Hudson
I toss and turn in agony, imagining what Charlotte got pierced and how badly I want to taste it. I felt ridiculous asking her, but I had to know—for her not to tell me has my imagination running wild. The sweet little minx is definitely coming out of her shell, and I am so here for it. No way Charlie would ever go to a tattoo parlor for a naughty piercing, but my Charlotte did, and I could tell she enjoyed every moment she was torturing me. I love that we have something so private together. That she seems to be comfortable enough to be herself around me. When I finally nod off it’s with visions of that smile.
They next day I’m bombarded by the boys piling into my flat.
“Hey, buddy, how the hell have you been? Haven’t seen much of you lately.”
Bandit is digging for information on Charlotte and assumes I’ll tell him we fucked. I tell him nothing, just shrug my shoulders.
Nick and Bryon set their guitars against the wall by the couch, and I assume some sort of practicing will be happening. Thank fuck because it is too early to start drinking.
“Yeah, Hudson, do you really need all that time to write or is a certain sexy blonde just taking up all your attention?” Bryon grins at me and I give it back.
“Oh, sod off, you’re such a sad bunch, you know that, can’t survive a day without me.”
“It’s been more than a day my friend, and when you’re not alone with her, you’re staring at her.”
That comment came from Nick, which surprises me. He’s the quiet one and usually doesn’t give me a hard time. I guess my attraction to Charlotte has not gone unnoticed—well, except maybe to her. Hopefully. I want her, but I know I can’t have her. Taking her for only the short time I’m here would only hurt her, and if I stayed for her it would ruin not only my dreams of making it big in music but the dreams of these wankers who saved me from the streets of London, and as crazy as they can be, they’re all the family I have.
“Don’t be so hurt mates, you know I love you. A bird’s just a bird, nothing’s changed.”
“If you say so. It’s not like you to like one though. I hope you’re not getting hung up right before we tour.”
“Hung up? When have you ever known me to get hung up on anything but pizza?”
The boys laugh and the subject changes back to music. We try out some different rhythms and beats and soon hours have gone by.
As the boys pile out my door, I notice Charlotte in the hallway and run over, just to make sure they behave themselves. She has little Harmony with her and it’s picture perfect and brings back memories of the night I dreamed of her with my children. They hold hands and Harmony says goodbye to each one of us, including me as she enters Charlotte’s flat, waving. After the boys are nowhere to be seen, either going inside there flat or heading into the city for the night, I knock on her door.
“Hey.”
“Hello, Charlotte.”
She moves to open the door wider, and I enter to the amazing smell of chocolate chip cookies.
“Going domestic on me, love?” I wink at her smile.
“Harmony and I made these earlier and went for a walk until they cooled. Do you want some?”
She looks adorable holding a cookie tray out to me. I take two and thank them both.
“So, Hudson, tell me, what are your intentions with my Charlie?” Harmony’s question throws me. Not only did I not expect the question, but from a four-year-old made it that much more surprising. I look at her with my mouth full of cookie, and I reach for the milk Charlotte hands me while trying to stifle her laughter with the palm of her hand. I drink it all and set the glass down with a look meant to shut her up, but she only seems to laugh harder.
The kid putting me on the spot has not gotten distracted from her question and looks at me with intent.
“Your Charlie and I are very good friends; that’s all, love.”
I notice Charlotte’s laughter stopped, and she turned into the pantry for something. I hope I’ve not overstepped here and said the wrong thing. The only reason I don’t have her under me every night is because I don’t want to hurt her, which I would.
“Anyone want a marshmallow?” Charlotte says, turning but avoiding eye contact.
Harmony and I decline in favor of another cookie. She refills my glass and seems to come back. It’s probably all in my head anyway. Charlotte could have any man she wanted, so why would she want me?
We finish off the cookies, except a couple put aside for Marcus and Grace, who are both working. Harmony soon has me coloring pictures of different princesses in a coloring book. Something laugh out loud and completely out of character for me per Harmony’s request. I do as I’m told, then when she starts yawning, Charlotte makes her a bed on the couch, explaining that Marcus may lose track of time. I head out to get the poor overwork chap and find him bent over, listening to tracks at the control board.
“Hey, daddy-o. Your little lady is passing out on Charlotte’s couch as we speak. I’ve been sent to find you.”
“Thanks, man,” he says with a look of embarrassment. I hope he doesn’t beat himself up over something like that. It’s clear to everyone what a wonderful father he is.
We head upstairs, say good night, and part ways in the hall. I go into my own flat instead of following him into hers.
I listen through the wall as they whisper goodbyes and somehow, I know when Charlotte’s alone in her bed. I stare at that wall that divides us like the treacherous fortress, keeping us from what we really want in the moment. I remind myself not to be a selfish bastard and to enjoy the friendship I’m lucky to have with someone so amazing. Fighting thoughts of her lush lips against my body, I finally fall into a deep sleep where I hope to forget how much I care about her.