior in my presence as long as clothes remain on and hands are in full view.
“I’m assuming congratulations are in order?” Charlie grins, knowingly.
“It’ll be some challenge.”
“Since when have you ever backed down from a challenge? Remember when we were kids, and I’d set up all these stunts in our backyard like jumping off the tree onto the trampoline? And whoever did it in the quickest time won?”
“I remember,” I scoff, rolling my eyes. “It cost me a fractured wrist.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Thank God I was a kid. Could’ve been detrimental as an adult.”
“Ew, gross.” Charlie drags while cringing. “Anyway, back there, in the kitchen, was that true? About Kate?”
“Why would I lie?”
Charlie eyes me the same time Lex raises his brow.
“Apparently, Dominic is besties with Eric all of sudden and asked about Noah and Kate, specifically if they’ve been intimate,” Charlie tells Lex.
“So basically, he’s asking if you’re fucking because the prick’s jealous?” Lex asserts, keeping his expression blank.
I purse my lips, keeping my mouth shut.
“Why do men have to be so frustrating,” Charlie complains, throwing her hands in the air. “Just say how you feel, get over yourself, and it doesn’t matter whether another man is jealous or not. If it’s you she wants, then that’s all that matters.”
“You’re her best friend, you tell me?”
“When it comes to the subject of you, dear cousin, Kate is a very closed book.”
“It’s not as simple as you make it out to be,” I quickly interject. “For starters, we have a geographical issue.”
“So? Lex lived in London when we reunited.”
“True,” Lex agrees. “I’d have gone anywhere to be with you, no questions asked.”
Charlie pouts, lovingly wrapping her arms around Lex’s neck. “Aw… baby.”
“Okay, you two are making me sick. But seriously, it’s all too complicated right now. I need time to think.”
“Then think, but if I were you, I wouldn’t leave it too long, especially when someone else is desperate to get his hands on her.”
“You just said it doesn’t matter?” I almost shout at Charlie. “If she wants me, that’s all that matters.”
“Yeah, it’s probably wise not to listen to me,” Charlie ponders while creasing her brows. “Eric makes daiquiris with way too much rum. I couldn’t even walk straight to this room.”
“So basically, your advice is fruitless? Nice one. Listen, I’m going to head home.”
“Why don’t you crash here? You shouldn’t be alone,” Charlie offers.
“I’d rather be alone than in a house where you’re drunk, probably ready to maul your husband. It’s been nice knowing you.”
I wave goodbye, leaving the room as Charlie giggles, knowing I made the right decision. The two of them are so annoying yet deep inside, they remind me a lot of Kate and me.
