I focus a glaring look at him, “Do you think I care?”
That's all it takes for him to grab his keys and phone and stalk out the door in a rage.
“Fuck you, Ella! You’re going to get what's coming to you.”
After he is gone, I close the door and lock it. I tidied up any evidence that was left. I’m a shitty person, but I'm not a monster. At least, I don't think I am. I want to be better. I want to be better for Charlotte. I enter her bedroom, fumble through her closet, and look at all her things as I wait for her return. Bradley’s words echo through my head. He is right, though. I am the pathetic girl pining away for her best friend. Hoping and waiting she will notice how much I love her. And deep in my heart, I know it will never happen for me. So I will continue to settle for any part she gives me, even though it will never be enough. Finally, I’m back at her bookshelves. I trace my fingers on all the books she loves reading to distract myself from my thoughts as I wait for her to come home to me.
Chapter 6
Misty Gardens is busy and packed like usual for the weekend. The parking lot has been filled for more than an hour now, as cars continue lining up outside the entrance. We are on the cusp of tourist season, but the temporary population has already seen an uptick. This translates to our coastal town always having an insane amount of people during the summer months. I haven’t decided if I hate it because while it means more work for everyone, it always brings me more cash and string-free hookups.
Everyone must be in the mood for lobster tonight because the overwhelming smell assaults my senses, causing my eyes to burn. The garlic bread aroma wafting along with it isn’t helping. The vibrant crude crayon green walls are transforming into the usual dark forest green color, with the last of the sun’s rays lighting up only the restaurant floors. Brass lanterns and globe bulb string lights are finally noticeable. They shine and twinkle, causing stars to dance across the floor as they compete with the sun.
I pull my cellphone out, covertly keeping it below the Maître de stand. Scrolling through my message thread with Charlotte, I scan to see if any new messages have come through in the last half hour. After a moment, my phone buzzes, sending a thrill throughout my body. It’s Charlie.
Charlotte:Hot damn. I’m late!
Charlotte:Jeffrey is gonna kill me! Save me, Ella. XoXo.
Charlotte:I’m so sorry! I’m in the parking lot now.
My fingers fumble to type a brief message before she gets here.
Ella:No worries, Love. You’re safe with me. XoXo!
Ella:Jeffrey has his face buried in the computer. He hasn’t even noticed you aren’t here yet.
Charlotte:I have a good excuse for my tardiness! Promise.
Charlotte:I had to drive Tommy to his friend’s house for the weekend.
Charlotte:I was busy putting together a special birthday basket for my best girl. I can’t wait for you to open it next week!!!!
Ella:What?! No! You didn’t have to. I wasn’t expecting anything.
Charlotte:Liar! Ha! You know to expect it every year. It is tradition. I’d never forget about you or your birthday.
Ella:You’re right. It is what I look forward to all year. The only thing that beats it is Christmas with you.
Charlotte:Ditto!
Ella:You spoil me, you know. I don’t deserve you. You’re a goddess!
Charlotte:Stroking my ego will definitely get you far, babe.
My fingers pause as I try to figure out a way of playing my texts off as a joke just in case they backfire.
Ella:How far????
My breath catches as my clammy hands tighten their grip on my phone.
Charlotte:I’m so freaking horny that you should probably watch out and keep a safe distance. Hahahaha.
Ella:Maybe I enjoy a little danger every now and then. Plus, with you, it could be fun.
Charlotte:I’m the one with the boyfriend that was cheating. I don’t think I’m good enough to lure the likes of you.
Charlotte:Before I forget… I have a whole weekend planned for us. So make sure you’re off work for it! No plans. Just you and meeeee!