12. Tess #2
"Two straight days without sleep!" Claire exclaims. "Beach parties, cliff diving, that ridiculous karaoke bar..." She leans toward Charlie, placing her hand on his forearm. "Remember how we all ended up skinny dipping at sunrise after the bonfire?"
Her eyes glitter with the memory, and she suddenly leans in close to Charlie's ear, her lips practically brushing his skin as she whispers something I can't hear.
Charlie's face breaks into a wide grin before he throws his head back, laughing so hard his eyes crinkle at the corners. Claire joins in, her laughter melodic and so damn fake.
"I can't believe you remember that!" Charlie gasps between chuckles. Claire joins in laughing, her hand landing on his thigh as they share their private joke.
I take a long sip of my wine, trying to ignore the knot forming in my stomach. There's something territorial about the way she's leaning into him, something that screams 'we have history.' And it’s really pissing me off.
"Sounds like you all had quite the college experience," I say, aiming for casual but hearing the edge in my voice.
Claire barely glances my way. "It was epic. Charlie was always the life of the party, weren't you, Charlie Bear?”
Charlie Bear? What the hell? The knot in my stomach tightens. I drain my wine glass, wishing I could disappear into the plush velvet of the hotel bar's seating.
Charlie's eyes dart to me, widening slightly when he catches my expression. He shifts in his seat, subtly angling his body away from Claire while removing her hand from his thigh.
"I’m pretty sure I wasn’t there for the whole Maui trip—I had to fly back early to be at some event my mom was having. I missed most of the craziness."
Claire's perfect smile falters for a millisecond. "Oh, but you were definitely there for the bonfire night."
"Was I?" Charlie furrows his brow. "I thought that was the night after I left.”
No, sir. I absolutely remember you being there. I even remember what you had on—khaki shorts and a royal blue polo. And, your Stanford hat of course.”
I’ve had enough at this point. This bitch is as rude as they come. For all she knows, Charlie and I have been dating for years instead of fake dating for 2 weeks. Where the hell does she come off flirting like this with somebody else’s date?
"I'm going to get another drink," I announce, standing up abruptly. "Anyone else need anything?"
"I'll come with you," Charlie offers quickly, already half-rising from his seat.
"No, stay. Catch up with your friends. I've got it." My tone is light, but I know my eyes are probably telling a different story.
I turn around and walk away before giving Charlie a chance to answer.
I take deep breaths while I’m waiting for another glass of wine. I’m careful not to look back at the table. I refuse to give Claire the satisfaction.
After getting my wine, I head to the restroom. I need to pee but even more so, I need to stay away from those two right now.
When I walk out of the stall, Claire is standing at the counter, swiping on red lipstick and admiring herself in the mirror.
We lock eyes in the mirror and I wish I was anywhere but here right now.
Claire's perfect smile doesn't reach her eyes as she turns to face me.
"So, Tina, right?" she asks, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with her pinky finger.
"Tess," I correct, moving to wash my hands.
"Right, sorry." She doesn't sound sorry at all. "You and Charlie seem...cozy."
I focus on the soap dispenser, fighting to keep my expression neutral. "We are."
Claire laughs, the sound like tinkling crystal. "That's adorable. How long have you been seeing each other?"
"A while," I answer vaguely, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing the truth.
She leans against the counter. "Let me guess—he flew you on his private jet, wined and dined you, made you feel special?"
I dry my hands, saying nothing.
"Charlie's always been good at the grand gesture." She sighs, examining her manicure. "It's his specialty, actually. The jet, the fancy hotels, the perfect weekend getaway. He probably even bought you the dress that you’re wearing. He's got it down to a science."
My stomach tightens. "What are you trying to say?"
"Oh honey," Claire's voice drips with false sympathy. "I'm just trying to save you some heartache. Charlie's a sweetheart, but I feel like I should warn you—he's not exactly the settling down type."
My stomach tightens. "Is that right?"
Claire gives a delicate shrug. "I've known Charlie for years. He's a total playboy. Always has been, even back at Stanford." She laughs. "God, the number of broken hearts he left in his wake…"
I can’t take a moment more with Claire.
"Thanks for the insight," I say flatly. "But I think I can manage my own relationships."
I turn away from her, not bothering to wait for a response. As I push through the bathroom door, I hear her scoff behind me.
The bar feels too loud, too crowded now. I need air. Instead of heading back to our table, I veer toward the hotel's side exit that leads to a small garden terrace. The fresh air hits my face, and I take a deep breath.
My phone buzzes in my purse.
Charlie: Everything ok?
I stare at the screen, not sure how to respond. Am I ok? Claire's words bounce around in my head. ‘He's not exactly the settling down type.’ What am I doing here, pretending to be dating Charlie? This is crazy.
Me: Needed some air. I'm on the terrace.
Leaning against the stone railing, I look up at the San Francisco night sky, barely able to make out any stars through the city lights. A few minutes later, the door behind me opens.
Charlie: Want company?
Me: I’ve actually got a bit of a headache. I’m going to head up to my room.
Charlie: Oh no. Do you need anything? Motrin?
Me: No, I’m good. Just a long day. I’ll be better tomorrow.
When I get up to my room, I quickly change into my comfy pj’s and climb into bed with a soda and some snacks from the minibar. I wish I were home right now, cuddled up with Art watching the latest episode of Love Oasis.