Vintage Love

Chapter 2

As we wait for the pizza to arrive, we gather in our shared apartment, and everyone scattered around in the space. 

"I can't believe you guys order a Hawaiian pizza," Jacob whines as he sprawl across the floor, looking up at the ceiling. 

"The fact that your mom's side of the family is from Hawaii and you don't like Hawaiian pizza," I playfully chime in, mocking his aversion. He lets out a theatrical sigh, and mutters in defeat, "Shame on me." 

Holden, engrossed in his phone, chuckles at Jacob. "Shame on you, Jacob," he adds, not bothering to look up from his phone as he and Grace engage in a heated Call of Duty battle.

As I sit on the sofa, my thoughts momentarily drift back to the girl from this morning, recalling the intimate moments we shared. The way she lay comfortably on my chest after the intense moment we had, she's uniquely beautiful. I didn't catch her name, the feeling of regret wash over me knowing that I didn't get any basic information from her. Although as much as I want to know, deep down, I know that I am not currently in the right mind to be in a relationship. 

With a sigh, I refocus on the final assignment before submitting it, trying to push aside my thoughts and emotions because there's no point. But Grace's voice interrupts my concentration, in which, I turn to meet her gaze. 

"Charlotte," she says, drawing my attention. "Do you want to talk about what has been stressing you lately?" 

I smile at her genuine care and a part of me wants to share it with her, but another part hesitates, knowing that it might be better to handle it alone. I take a moment to consider her question before responding, "Thank you for the offer, but...I think I got it." 

"Alright," She says, turning back to her phone. Then, Jacob spoke up breaking the silence in the room, "The pizza is almost here. Who wants to grab it?" 

"I can," I offer eagerly, craving some fresh air. I throw on a sweater and head downstairs to the front of the building. I arrived before the pizza delivery, so I just waited outside hands in my pockets, admiring at the stars above. 

Soon, a car pulls into the parking lot, carrying the pizzas. I smile happily, excited to eat the Hawaiin pizza and see Jacob's reaction. As the delivery person approaches the building, I walk towards them to collect the pizzas. As I draw closer, I recognize her. 

"Hey, it's you, princess," I greet her, smiling warmly, never thought I would bump into her. She looks up, a look of surprise crossing her face as she realizes who I am.

"Don't call me that," she whispers sternly, brows furrowing slightly. Surprised by her sudden change in attitude, I say, "That's not what you said this morning after the counter moment."

She looks around nervously, and she whispers back, "Because that was this morning, okay?"

"Alright," I respond, deciding to brush it off as I reach out to take the pizzas. But she pulls them away from me, making my heart sinks. "Hey, give me the pizza," I protest.

"Wait," she says as she adjusted the boxes and then hands them to me. As I was about to walk away, she unexpectedly grabs onto my sweater. I look at her, brow raised, annoyed. 

What now? I thought. 

To my surprise, she pulls my collar aside, revealing the hickeys on my neck. Looking at her confused yet curious, I watch as her fingers lightly brush against them. "It looks great on you," she says, leaving me even more perplexed. 

"What?" I inquire, utterly baffled by her statement. Who talks like that? No, who thinks like that? 

She lets out a sigh, runs her fingers through her hair, and pulls it back. "I told you not to leave a hickey on me this morning."