“That works out nicely,” Tyler said with a smile. “I heard you recently opened your own law firm. It’d be great to connect and maybe stay in touch. Last time we met, it was a bit rushed. I didn’t get the chance to get your number.”
It was a reasonable request, and Charlotte had no reason to refuse. They moved in the same social circles, and it wasn’t unusual to exchange contact information.
“Sure,” she said.
After they exchanged contacts and Charlotte slipped her phone back into her purse, Tyler suddenly asked, “Miss Riley, if you don’t mind me asking… is your friend Lena Zeller single?”
Charlotte blinked, caught off guard.
That was a pretty abrupt change of topic.
“She is,” she replied.
Tyler visibly relaxed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Charlotte gave him a suspicious look. “Do you like her or something?”
“I actually met her years ago, back when I was still in college,” Tyler said, his tone softening. “I was over at Ian’s place, and she had just come home from school. Honestly, I liked her from the moment I saw her. But she was still in high school back then, SO I kept it to myself.”
Charlotte was a little stunned. “Love at first sight?”
S
“You could call it that,” Tyler replied. “But I never told her how I felt. She was too young, and I didn’t think it would be appropriate. I left the country not long after. Now that I’m back and she’s still single, I’d like to try pursuing her.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “I couldn’t tell you liked her at all during that dinner.”
Tyler gave a small laugh. “It’s been years since I last saw her. I might’ve looked calm on the outside, but I was actually really nervous.”
“Does she know you’re interested?”
“No. I wasn’t sure if she was seeing anyone. And judging by our last meeting, I don’t think she remembers me at all. I didn’t want to come on too strong, so I figured I’d get to know her first and see where things go.”
Charlotte looked down thoughtfully.
Tyler noticed her hesitation. “Is something wrong?”
She looked up at him. “This might sound intrusive, but since I’m one of her closest friends, I need to ask, Tyler, h relationships have you had? And how many of them got… physical
Tyler froze.
It was an incredibly personal question, and honestly a bit out of line.
any
Charlotte explained calmly, “Lena has never dated anyone before she’s completely new to relationships. If you’ve had a long history or a complicated past, I just don’t think you’re the right person for her.”
Tyler frowned slightly but answered, “I understand. But I’in not the kind of guy who plays around. Over the years, I’ve only had one serious relationship.”
Charlotte’s expression tightened. “So you had feelings for Lena but still dated someone else?”
“You’re misunderstanding me,” Tyler said seriously. “I did like her at first, but she was still a kid then, and we didn’t stay in touch. Eventually, that feeling faded. Later on, I met someone else and we had a serious relationship. I wasn’t thinking about
Lena while I was with her.”
He looked her straight in the eye. “Miss Riley, I don’t jump from one person to another. I take relationships seriously.”
Charlotte’s voice was calm. “I’m just asking. Whether she accepts you or not, that’s entirely up to her.”
