Page 229 of The Baby Twist
“Excuse—Marley?” Our eyes locked.
“Charlie.”
“How are you?” I asked.
“I’m really good. How are you? Sorry about slamming into you. I was looking down at my phone.”
“Please, don’t apologize. I wasn’t paying attention either,” I said.
“Well, it was nice to see you again.” She smiled.
As she began to walk away, I turned and lightly took hold of her arm. She stopped and looked at me.
“I’m sorry I haven’t called. I’ve been really busy with work.”
“Don’t apologize. I never expected you to. I really have to go, or I’m going to be late. Enjoy the rest of your day.” A smile crossed her lips.
“Thanks. You too.”
I sighed as I placed my phone in my pocket and continued walking to the deli. I knew I’d eventually run into her at some point. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to call her after that night andsee her again; I couldn’t. I had my reasons, and they were too personal to share with anyone, especially Chase.
Marley
I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. Of all the men I’d semi-dated and had sex with over the years, no one had left a mark on me like Charlie Stone had. It took me almost three weeks to forget about him, and just when I thought I had, I ran smack dab into him because I was distracted by my phone.
“Thanks, Universe.” I looked up at the sky. “Thanks a hell of a lot for that. I know you think you’re really funny. Do me a favor. Next time, if I collide with someone on the street, make sure it’s not him. Can you do that? Pretty please with sugar on top. Ugh.”
I stepped into the Manhattan Diner and saw my dad sitting at a table, holding the menu.
“Hey, Dad.” I smiled, kissing his cheek before taking the seat across from him.
“Hi, sweetheart. It’s been a while.”
“I know. I’ve been really busy.” I picked up my glass of water and took a sip.
“Another event to plan?” He smiled.
“Yes. How are you?”
“I’m good. You look like you’ve lost some weight. Are you okay?”
“Dad, I haven’t lost any weight, and I’m good. Stop being silly.”
A waitress walked over and asked if we were ready to order.
“I’ll have the tuna melt with a side of French fries.” I closed my menu.
“I’ll have the same,” my dad spoke. “So, Marley. I ran into your mother last week at the market.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
He sighed and folded his hands on the table. “She said she hasn’t seen you in months and barely speaks to you on the phone.”
“I’m just a twenty-seven-year-old woman living her best life as an event planner and very busy.”
“That may be, but you can’t forget about your parents.”
“I haven’t forgotten about you or Mom. You’re being dramatic, Dad.”
