- Oh my God, - Charlie blurted out, sitting down and rubbing her forehead. She was out of breath could barely stand on her feet as if she had run a marathon while in reality she didn't even move much. It can be stressful, making your friend's personal life alright. But now, looking at Axl and Elle smiling at each other, Charlotte knew everything she has done was worth it.

- I don't know, - Elle told Axl happily, putting her hand on her stomach, - but I want it to be a girl. I call it a girl already, so there is no other way for her!

- Axl arched a brow. He shifted in his seat.

- I want a girl. Little Miss Rose. Let it be...Julia. Jules.

- No, if it's a girl, her name will be Brigitte, it's decided! - she protested, playfully punching Axl in the shoulder. He gave her a puzzled look. - Well, it's a family name. But Jules is cute, too!

- Charlie noticed the punch and stared at them suspiciously. She didn't know what they were talking about and she became alarmed. What if Axl was about to start a signature Axl fight?

- Hey, you two, peace! You will still have lives, both of you! If it makes you feel any better, Patti Smith also had a child young...

- What the hell are you talking about? We are discussing names. What do you think about Brigitte Julia? - Elle twitted cheerfully. She drastically changed in face, now looking happy and discreet. Charlie thought how little she needed to change her whole attitude.

- Ugh, eh, it's rather nice, - Charlie mumbled, shrugging her shoulders. She did not really feel easy talking about it. The fact Ellie was pregnant constantly reminded her that it can happen to her too. She even started to think that maybe she should talk to Duff about it. - I don't know, it's not me to choose.

- We will, - Elle promised, putting her head on Axl's shoulder. He put his hand on her lap and they just looked so peaceful together Charlie felt like a third wheel. She got up and shuffled her foot.

- Well, guys, I think I've got to go. You know, I have an arrangement...

They didn't even notice or hear her talking. Charlie quietly walked out of the room and closed the door beside her. She really wanted to chat with Steven because he was her friend and she hasn't seen him for a long time, but she promised to meet Scott at two, and it was already a half past one. She put on her denim jacket and hurried down the street.

A few minutes later she kick-opened the glass door of the grill bar where she and Scott usually had lunch together. She was breathing deeply, and her freshly-dyed red hair was all over the place, so she had to fix it and neaten her shirt in order to look good in front of Scott.

 However, after she had expected the crowd in the bar closely, she found out he still wasn't there. She hung her jacket and took a seat on the sofa next to the door.

It was highly unusual for her to be a customer in the cafe and not a worker. She watched the tall blonde gut ran around holding a pile of dirty plates with pity. Some man by the window found his steak not worth calling a medium and demanded for it to be replaced. Another boy wanted a chocolate and not a strawberry ice cream. A fat woman in a teeny-weeny dress wanted her bottle of water to be stone cold. Charlotte knew most of customers were jerks, just egoistic jerks who believed they could do whatever they wanted since they were paying. There wasn't much difference for them between wage-workers and servants. They always treated waiters, drivers and janitors like shit and didn't care for the fact they had feelings, too. She smiled sympathetically at the guy with a tray passing her by.

It was incredibly hot inside, even with air conditioning, so Charlie really felt like ordering a drink. She contemplated the possibility of getting a drink. Will they sell her a beer to her if she doesn't have her ID with her? She usually ordered something when she was out with somebody because she herself didn't really look her age. One more reason why she needed bigger boobs and a few inches of height.

She would probably try and ask for some if Scott didn't appear in the doorway that very moment. Even though their relationship has been getting a little tangled lately, Charlie still thought how much she missed him. They were only talking on phone because one of Scott's neighbors had a child not long ago and when he wasn't working, he was babysitting for some extra cash. When Charlie saw him walk lazily towards her, his hands in his pockets and a wide smile on his face, she thought he became even more tanned, fit and attractive. He looked as if he was to be cut out of this ordinary bar and inserted in the picture of a beach somewhere in Australia with white sand and loads of surfboards. Even though Charlotte knew her heart belonged to Duff and she didn't need anybody else, she couldn't help but think how cute Scott was. He, Elle and their whole family got it, the stunning looks. He was like Alain Delon among other guys, and, what was even more obvious, he was aware of the fact.

- Hi Scottie! - she shouted, waving her hand. He waved back.

- Hello beautiful! Wanna get a table? Come on!

After they finally sat down and settled with their order, Scott grabbed Charlie's hand and kissed her fingers. Though it was gentleman-ish, it made Charlie like, seriously uncomfortable.

- How are you, Chuckie? - he gave her another smile, showing teeth as white as only West-coast boys have. She made a gesture that, in her opinion, expressed unsureness.

- Nice, thanks, and you?

- Same. Well, sorta. You don't know how tired I am of this, - he mouthed the word "fucking" without actually saying it and giggled, so did Charlotte, - kid! Geez, it's just nerve-racking! Feeding, bathing...

Charlie chuckled. She had her hardest time picturing Scott doing something practical, especially something that involved little babies.

- I can't picture you, honestly, - she confessed, taking a gulp from her glass. He raised his shoulders.

- Better don't. I'm one awful nanny! I guess I just don't love kids...that much. And you? Up to something new?

- Well,  I learn to play the bass, - Charlie boasted, trying to pretend it was nothing. Scott made a goofy surprised face,

- Oh, really? That's damn impressive, Chuck! Teaching yourself?

The corners of Scott's pretty little Paul McCartney-ish mouth lifted as his hand slid seductively along Charlie's leg. It didn't feel as good as it was supposed to; Charlotte shuddered and shook it off.

- Actually, Duff me showed how to, - she said, trying to sound confident. Frankly, the last time Duff gave her a bass lesson was disastrous. She just wanted to learn the cool line from Another One Bites The Dust and look like Kim Gordon with Duff's Fender, but she ended up nearly smashing it. Duff got cross and even shouted at her - it was the first time Charlie saw him angry. Apparently, his guitar cost a fortune, and, as a result, Charlotte learned nothing.

- M-m, how nice of him. Are you any good?

- Not John Paul Jones good, but...it's not as difficult as it seems, at least for me, - Charlie lied. She really didn't want to come across as talentless, - still, I think I will stick to drawing.

-You're a fantastic artist already, - Scott whispered musingly. He didn't give up and moved on the sofa so closely Charlie could hear him breathing, - do you mind if I come round your place and pose for you?

- Um, no...But not today! We are having a spring cleaning, - Charlie blurted off the cuff. Scott frowned.

- Come on, Chuckie, I don't care if you have a mess in your room...I could help you with it later!

- No, thanks. It's...ugh, a woman's job.

- Alright then! - Scott exclaimed, inhaling deeply. Charlie could see he was stung by her actions, but the next moment - are you in a hurry? Seeing Doug or? By the way, is he in a band?

- Yeah, Guns N' Roses. Hard rock mostly.

- Oh, I've heard of 'em, - Scott replied, pursing his lips disgustedly, - last week downtown. Maybe they'll hit it eventually. You will be a star.

- Maybe, - Charlie would never admit she kept a page from some paper with a photo from Guns concert where she was also present, - but it's not the matter. Wanna try some beer?

Looked like the air has cleared a little. They spent another hour discussing some old friends and other minor issues. After some time Scott said he was sorry and had to go. Charlie didn't mind and, nodding farewell, Scott muttered:

- Good luck with...Doug. Take care, Chuckie!

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♪ Queen - Another One Bites The Dust