My Emerald

Coffee and Eggs

As they made it back to their apartment, Nancy and Charlotte were surprised to see Josh sitting outside the door waiting for them. “What happened?” he asked, rushing over and scooping Becca into his arms. Becca instinctively snuggled into his chest, whispering his name. Relief flushed over him at her response, “Who cares to explain this?” he asked, looking between the two younger girls. “Explain what?” Nancy asked, “Did you really expect her to sit around waiting for your maybe plans, look at her. She is an amazing person, killing herself to finish her degree. She deserves better.”

“You think I don’t know that?”Anger seeping into his tone “I’ve been working so much lately not as an excuse to get distance but to save up enough for a ring and to get us out of the bachelor pad I live in now.” Josh responds with so much tension in his voice, he usually likes Becca’s roomate, while she was younger she seemed to have a level head on her shoulders. “Josh, we didn’t know,” Charlotte responds gently placing a hand on his forearm, “Come inside you can lay her down, and stay of course so you know she’s ok.” She smiled gently at the man looking down at his girlfriend with adoration and concern. Charlotte longed for the kind of love Becca had, security in her relationship and life. No one was after titles or prestige, no concern about fortunes. She couldn’t help but scoff, thinking of William. Men like William, she thought to herself, would never stoop to be with someone like me, all because I don’t come with a dowry. She scolds herself and pushes him out of her mind, knowing she will probably never see him again. The girls woke up mid morning the next day, cursing the bartender and drinks from the night before. Nancy and Charlotte take it as a good sign when Becca's door is closed and no screaming is heard. “Come on Char, let’s grab breakfast and give them some privacy.” Nancy suggested. Charlotte couldn’t agree more. Getting up, she grabbed her sweater and went to slide it on, “I know we both feel like crap but that does not mean we will look like it too!” Nancy exclaimed, horrified Charlotte was okay being seen like that in public. She has gotten use to her “comfy” appearance at school but tries to push her more into fashion anytime they spend time together. She tosses her an outfit and starts dressing herself. Charlotte was relieved it didn’t include heels as they opted to walk to the corner café Nancy worked at at the top of the road. The girls ordered two black coffees, orange juice and egg sandwiches, their favorite hangover meal and sat in comfortable silence while they finished their food.

“So when are we seeing the guys again?” Nancy asked with a sly grin on her face.

“Guys?” Charlotte rebutted, “I hope you don’t think those guys from last night were interested in either of us, you’re just going to end up with a broken heart again.” Charlotte tried to reason with her.

She had put William out of mind and wanted to keep him there. She always thought she’d end up with the professor type, or a struggling writer and they would live in a beautiful but small Tudor-style home. Her idea for a romantic date was to the book store,. Where they'd shop and go home to snuggle together on the couch while the beautiful English weather did its signature.. drury day, she doubted any of that would appeal to a man like William.

“UM, of course I do, now I saw how Will looked at you last night.” Nancy started, “William,” Charlotte was quick to correct her, “We are not friends, use his full name nancy.” Nancy rolled her eyes, “I’m completely fine surrendering to that and hanging with David, he is easier in the Top 5 most handsome men I’ve ever seen!” She chuckled to herself.

“Nance, it was a one and done deal, we will never run into them again. Did you give him your number?” Nancy shook her head no, “Ok then neither did I. Could we please just let it go?” Charlotte asked, linking her arm into her friends as they headed back to the apartment. “I really need to get home and check on my mom, thanks for last night, work on your paper. I don’t understand how you’re such a hopeless romantic in the real world, but a pessimist in the world of fiction.” Charlotte smiled after collecting her things and heading out the door. “Love you” was all Nancy called back as she left.