"Cheers for you guys being back!" Alex grinned at his place a few nights later, toasting Mike, Vic, Jaime, and Tony.
"Good to be back." Jaime said. "I missed you guys."
"I missed my Charley bear." Vic added, putting his arm around my shoulder.
I laughed. "I missed you too, Vicky."
"You know I hate when you call me that." He pouted.
"And you know that's why I do it." I grinned. Noticing Jaime and Jack gossiping in the corner, I made my way over to them.
"Oh, hey Charley!" Jaime said in a high voice.
"What are you two old biddies gossiping about now?" I asked.
"Nothing." Jack shrugged. "Not sure what you're talking about."
"I'm calling bluff on that one, babe." I rolled my eyes. "Cut the bullshit or I piss on everything you love."
"You and Vic were pretty friendly tonight, don't you think?" Jack asked.
"Of course. He's my best friend." I said, not seeing the point. "Oh. Jesus, you guys! You think me and Vic were flirting or something?"
"Or something." Jaime shrugged.
"What on earth has gotten into you two?" I asked. "Have you forgotten that I'm in a relationship? Most namely with his brother?"
"That's going very well, is it?" Jack asked dryly.
"Fuck you." I walked away from that bullshit conversation and onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette.
"Hey there." None other than Matt said, following me out.
"Jesus, what on earth are you doing here?" I asked, beyond surprised that my ex was at a celebration for my. . . whatever the hell me and Mike were.
"Just showed up. Came with Alan. Are you okay? You looked pissed when you were coming out here." He explained.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine. Just typical bullshit." I repeated.
"You look beautiful, if that helps." He replied.
I looked at him skeptically. "Thanks."
"Why are you even still talking to Mike? After everything? I think you deserve a lot better." He continued.
"I'll take that into account." I said sarcastically.
"I mean it. Remember what we had?" He asked, moving closer.
"Stop." I snapped. "I'm not interested in whatever you're trying to pull."
"Charley-"
Mike swung open the door and glared at Matt, coming to my rescue. "You mind giving me a minute with my girl?"
"Maybe you ought to make sure she's yours." Matt muttered before leaving.
Mike turned to me. "Yo."
"Yo?" I stifled a laugh. "Very gangster of you, Michael."
"Why the hell are you smoking?" He asked, taking the cigarette from my hand and tossing it over the railing.
"Distraction." I mumbled.
"I wish you wouldn't." He said, putting his arm around my waist. "It's bad for you."
"People say that about you a lot." I raised my eyebrows.
He laughed. "Good thing you don't listen."
Yeah. Good thing.

Notes

Just in case anyone forgot, Matt is the guy from the cruise ship.