Free Unmasking Charlotte (a Taboo Love series) by Andria Large, M.D. Saperstein

that are already shot from my earlier phone call.
    Parker notices that I have stopped walking. He probably also notices that my eyes are red and puffy, and probably red rimmed from so much crying. He turns to me with a frown and whispers reassurances in my ear that Calvin is not here, and that I will be “okay,” that he will be there for me, be my strength. With a chaste kiss, he pulls down my mask and grabs my hand, leading me to the club’s entrance. As we pass Monica, I don’t really hear what Parker says, but I see her nod and hand him our in-house messaging devices, nametags, and a key. Odd.
    After putting my name tag on my shirt – shit! I am still in my work clothes – and handing me the texter, Parker walks me directly to the bar. He instinctively knows what I need. I sit on a stool by his side, while he orders for me. I am so lucky to have a friend like him. He is still holding my hand, and I am using his strength to keep me from completely falling apart. I never realized how important he is to me. Suddenly, I feel bad for all of the negative things I was thinking about him today for being late, and my eyes begin to water…again. I am a fucking mess!
    Parker lets go of my hand and wraps his arm around my shoulder, holding me tight. The bartender hands me my drink and I gulp it down. Not very lady-like, maybe, but right now, I don’t give a shit. I see Parker nod to the bartender to fix me another. As he hands me my second, I see Parker reach across the bar and just grab the entire bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila. ‘Atta boy! Just as I start to get comfortable in Parker’s arms, the hairs on the back of my neck stand, and a pulse strums between my legs. What the hell? Lo and behold, Calvin just sauntered into the club. And of course, my vagina has to take notice. Why does he have to be so fucking hot? Wow, I think I am a little tipsy.
    My body stiffens as he nears us. Parker realizes why and texts me that he will be right back. He walks over to Calvin and I can see that they are having a discussion via text messages. Calvin glances at me, then Parker at me. Okay, so clearly I am the topic of their conversation. And it seems to be very emotional or something. Calvin’s face looks strained and Parker is grimacing. I have no idea, but I am definitely going to get to the bottom of it. I stand up off the bar stool and I guess the drinks were a lot stronger than I thought, because as I try to take a step, I falter and start to wobble. I put my hands out to catch my fall, but I never actually hit the ground. When I get my wits back, I realize that both Parker and Calvin are holding me up. They start texting each other, but I am not privy to what’s being said. I imagine it is something like…
    Ham Bone #069: I’m going to take her up
    C-dog #413: I’ll come check on u in a bit
    Seconds later, with Parker’s arm thankfully still wrapped around my waist, my new best friend, Jose Cuervo, and I head toward the stairs. I don’t have to ask where we are going, I know what’s up there. We walk down what seems to be the longest hallway I have ever experienced, and then stop in front of a locked door. The key! Duh! Parker ushers me in and I take a long look around. The room looks awfully familiar, and even in my tipsy hazy state, I recognize it as the room I confronted Nick, er, Nico. Ah, the good old days . I plop ungracefully onto the bed and take a swig of Jose. I am going to need the liquid courage for what I am about to do. It’s time to come clean.
    “Parker, you have been so patient with me. I owe you an explanation,” I say nervously. He is standing a few feet away from the bed and I want him closer. I need him closer. Drawing from his strength is the only way I am going to get through this.
    He somehow reads my thoughts and comes to sit next to me on the bed. “You don’t owe me anything, Char. That’s what friends are for. To support each other. Unconditionally,” he responds sincerely, and I believe