Chapter 51
51
Thursday, October 9
Nine Days After Charlie’s Surgery
Charlie and I step into his stunning condo. He has a penthouse suite on the twenty-eighth floor, with an astounding panoramic view of the city. Everything is glossy black and brass, with just a few modern dashes of pale oak, and high coffered ceilings. Even the kitchen is black on black. But the space is still warm with light gleaming off the surfaces. There are soft velvet pillows and leather seating and a thick rug in front of a glass-surrounded gas fireplace in the center of the living room.
It’s photo shoot–ready, but it also felt a little lifeless, so I put flowers in the kitchen, the living room, and beside his bed. I’ve placed tiny white pumpkins down the center of his dining table. I bought a few magazines and books I thought he might like and arranged them on his coffee table. I didn’t need to clean. The place was spotless.
“Thank you for the flowers,” he says. “And the pumpkins.” Charlie opens the fridge and shakes his head. “And all of this.” His voice is thick.
“I figured it was the least I could do given everything you did for me and Nan. She’d like to come visit, by the way. When you’re ready.”
“I’d really like that.” He turns to me, eyebrows lifted. “What do you think of it?”
It’s another thing we haven’t spoken about—that I’ve spent hours in his home without him. His building is far nicer than mine. It has an art deco vibe, and the lobby looks like a five-star hotel’s. There’s an indoor pool on the second level and a lush garden with bubbling fountains on the fifth. Even the hallways are elegant, with wainscoting and sconces that cast flattering dim light.
“It looks like a high-end porn set,” I tell him. “I was surprised your bed wasn’t circular.”
He laughs, then winces at the pain.
“I’m kidding. It’s a very swanky bachelor pad. It suits you.”
Charlie studies me, frowning slightly. “It’s weird to see you here. You’re out of context.”
“You’ll get used to it, but I’ll take that as my cue. You need to rest. Call me if you need me.” I unblocked his number eight days ago.
I lean in to kiss his cheek goodbye, and just before my lips brush his skin, he turns his head. His eyes lock on mine. “Stay.”
I hesitate.
“You can sleep in the guest room. I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want you to go.”
“I don’t think so,” I whisper. I want to be a good friend, but spending the day and night together, even in separate rooms, doesn’t feel right. “I don’t think I can go that long acting like things haven’t changed.” And I want to give Charlie time to heal before we talk about us.
“It’s never going to be like it was in the summer, is it?” There’s so much despair in his voice, I almost change my mind.
“No, it isn’t,” I say softly. I walk to the entrance. “I’ll come back tomorrow after work, okay? Let me know as soon as you hear any news about the baby.”
Charlie nods. “I’ll text you.”
I close the door behind me.