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She’s looking down at her lap, and I can see the pain in her expression, her sympathy for me. She whispers, “You loved her. So what happened?”
“I broke up with her and kicked her out that night. Needless to say, I knew she had the money for a hotel.” I try to keep the sarcasm out of my tone, but it’s there. “The next day, I saw her leaving a neighbor’s apartment. They were kissing.”
I look back at my drink, the humiliation creeping back, and say, “It hurt to find out she was stealing from me, because she didn’t have to. I gave her money all the time. I would’ve given her more. But to see her making out with that guy . . .” I exhale, hoping to release the pain I’m surprised I still feel over Stephanie.
“One of my favorite qualities about you is that you trust people. You believe them good until they prove themselves otherwise. Don’t change that.” She leans closer and asks, “Do you blame yourself?”
“For her stealing, nah. Sometimes I do wonder if she was hooking up with that guy on the side, though. She met me in that party environment, and then a few months later, I changed. I was a serious student again. Sure, I still drank and went to parties, but only on the weekends. I guess she thought I was one way, and then when I went back to school, I was different. I conned her. Not on purpose, but in reality that’s what happened. I’m sure following me to college was quite boring for her, compared to our life that previous summer.”
“You’re too good, Charlie. You believe you’re to blame for the drugs and the fight, as if you created the person she became? You didn’t, and she could have done something with her life. She should have been going to school or working, but she chose to lie around doing nothing.” Charlie touches my knee, and the sensation takes over, running up and down my body. Her touch. Her comforting me now.
“She was that way when you met her at the party, remember? Drunk and horny. She used you, yet you’re blaming yourself for her actions.”
I take a gulp, letting her words sink in. “That’s an interesting perspective.”
“It’s true. You were handsome and rich, just the target she was trying to bull’s-eye.”
I chuckle. “Were?”
“Were what?”
“ ‘Were’ good looking? You don’t think I’m good looking now?” I ask, teasing.
That makes her laugh, lightening the mood. “What if I tell you no?”
“You’d hurt my ego.”
“And if I tell you yes?”
“I’d pop my collar and might even strut a little,” I say with a wink.
“Oh, this I’ve got to see. Charlie, you’re very handsome, but I also think you already know that.”
I stand, pop the collar on my shirt, and strut the length of the bar. “Like what you see, baby? Is this what you want?”
A woman leans back and says, “If she doesn’t, I do.”
“Hands off, lady, he and his inflated ego are all mine,” Charlie says, leaning back then laughing.
I whisper to the lady, “Sorry, I’m taken.”
Straight-faced, she states, “The offer still stands if you two break up before you leave tonight.”
I smirk. “I’m hoping she keeps me for a while.” As I start to walk away, she slaps my ass. “Wow!” I rush back to my stool. “Did you see that?”
“I sure did, and I can’t blame the lady. You do have a nice ass.”
“I’m good looking and now I’ve got a nice ass? It’s time to get you home. You’re obviously drunk if you’re complimenting me freely.”
“Am not.”
“You so are.” I slide off the stool and hug her head to my chest. “But I still love ya.”
She giggles, wiggling her way out of my silly hold.
I sign the tab, and a few minutes later, we’re out the door and I’m hailing a cab. Charlie leans her head on my shoulder again as we sit back in the taxi. The sounds of the city lull us both as our emotions from the day start to dissipate.
I hop out, helping her out of the cab in front of her building. “You gonna be okay?” I ask because, even though I’m not drunk, I’ve drunk enough to know that I’d try to take advantage of the situation if I escort her up to her apartment.
“Yes, I’m fine.” She leans forward, grabbing the front of my shirt and pulling me closer to her. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For coming to the auction, for the drinks, and for sharing a piece of you, an important piece.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for listening. Hey, and Charlie? Next time, call me if you need support. That’s what I’m here for.”
“And to think I thought you were here for the entertainment.”
“You’ve sorely underestimated me and my skills, then,” I say, grinning.
