Chapter 709
Charlotte couldn’t handle alcohol at all. Anthony, on the other hand, could hold his own, but Donald and Kenneth were relentless. They kept handing him drinks for two hours straight, only stopping when Charlotte shot them a warning look.
By eleven that night, Andrew, Parrish, and Shirley were heading off together, piling into the same car. Stella stood quietly next to Charlotte, her backpack slung over her shoulder.
“Charlotte, my apartment’s pretty close,” she said softly. “You should take care of Mr. Blair. I can grab a cab home by myself.”
“You
Before Charlotte could finish, Roger stepped forward. “I didn’t drink, and it’s on my way. I can give her a ride.”
“You want to take her?”
Charlotte was a little surprised. Roger was usually so reserved, barely saying a word to anyone, and now he was volunteering to give someone a lift? She glanced at Stella. “Stella, are you okay with Roger driving you?”
“Huh?” Stella looked up in surprise. She caught Roger’s eye, then immediately looked back down, nodding shyly. “Thank you.”
“That’s it? Just thank you?”
Roger had his coat in one hand and his keys in the other as he walked over to Stella. But as soon as he got close, she moved two steps away, putting some space between them.
Roger’s smile turned a little stiff. He glanced at her, his eyes dark and unreadable, then opened the passenger door. “Get in.”
“Okay.” Stella nodded and climbed into the car. She sat in the passenger seat, hands twisting the hem of her shirt, eyes fixed on her lap.
Roger knew a bit about what she’d been through. He slid into the driver’s seat, reminded her to buckle up, and didn’t say anything else The silence actually helped Stella slowly started to relax, her nerves unwinding just a little..net
***
After midnight, back at Imperial Heights.
Charlotte could barely stand the
smell of alcohol on her, so as soon
as she got home, she headed
straight for the shower. Half an later, she came out in a soft
nightgown, her long dark hainstill damp and falling over her shoulders.
Her face looked fresh and pretty and her legs packed out from under the hem of her dress, pale and slender.
Anthony had already showered in the other bathroom. He wore a black robe that fit his tall frame perfectly, his short hair a little messy. He was in the closet, packing her suitcase.
Charlotte leaned against the doorframe, twirling her hair towel in her hand. “Anthony, are you trying to pack up my whole life?”
The weather in Solenia was about the same as Cabinda. She was only going for a week, so she really only needed a few outfits.
Hearing her voice, Anthony stopped what he was doing and walked over. “It gets chilly at night. I packed a couple of warm things,” he said, taking the towel from her hand. He pulled her into the bedroom and sat her down on the bed, then started to dry her hair with the blow dryer The other suitcase is just snacks. I put in your favorite milk.”
“Oh.”
It was late, and Charlotte’s body was already winding down for the night. As Anthony dried her hair, she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his chest, breathing slow and steady.
“Don’t fall asleep yet. Let me finish drying your hair.” Anthony looked down at her, the corners of his mouth lifting in a gentle smile. “When you get to Solenia, make sure to call me.”
He paused for a second, then added, “Actually, check in with me every two hours.”