Without Scars by Ayla Jones

the chance to reconnect with Tyler. I decided not to push the subject. “Well, count me out, but let’s do the go-karts in Fort Laudy today,” I offered. Tyler grinned and nodded. “Oh, I’m excited! I just need to shower and then we can head out in a few.”
    He was used to waiting on me, so I took my time in the bathroom, slipping into thoughts of Charlie as I waited for the hot water to kick in. This was getting out of control. I’d started nearly every sentence at work lately with, “Charlie and I were talking the other day and…”
    But I did really like talking to him. I really liked hearing about his life, and his show, and his family, which was diverse, even for Miami. His biological father—who had been excited to take Charlie to Nicaragua to meet his extended family someday—died while his mom was pregnant, so his stepdad, who was Indian, was the only father he’d ever known. His twin sisters were also Indian, but they’d been adopted internationally.
    Part of me kept hoping he’d let his douchebag flag fly soon, before I allowed him more space. Because I was getting used to where he was starting to fit in my life.
    I was slipping on a pair of wedges an hour later when Tyler burst into my room with my cellphone. “So, who’s Charlie? He keeps texting. And before that he called. Is that why you’re all dressed up for go-karts?”
    “Um…I have a few questions about why you’re all up in my phone before I answer your questions. He called while I was in the bathroom?” I motioned for him to hand my phone over.
    “Yeah.” Tyler nodded and lay on my bed. “And, like, five minutes ago.”
    Charlie: You said nine right? Trying to get the roommates out of here.
    Me: Sharp.
    Charlie: Fuck. Get over here already.
    I was grinning too much. I could feel it. “He’s a friend. He has this cool web series, How to Fuck up a Friendship , and he invited me over to watch the second season premiere.”
    “Whoa…really?” He sat up. “No fucking way. You’re gonna find out if he fucks Sami before the rest of us!”
    “You watch it? How was I the last person on Earth to see it?”
    “Yeah…Lola introduced me. I thought it was going to be whiny shit for girls. But it’s really good. Like, real life shit. Everyone at school watches it. I heard they’re doing two versions this year—a PG-13 one for YouTube and an unrated one on another website.” Tyler balanced on his elbows. “No wonder you don’t want to come with me.”
    “Oh, no, that’s not the reason I don’t want to go to Delray, matchmaker. So…how about I call you tomorrow and fill you in on spoilers?”
    Tyler tossed his keys in the air and caught them as he stood. “ Fuck yeah. ”
    “And, um, maybe you can come by on premiere night and watch it with me? I think it’s coming out on a Tuesday. Come over early, and we can re-watch the last few episodes of season one…if you want…” Shaking with embarrassment now because oh, you know, I was just asking the person whom years ago I took to the E.R. after he jerked off with Icy Hot for an hour, and who was now too cool for me, if he could please grace me with his presence again.
    He shrugged. “Yeah, we could do that. I’ll let you know.” I swung my arm around his shoulders, relief spilling over me as I guided him out of my bedroom.
    ****
    Charlie’s place smelled like lasagna and weed. There was just a square of lasagna left, on account of the marijuana, probably. Deacon and Brody, who were discussing their plans for the night when they walked into the kitchen, had partaken in both.
    “You brought... pie? ” Charlie’s eyebrows went up as he took the store-bought dessert out of the grocery bag. He set it on the kitchen counter next to the lasagna and stepped back like he expected it to explode.
    I shrugged, giggling. “My mom says to never go to anyone’s home for the first time empty-handed.” It was a last-minute purchase. Wine or a case of beer probably made more sense,