The other woman

Chapter 9

It is now Tuesday and I really do not want to be at work. I have a headache that will not go away. I texted Charlie yesterday to confirm our plans. I gave up hope when he did not text me back for a few hours. Finally around 10 pm he texted me the location. I almost texted him back to forgot about it but decided it is worth a try. 

So after a busy morning of answering emails and calls, I excuse myself and head over to meet Charlie. I don't have high hope of him showing up but at least I can tell myself I tried. Arriving a few minutes early I get a table for two and order a water. 

"Stupid headache." I mumble as I look through my bag for a pill. I pick up a box and see the Plan B, stupid stupid. I forgot to take it! I try to read the box without taking it out of my purse. For best results talk within 3 days of unprotected sex. Ok do not freak out Sarah, do not freak out, count Saturday, Sunday, Monday and today Tuesday. Am I suppose to count Saturday as day 1? Or do the days start the following day? Fuck quickly I pop the pill into my mouth and take a large gulp of water. 

I try not to freak out, headache forgotten. I just hope it works. Having James' baby will only complicated things, as it is he has called me everyday and texted me. I have not returned any of his calls or texts. 

"Hi Sarah." Surprised I look up to see Charlie standing there. He looks good in a grey suit, white shirt and black tie. In my mental breakdown I completely forgot about where I was and why. 

"Hi Charlie." I put down my purse next to me and try to focus on the now. He takes a seat across from me. He take the menu off the table and starts to look through it. 

"Have you ordered?" Charlie ask me. He does not seem mad, just reserved. I can't say I blame him. I was on the dance floor with another man, just when he told me he wanted someone who was not going to waste his time. 

"No not yet, I was waiting for you." I pick up the menu for something to do. The waitress comes over.

"Are you ready to order?" She asks us as she places a plate of bread and olive oil on the table. Charlies looks at me expectantly. 

"Yes I will have the creme tomato pasta please, and another water." I hand back the menu. 

"I will have the sausage and cavolo nero pasta and a coke. Can you also bring some cheese for the bread." Handing back the menu, he smiles at the waitress. Nodding she walks away to place our order. 

"So you wanted to explain?" Sure get right to the point. Taking a sip of my water, I try and prolong the moment. When to much time has passed I take a deep breath for courage and start explaining.  

"James is my best friend and has been my best friend for 3 years. I met him at a bar, I was out with friends celebrating. I thought it would only be a one night stand but it quickly escalated to dating. I thought it was going great, he is smart, kind and loving. He makes you feel like you are the only person in the room.... After a few dates, he confesses he is married, and has a child. He told me about his family and he told me he would never leave them and at the time I was not looking for anything serious. I had just graduated college and barely staring on my career..." 

Taking another sip of my water, I pause letting the waitress bring our drinks and cheese on the table. We thank her and wait for her to leave. 

"So why did you stay if you knew he was married?" Charlie asks me after neither one of us speaks. 

"I liked him, and I figured if I did not want for more, it would not make it right but we could use each other. It is not all about sex, we have a friendship and I know it is hard to understand. I helped him with his family and he helped me with my career. We gave each other advise and listened to each other vent out. It was great for a long time." I nervously play with my fingers. Taking a deep breath I look into his eyes.