Page 22

CHAPTER 22

Cami

On the ride back to my apartment I can’t stop replaying the night’s events in my mind. The paparazzi lining the walkway, the photo we sent to Alana, the annoying creep who wouldn’t stop talking to me, and the way Charlie just slipped right in like he belongs by my side, calling himself my boyfriend. I’m reeling and I absolutely need to rein it in because it was all fake.

That was only evidenced by the fact that, once we got back to our seats and the lights went down, he dropped his hand from my knee and settled next to me in his own chair. Not in an unkind way, but in a way that clearly communicated what we were and what this relationship was intended to be. And it was a good reminder.

He isn’t touching me as we ride home in the back of the car, and thankfully we didn’t get ambushed by any reporters as we left the theater. I’ve had enough public interaction for one night, and I was beginning to wonder if I might have signed myself up for too much by agreeing to do this.

My thoughts drifted to the text I got from Alana while we were at the ballet. I looked while I was in the bathroom, because I knew there was a reason why she was texting me separately and not with Charlie included.

Bestie Friend

You two look awful cozy in that pic Cam.

Me

He got close for the picture, what do you mean?

Bestie Friend

I’m just saying, looks a little closer than he needed to be.

Me

Whatever. Stop trying to meddle in my love life and suggest I’m cozy with your brother when your love life is up in flames

Bestie Friend

Hey. Not nice.

Me

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just saying I’m as much of a mess as you are. There’s nothing going on

Bestie Friend

Okay. But if there was, you know you could tell me.

Me

I have to go, I’m missing the ballet

Bestie Friend

Okaaaay goodbye.

Me

Love you

Bestie Friend

Me too.

I felt bad lying to her, but no matter how much she says she would be okay if we were dating, I know it would be weird and I can’t risk losing our friendship. Alana and Charlie feel like some of the only permanent things in my life. Them and my job are two areas where I have never felt the need to give into my desire to constantly switch it up and try something new.

I’m deep in my own thoughts when I feel a warm pressure on my shoulder. I turn towards Charlie, who is looking at me with concern.

“You okay?”

“I’m good. Just a lot tonight, but I’m okay.”

He stares at me a beat longer, maybe trying to determine if I’m being truthful, then turns to look out his side of the car. A while later, the car comes to a stop.

“Let me walk you up.” He nods his head in the direction of my building, which we’ve just pulled up at. I spent the whole car ride so deep in my thoughts I hadn’t even realized we were already here.

I hesitate, but ultimately decide to decline, feeling the need to reinforce the boundaries we’ve set. Tonight was fantastic, and I have no doubt we were able to convince those around us of our relationship to one another, but I need to remind myself of what this is. This relationship is not real.

“I’m okay,” I say, taking in the confused look on his face. “Thanks for tonight, it was fun.”

I turn and open the door, sliding out before he has the chance to come to my side and open it for me. I see his face as I shut it, feeling a twist in my stomach at the slight hurt I see there.

I turn and make my way into the building, riding up the elevator to my floor and unlocking my door. Tonight was fun, yes, but it also showed me a picture of something that I don’t think I will ever have and I’m not so sure how I feel about all of that.

The chemistry with Charlie, while awkward and stilted at times, is almost too easy. It feels too comfortable. Maybe that’s because we’ve been friends for so long, or maybe it’s some other reason, either way I cannot get used to it. No matter how good it felt to have someone solid by my side all night.

I peel off my dress and swipe a makeup wipe over my face, feeling suddenly drained and heavy. I climb into bed and set my phone on the nightstand, choosing not to doom scroll.

I click off the lamp and the room descends into darkness. I sigh deeply and wait for sleep to come.