Into the Darkness

“So basically children from the Bronx area, the ones who normally wouldn’t be able to afford a class, come by every Friday night. We go through the basics but I tell you they are extremely talented kids,” Elijah said.

“I admire you, Elijah. For following your dreams and passion. For helping others.”

“But you do that as well, Charlie. Don’t you love what you do?”

“I do. I mean, I’m glad that I chose this career path but people’s first reaction is to think I’m one hell of a mean bitch.”

We talked a little while longer, checking our phones to see the time. It was a little after seven and Adriana had been gone for forty-five minutes. Her lack of consideration for time drove me insane. Some things never change.

“What on Earth is taking your fiancé so long?”

“Me.”

The voice sent shivers down my spine but found its way back up to my heart. It was him. We hadn’t made eye contact but already I couldn’t hide my happiness. I slowly turned around and there he stood in front of me, looking as perfect as ever. His eyes lit up as he saw me and I did the most unexpected thing: I hugged him. Actually I think I jumped then hugged him. So much for trying to act mature and play it cool.

“I can’t believe you came!”

He laughed, eyeing me up and down. I wondered what was so funny. Oh gee, another foot-in-mouth incident. Of course he was thinking dirty thoughts. He whispered in my ear, “Not yet…friend.”

I couldn’t help but smile. I was so ecstatic he was coming with us. It felt wrong to be there without him. He ran his thumb down my cheek, very un-friend like but I didn’t push him away. He grinned, that beautiful crooked grin of his and I melted, I fucking missed him. I knew that but didn’t know the intensity of it till I saw him standing here in front of me.

“Let’s get this show on the road. Lead the way Char, where did you park?” Adriana asked.

“Excuse me?” Lex asked, confused.

I ignored his question on purpose. “Behind my building is the car park entrance. I'm lucky to get a car spot but that was a bonus to my apartment,” I rambled on then stopped myself as Lex looked at me strangely.

“You have a car here in New York?”

“Yes, Lex. It was a twenty-first birthday gift to myself although I bought it last year for my 24th.”

He chuckled, like a private joke inside his head. Well the jokes on him, assuming like every other man he expected I drove some little pink hatchback with Hello Kitty stickers on the bumper or some shit like that. I pressed the remote to the main garage door and walked down to my spot as they followed.

“Bullshit,” Lex mouthed.

“Oh Char, super awesomeness! Love love love it!” Adriana jumped up and down. Elijah whistled as he ran his hand along the paint job rambling on about car stats which of course I already knew.

“Cat got your tongue, Lex?” I teased.

“This is not yours,” he said adamantly.

“Would you like to check my license and registration, Officer Edwards?” Mocking Lex was fun.

“Charlotte, how on Earth did you get this car? There was only a limited amount and not even I could get it.”

“I don't know…batted my eyelashes a little, showed a bit of leg… You know, the usual,” I answered, playing dumb. Okay, I did flirt with the dealer but nothing happened. He was a naive middle aged man probably going through a mid-life crisis and so when I worked my magic, my name was bumped to the top of the waiting list.

“But it's a Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale?”

“Yes I am well aware of what car it is.” I rolled my eyes. How long till the shock wore off?

“Give me the keys. I'm driving.” He held out his hand like he expected me to just hand them over.

“Sorry dude, no one drives my car,” I said, brushing him off. This was fun. I played cool, not showing him how much I was enjoying taunting him.

“Charlotte, come on,” he whined.

“Char, do you want me to move your bike?” Adriana asked.