The crowd stands, raising their hands in applause. With a proud smile, I welcome the support. We, as a team, have done an amazing job, and this boost will provide the shelter with help for those in need. Aside from the free legal services we offer the women on-site, this extra financial aid will boost help in so many more ways.
Nikki makes a small speech, thanking everyone before we step off the stage and allow the festivities to continue.
“You guys did it,” Rocky cheers, embracing me tightly, almost to the point of suffocation.
“We still have some hard work ahead, but this will give us the financial backing to do so.”
Marjorie joins us, wrapping her arms around me for a tight hug. “Charlie, you’ve done amazing things for our families.”
I pull away, smiling as I watch tears glass over her eyes. “Hey, no tears. Come Monday, we’ve got a lot more work to do, okay?”
She nods, willing a small laugh before saying goodbye.
The night carries on with guests dancing and mingling.
Eric tries to chat to every celebrity he can lay his hands on, and a few times I see his phone come out for his much-needed ‘selfie’ collection.
Adriana calls it a night, tired from her first child-free outing in months. I thank her again, hugging her goodbye before reminding her of our lunch next week.
It’s evident Julian disappeared after our dance, and I knew well enough to close the book on that chapter of my life. As much as I wanted to make sure he was okay after my blatant rejection, some things are better left uns
aid.
The clock has just ticked after midnight, and now the exhaustion is seeping in as my limbs begin to feel like lead weights.
“We’re heading over to Melrose to continue drinks. You coming?” Eric asks, busily texting on his phone while half paying attention to me.
“You know what… you go have fun. I’m tired, and—”
“And your husband is waiting for you.” Eric nods toward the bar, where Lex is talking with Marjorie.
I thought she had left earlier, but with curiosity growing, I walk over, wanting to know why he’s still here.
“My dear, I know, I know… I said I was leaving an hour ago, but your lovely husband has been a pleasure to talk to.”
I force a smile. The words ‘lovely’ and ‘husband’ should never be in the same sentence, especially when you’re married to Lex Edwards.
Marjorie says goodbye again, leaving the two of us standing here alone. I’m not at all surprised he’s still here. Lex is probably keeping tabs on Julian because his ego can’t take the hit.
“I’m heading home. Come with me, please?”
Letting out a sigh, I turn to face where Eric is standing with Rocky. Their conversation is animated, and Nikki is standing with them, arms crossed while rolling her eyes. No doubt Eric and Rocky are planning something adventurous for tonight, of which Nikki doesn’t approve.
“Um… sure.”
With my clutch in hand, I wave goodbye to Nikki, who purses her lips in return. She knows what’s been going on, and Lex has made it onto her naughty list, and he’s currently sitting right at the top in red marker and a gold star.
I walk beside Lex toward his car. Both of us remain silent, which is exactly what I need. Exhaustion has hit at an all-time high, and I’m grateful Lex has chosen not to bring up anything, especially Julian, and has allowed me the solitude I crave.
When we reach the car, the memories of Lex taking me on the hood flashes before me. Not wanting to throw my body into turmoil, I do my best to shake it off. Nothing good will come of me giving him what he wants right now.
The car ride is quiet, only the soft melodies of Lex’s music humming through the speakers is keeping me awake. He always had great taste in music, and I welcome the tunes of Coldplay as we drive home from a long night.
With Amelia staying over at Emily’s, the reality of being alone with Lex will be a true testament to my willpower. It would be easy to ask Lex to come to bed, make sweet love to him, and listen to him promise me this will never happen again, but stubborn Charlie wants to think, alone.
“So…” He drops his keys on the countertop, removing his bow tie and unbuttoning the top of his shirt.
Yeah, I’m not immune to his sex appeal. So, I purposely turn away trying frantically to ignore its magnetic force.