Page 33 of The Things That Hold Us

“Oh, and Charlie? You look beautiful with the makeup.” he pauses, and I smile at the compliment. Then he adds, “But you’re exquisite without it.”

I feel my cheeks heat and butterflies flood my stomach, as my hand moves to my face, but before I can say anything, he's walking away.

Chapter Seven

rooftop tears

I send Logan a text with the address and a time, and also add,

No pressure to show up. Only if you want to.

And I instantly feel stupid for it as soon as I hit send. Oh well, too late now.

This is a personality flaw of mine. I always feel the need to include people, but then feel like it’s an inconvenience to them if they go out of their way to do something I invited them to.

My phone dings with a text, and I feel excitement flood me thinking it's Logan.

Char, where are you??-Cassie

I feel myself deflate.

Almost there, Cassie. -Charlie

I hit send, and hope she can sense my eye roll through the phone.

My phone dings again, and this time I actually do roll my eyes. She’s so pushy.

I want to come, don’t think I don’t. -Logan

I stop walking, and stare at my phone. Why do I feel like a teenager who just got a text from her crush?

That's all this is. An innocent crush.

I need to remind myself that, and remind myself that I can have a friend, who is an overly attractive guy.

I’ll make it clear tonight.

If he comes.

The sun is on its last stretch of light when I make it to Cassie’s, and take the elevator up to her floor.

As I get to the door, I can hear shushing, and Cassie whisper-yelling “She’s coming! Everyone quiet!”

I roll my eyes. This is typical of her. Having me help plan things for my own party, and know when it’s happening, then tell everyone it's a surprise party.

Grabbing onto the door handle, I take a breath, preparing myself to act surprised, then swing the door open.

“Surprise!” Everyone yells, as I flip the lights on.

I jump and throw on my best shocked face.

“Oh my gosh! What is this!” I squeal, hoping it sounds genuine.

Nathaniel comes up to me and winks, “You’resurpriseparty.”

I wink back at him, and he pulls me in for a hug. “Happy birthday Charlie.”

“Thank you. Thanks for coming, by the way. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever.”

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