CHARLIE
Present
My head is pounding like a woodpecker constantly banging one spot.
Unable to open my eyes, they feel like they are sewn together, impossible to open the lead weight—ramifications from last night’s events. Vigorously, I rub my eyes before opening them again, slowly, to be met with daylight. The sun is shining through the windows, something I’d normally enjoy but not this morning. I sit up, trying to make sense of everything.
I know the pounding head is because of the alcohol I consumed last night, but I don’t recall how I got home or who I came home with.
Panicking, I run out of my bedroom, stumbling on my shoes and clutch lying on the floor. The pain in my big toe ricochets as I knock it against the wooden floor. Hopping on one spot, I ignore the throb and rush to the living room, immediately noticing the couch is empty.
Thank fucking God. I don’t want to deal with anyone right now.
I take my time limping to the kitchen. Pouring myself a tall glass of orange juice while leaning into the cupboard, I grab the much-needed Advil.
The events of last night replay in my mind as I hobble back to my room. I remember the charity ball and the kiss I shamelessly had with Lex in the ballroom while Julian waited for me. I remember going to the club to have a good time, but that was ruined when Lex showed up.
Eric mentioned it was Lex’s club. That was it.
How did I even get home?
I swallow the juice and Advil, climbing back into my bed to fall asleep again.
***
My eyes spring open, the sun still shining directly into my face. Turning to my side, I lift my phone to check the time. Nine o’clock.
The screen is full of notifications—four text messages and a slew of emails. The first two are from Eric.
Eric: Lunch at Noodle House at noon. We need to talk.
Crap, what have I done? I suddenly feel an urge to vomit, thinking I can’t remember things for a very good reason. Racing toward the bathroom, I topple over the toilet, dry retching as nothing comes out. Peeling myself off the cold tiles, I drag myself back to bed and check my phone again.
Eric: Adriana will be there, but she is meeting us at 12:30. Don’t be late! Check the photos I tagged you in. I look hot AF.
I laugh, regretting it almost immediately as my head spins violently. It’d been a long time since I drank that much, and I vow never to touch tequila ever again.
The next message is from an unknown number.
Unknown number: Hey Charlie. Hope you don’t mind Eric inviting me to lunch. If it’s too much I totally understand.
As much as I don’t want to revisit my past, Adriana holds a special place in my heart. I don’t know why she feels it will be too much for me as long as she steers off the topic of her brother. I let her know I’m looking forward to catching up, moving onto my next message.
Batman: Gorgeous, I’ll be back around 4. Any chance we can have that raincheck dinner tonight? My place around 7? If you’re good, I’ve got a surprise for you. Batman has lots of tricks up his sleeve.
My mood brightens until the dark cloud begins to hover over me. I hesitate to respond. The guilt incinerating me from last night’s actions, and it just isn’t all the guilt of our sordid kiss. Lex has this power I hate admitting starts to weigh heavily on my mind.
I’m not cheating on Lex, we aren’t together.
So why do I feel guilty for having dinner with Julian and quite possibly some good sex in his bat cave? I shake my head, attempting to clear my thoughts, responding right away.
After a few flirty texts back and forth, going back to sleep is impossible. No matter how much I try to distract myself, I can’t be trusted with my thoughts right now. The tension is too much, and the only way to release it, apart from raiding the goody drawer is to go for a run.
&nbs
p; ***
The mornings are full of dedicated runners. I run as if my life depends on it, trying to forget the past twenty-four hours. My body aches as I push myself as hard as humanly possible. I stop by a bench, stretching my muscles, then pull on my hoodie to escape the morning chill. People run past me, some fast, some slow, and some run in groups, some by themselves.