Page 18 of Faking it with my Off Limits Neighbor

My phone rings, and when I dig it out of my pocket, Milly’s name comes up. “Hey,” I say once I’ve answered.

“Where are you?” she says. “I’m at your door, but you’re not answering.”

Charlie can clearly hear every word, because she raises her eyebrows and gives me a look. It’s a look that says Milly is going to come to her own conclusions when she finds out where I am.

“I’m next door,” I say carefully.

“What?” Milly gasps in clear astonishment.

“He’s in my kitchen,” Charlie calls out, gathering the cups and taking them to the sink. “Just come over.”

A second later, the call ends.

When I look at Charlie, she’s trying not to smile.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

“What for?”

I shrug. “You know. Milly.”

Charlie is opening her mouth to reply when the front door bursts open. A second later, Milly calls out, “Are you both decent?” She laughs at her own joke as she continues into the kitchen. I, on the other hand, want to put my hands around my little sister’s neck.

“Hi, Milly,” Charlie sings condescendingly.

The women hug like they haven’t seen each other in months, and then Milly turns to me. “So, do tell.”

“Actually,” Charlie says, “Troy helped me out of a really tight spot. The darned car wouldn’t start—”

“Again?” Milly says sympathetically.

“Again,” Charlie confirms. “I had a new client to get to this morning, and your brother very kindly offered to drive me there and back.”

“Aww, isn’t he sweet?” Milly says, lacing her tone with sarcasm while giving me a knowing look.

It’s at this point that I stand. If I stay, I might not be responsible for my actions. Milly has already cut into a perfect, if unexpected, catchup. That annoys me, for starters. Now, I’m worried that her conclusions are going to spook Charlie. Whatever happens between us—if anything happens between us—has to go slow. I need to be patient, or I’ll risk losing the chance I squandered the first time.

You didn’t squander it. You would never have left if you weren’t forced.

I know that. But it’s something I can never tell Charlie. Not now. She and her dad are on far better terms. What right do I have to ruin that by bringing up a past that is long gone?

“Right, Milly. Let’s go.”

“Oh, but I just got here.”

At that same second, I catch a look from Charlie that completely knocks me off my feet. It’s a look I know well because I’ve seen it many times, particularly with regard to her father. I just can’t believe it’s what she’s feeling right now. Charlie Woods actually looks disappointed.

I could change my mind. I could relent and stay longer. If I had my way, I’d stay for as long as Charlie would have me. But I don’t want to push my luck. I can’t let one look of disappointment sway me. For all I know, she might be disappointed that Milly is leaving, and not me.

Oh, come on.

All right. I know it’s likely not the case. I could read this woman like a book ten years ago. That hasn’t changed; she still wears her heart on her sleeve. But I need to handle the situation delicately, like a souffle.

“Milly,” I say again, giving her a determined look.

“All right. All right.”

The women hug once again. I wish it was my body that Charlie’s arms were wrapped around, but I shake that thought from my mind.

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