Out of Focus (Love in LA #3)

“You’re amazing, you know that?” She hums a non-committal response. “I’m serious, Charlie. You are. I know you’re probably joking or whatever, but this was one of the best nights of my life. Thank you.” We lay in silence, our breaths slowing.

“I don’t really do jokes, so…” The admission hangs there, somewhere between where she is down the street and here, like a balloon about to pop, filled with something neither of us is ready for. “I should, um, get cleaned up.”

“Yeah. Yeah, me too.” I would throw this sweater straight in the trash, but I might just live with the humiliation of taking this to the dry cleaners if it means something to her.

“Okay. Goodnight again, Raf.”

“Goodnight again, gata.”

35/

you really are the nicest human.

rafael

I’m settling into bed, still thinking of Charlie when my phone starts vibrating on my nightstand. The continual buzzing makes me smile.

CHARLIE:

Can I ask you something?

Things, actually.

I’m going to ask anyway.

So just say yes.

ME:

It’s always a yes for you, strawberry shortcake.

CHARLIE:

Yeah, that’s what I need to ask about.

What’s with all the nicknames?

And where did shorty come from?

ME:

At first, I liked seeing you blush whenever I came up with a new one. I still like that, actually. I like it when you blush for me.

Shorty is just short for strawberry shortcake.

CHARLIE:

So even my nickname has a nickname?

I laugh, picturing her brows furrowing. I wonder if she’s cozied up in bed, too.

ME:

I guess so, yeah.

CHARLIE:

Okay.