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I opened the cupboard and both Pepp and I stared at our options. ‘We could make hummus. Or maybe the chicken in the fridge. Or tacos. Or…’
Valerie: It happened on the weekend, didn’t it? How could you not tell me? I’ve been dying here. You’re evil!
Before I could respond I got another text from her.
Valerie: And you don’t even text me this morning with this news? Right as you wake up? Or was William with you? That’s the only reason I’ll forgive you.
Charlie: Busy day at work. Sorry, no William.
Valerie: You’re the worst friend I’ve ever had. I’m waiting in line at this restaurant they’ve dragged me to. I’ll call you tonight! Do not even dare to sleep before talking to me.
Charlie: I’ll do my best.
Valerie: Just try me, Charlie. Just try me.
I was still smiling and had started taking out random ingredients I had no idea what to do with when the doorbell rang and Pepp let out a soft woof as if to let me know there was someone at the door. Cautiously, I put the cucumber I was holding on the counter and moved towards the door, but by the way my heart had started to beat in my throat, I had a good idea of who was on the other side of it.
I put a finger over my lips and shushed Pepp, waiting. I made sure to stay a little away from the door so whoever was on the other side couldn’t hear me there.
Then there was a quiet knock.
Pepp let out another bark and kept looking at me and the door, his tail wagging happily.
‘Come here,’ I whispered, but he was already busy sniffing at the door and pawing it.
I winced and tiptoed closer. I stopped when I was inches away, feeling my heart in my throat already. I crouched down next to Pepp, trying to hold onto his wiggly body, but I underestimated his strength and with his excitement to see me on his eye level, he pushed me onto my ass.
‘Ouch,’ I exclaimed, forgetting I was trying to be quiet.
I froze.
Pepp licked my face.
‘I know you’re in there, Charlie.’
Yep. It was William on the other side of the door. I had spidey senses.
I stood up and tried to think of what I should do. If I opened that door, I didn’t trust myself. Or him, for that matter. And if I didn’t open it… I knew I’d regret it for a long time.
‘Hello, William.’
I moved closer until I was touching the surface with my palm. Pepperoni looked at me for a beat, then moved back to his water bowl, leaving me alone with William. It didn’t change anything that there was an actual door between us. My heart still sped up and ran with the fact that we were close to each other.
‘Charlie,’ William sighed, the sound muted through the wood.
His voice felt like warm liquid on my skin, causing me to close my eyes and rest my temple against the smooth surface. What was the worst thing that could happen?
‘What are you doing here?’ I asked, just as low as he had.
‘We need to talk.’
I moved my head so my forehead was against the door and splayed my fingers as if I could push through and touch William. Talking inside my apartment would not be the best idea. There was no one to make sure we behaved. And if I had to be honest, behaving when it came to William was the very last thing I wanted to do. I glanced at Pepp and he was sprawled out in our tiny kitchen area, having already forgotten that someone was outside. So no saviour there.
‘About?’ I asked, trying to sound matter-of-fact.
There was a pause on the other side.
‘You want to do this through a door?’
‘What do you mean?’ I asked, playing the innocent.
I heard a chuckle.
‘Did you think I wouldn’t come after you left me such a note?’
‘I was just being honest.’
‘Open the door, Charlie.’
‘Why? What are you going to do?’
‘What do you want me to do?’
‘I don’t want you to do anything.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Very sure.’
‘Then it should be okay to open the door.’
‘I’m kind of not decent.’
‘Open anyway.’
‘No kissing, William. I mean it.’
I heard a chuckle coming from the other side.
‘Why no kissing?’
I could tell he was very amused just by the sound of his voice.
‘You know why.’
‘Enlighten me again.’
‘With my kiss?’
This time when he laughed it was louder.
‘Just open the door, please. We’ll see how it goes with the kiss and you enlightening me. Just… open the door first, please.’
With one hand on the lock, I sighed. ‘William, I don’t know if I can. You’re going to hurt me.’
‘Impossible.’ There was a pause. ‘I’ll hurt myself before even imagining hurting you, you should already know that. I have things to say to you. We have things to say to each other. You know we do. We can’t run anymore.’
