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55 Miranda
I HAD NEVER been to Charlie’s Lounge. From the outside, it didn’t look like much. What was the saying?Never judge a book by its cover.Charlie’s should definitely not be judged by its exterior.
Inside the mid-century design lent a clean, modern feel with an amber glow, warming the space from the recessed lighting. It wasn’t the sort of place I’d use for a wedding venue, but aGodfather-themed party would be fabulous.
We were seated in a high-back U-shaped booth. If we’d wanted privacy, these booths provided plenty.
It felt as if we had traveled back in time to the 1940s. I loved it. As did its patrons, I assumed, since the place looked to be at capacity.
“How did you find this place?” I asked Lily.
“Jesse, our new staff manager, told me about it. He said I had to check it out.”
“He was right. I can’t believe I’ve never been here. It looks like nothing from the outside, just a concrete warehouse. What a hidden gem!”
“It is. Are you feeling better?”
“I am. Thanks for forcing me to come.”
“Of course, it’s what I do best.” She hiked a brow, perusing the menu. The little cocky thing knew she kicked ass at getting me to do what she wanted. Being a softie was my most vulnerable characteristic.
We ordered drinks and food and people watched. It was one of my favorite things to do while in a restaurant or at the beach.
A couple maybe ten feet away from our booth caught my attention. I’d bet they were on a first date or perhaps second. They didn’t appear super comfortable but they gazed at each other with stars in their eyes.
Will and I had been that way when we first got together.
It was hard to believe it was approaching a year since I’d first met William Howard St. James III. Fate had wanted us to meet the night of my birthday in Club R, and what a first encounter it had been, Will up against a wall with a woman giving him head. It had thrilled me to see the provocative act moments before I’d planned to leave with the guy I’d met. I remember dancing with the dude and hearing Lily’s dare in my head. I’d been determined to sleep with him, no questions asked. What a turn of events the night had produced.
It hadn’t been the ideal chance meeting, not by far, but we both had felt something magical occurred. Seeing each other so soon after was like serendipity. Maybe it hadn’t been love at first sight, which I believed in completely, but I had started to fall in love with him the night of our first real date. Will might say the same. Or he would have back then—maybe not now.
One thing remained true despite our problems: Will owned my heart, body, and soul. I truly believed there had to be an explanation for everything.
Of course, Lily and Tate would say I was in denial.
“What do you think of this place? Should I add it to our venue folder?” Lily asked before taking a sip of her hard cider.
I blinked away the thoughts clouding my vision. How did I go from brokenhearted to melting over memories of Will and me? I was one hot mess. “It would be awesome for themed parties. Definitely add it to the list.”
“How’s the risotto? It looks good, but man, I need to watch my carb intake. This kale salad isyummy.” She scrunched her face, and it made me smile. Always counting carbs and calories and then complaining about it.
No matter what Lily thought, she was gorgeous. I adored her sparkling green eyes and full lips. Tonight, she was wearing her candy-apple-red lipstick that made her lips look like a heart when she pursed them together. I simply adored her. She had never struggled to find a guy or manage her weight, but she’d tell you otherwise. Smoke and mirrors had always been her game.
And that damn Henry had crushed her. Whatever hold he had on her, she hadn’t been able to break it.
“The risotto is to die for. Will would love it.” I grinned, swirling my fork through the creamy goodness. “I’ll have to bring him here. One taste and he’ll be hooked. I bet he’d want to eat here every day.” I laughed, looking up from my bowl, and found Lily’s eyes downcast as she picked at her salad.
I’m an idiot.
“Glad to hear it’s good and Will would love it.”
“I’m sorry, but he would.” I grimaced, reaching for my earring. “I don’t know how to not talk about him. But I’ll try, okay?”
“Just be mindful. He’s not on my list of favorite people anymore.”
“Anymore? He wasneveron your favorites list.”
“He was up until he cheated on you.” The matter-of-fact tone in her voice made me sad. Sad for not realizing Will had been accepted by Lily. Sad that after what he’d done, he never would be again. “The craziest part is I truly believed he was the one for you. I saw the love between you guys. I could swear he worshiped the ground you walked on. If I had a boyfriend, I’d want my first year with him to be like yours and Will’s, save for the cheating and the errant man,” Lily admitted. No sooner had the words left her lips that she drew into herself.
