Just like I need to work on sharing more, on believing I’m no better than the teenage punk who got his brother—
I stop that thought process in its tracks.
There’s plenty we need to work on.
Together.
Breaking into my thoughts, Eve declares, “I think he means it.”
Belle wrings her hands. “It’s not too soon?”
“Nah.” Dolly shakes her head. “He said ‘no sex.’ That’s like the bro code for ‘I’m going to marry this chick once she forgets I screwed up.’”
Charlie shakes her head at Dolly. “I swear you don’t speak the same English as me.”
“Charlie?” Belle asks warily.
Sighing, Charlie flicks a look at me, then, catching Belle’s eye, she nods.
“Julianna?” she whispers.
“I think he means every word he says and I think you deserve every last bit of it.”
Belle’s eyes glisten with emotion. “Really?”
“Really.”
I’m not a fool. I know I’ve got her friends’ approval, so while Belle confirms that, I make my move.
Within seconds, I’m around the other side of the counter, and as Julianna says that final, “Really,” I’m there, in front of her.
The next moment, Belle’s shrieking as I grab her by the ass and haul her into me. Her girls cheer and laugh, maneuvering her to the other side of the counter. As she clutches her arms around my neck, knees pinning my hips, ankles crossing over my ass, I tell her, “I think it’s time to give your notice.”
Belle stares at me, a silent plea for me not to hurt her in her eyes. That look breaks me, especially when she whispers, “You are sure about this, aren’t you? I don’t think I can take it if you don’t mean this.”
Her confidence is so fragile at that moment that I could kick myself for making her feel that way. But we’re going to work on writing a better beginning for ourselves together. So, while I know there’s plenty to make right between us, while I know it’ll be hard for her to leave L.A. behind and move permanently to a city that’s full of bad memories, I have no compunction in telling her the truth: “Sweetheart, I haven’t been surer of anything in my whole life.”
Her smile lights me up from the inside out. “Charlie?”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I need to find another waitress.”
Belle beams at her from over my shoulder then presses her lips to my ear, whispering, “We need to discuss the ‘no sex’ part of this dating deal you’ve offered me.”
As I let my mouth find hers, I mumble, “I’m open to negotiations.”
34
BELLE
EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER
NEW YORK, NY
“Okay,there. I think she’s perfect.” Dolly steps back to observe me as Doug and Antoinette walk around the chair I’m sitting in.
“Definitely perfect,” Doug agrees.
“Oh, my God, Belle, you’re so beautiful.” Antoinette screams, “Eve, Charlie… come here.”