***Flashback ***
I devoted 40 minutes to gazing into my mirror, endeavoring to perfect my hair and makeup. This span was twice the usual time it takes me. My intention was to appear elegant, yet not overly meticulous. The presence of Shana at the party was inevitable, and I was determined not to appear drab in comparison. CJ's grandparents were also going to be present, marking my first encounter with them. Additionally, this occasion would entail seeing Carter after his admission of affection for me…
However, that notion prompted me to set aside my makeup. I didn't want to encourage his feelings. This day belonged to CJ: one of my final opportunities to spend time with him before my relocation to California. I pulled my straightened hair back using a checkered headband and donned black capris paired with a fitted white tee.
Arriving at Carter's residence, I found myself 30 minutes early. Prior to entering, I applied cherry red lip gloss. Leon's car was visible, signifying at least one ally. His efforts to court Roxanna necessitated a degree of affability towards me. CJ's grandmother welcomed me at the door. She was slightly shorter than me and carried a few extra pounds, but she bore it gracefully.
"Hello, Mrs. Carter. I'm Katy. I'm not sure if you remember me—"
"Of course, Katy! Even if I didn't, CJ talks about you so much that I couldn't possibly forget. Please, come in!" She offered a warm smile.
Stepping inside, I encountered a living room adorned with black and white racing-themed decorations, Lightning McQueen posters, and Cars-themed balloons.
"My dearest friend, Katy!" CJ exclaimed, darting from the couch towards me. His smile was simultaneously heartwarming and bittersweet.
How will I manage to bid him farewell?
"My cherished friend CJ! Happy birthday, little man!" I responded, banishing that contemplation. I embraced him tightly, and he clung to my neck, prompting me to lift him. I didn't mind; I held him securely in my arms.
"Turning five now… I'm getting too grown for piggybacks," Shana remarked to CJ, offering me a faint smile.
"Oh, it's his special day. He deserves whatever he desires," Mrs. Carter declared.
"I want to play outside," CJ voiced his desire.
"Let's go check if your dad is ready out there. The grill should be cool by now," Mrs. Carter proposed. I followed her, carrying CJ.
Outside, a Cars-themed inflatable bounce house, orange cones adorned with red balloons, and a profusion of racing decorations greeted us. A birthday banner and racing flags adorned the fence, while a battery-operated Chevrolet Camaro ride-along car stood with a red bow. It became clear why CJ was eager to venture outside—it was a five-year-old's dream.
"Perfect timing, Katy. You arrive when all the work is done," Leon teased from a patio chair.
I grinned. "It seems like you managed fine without me. The setup looks fantastic out here," I replied, placing CJ on the ground. Mrs. Carter led him around the backyard to admire the decorations.
Carter nodded at me, engrossed in securing the pegs of the bounce house. I reciprocated the gesture.
Alright, we can navigate this.
"You could've used your expertise with the food, or at least set things up to avoid food poisoning," Leon quipped.
I scoffed. "Oh, come on. I'm officially a doctor now. Cooking skills are optional." It was a playful retort.
"You Baylor ladies do enjoy flaunting your achievements. By the way, congratulations," Leon acknowledged.
I chuckled. "Thank you. And how's it going with Roxanna? Can I offer my congratulations?" I noticed Carter approaching us out of the corner of my eye. He reached out to touch the grill.
"Still a work in progress, but progress nonetheless," Leon stated, sporting a self-assured grin.
"Best of luck. You might just need it," I warned, fully aware of the dynamics between us.
"Stranger things have happened…" Leon exchanged a knowing glance with me and Carter.
A blush crept onto my cheeks.
"Leon, help me move the grill into the garage," Carter instructed, sidestepping his comment.
"Katy! You're looking flushed. Come inside and grab a drink before you get dehydrated!" Mrs. Carter directed me, guiding me to the kitchen.
As the festivities commenced, any awkwardness with Carter dissipated. This was largely due to Leon's impeccable behavior, and I found myself engrossed in spending time with CJ and the other children. Laughter echoed as they reveled in the bounce house and took turns in CJ's new toy car.
The crowd congregated indoors for the rendition of "Happy Birthday" and the cake-cutting ceremony. Subsequently, CJ unwrapped his gifts. While none rivaled the race car his parents gave him, he remained ecstatic over each new toy. I had gifted him a V-Tech digital camera. As CJ's friends departed, signs of weariness began to surface in him. He nestled against his mother on the couch, struggling to keep his eyes open.
"Time for bed, sweetheart. Let's get ready," Shana informed him.
"Could I have a moment alone with him before that?" I asked Shana. The moment had arrived; I needed to bid CJ farewell. Shana nodded and headed to the kitchen. Taking a seat beside CJ, I began.
"CJ, do you know why I got you a camera?" When he shook his head, I proceeded. "I'm going to be moving away. I won't be able to see you as often, so I want you to take lots of pictures so I can see how you're doing."
"Where are you going? Are you coming back?" He inquired, gazing up at me.
"I'm relocating to California for work. You need to take an airplane to get there. I'll come to visit you, but not as frequently as I'd like."
"Do you have to leave? Who's going to take care of me?" His voice held a hint of desperation, and tears welled up in my eyes.
"Uncle Leon's got that covered. He's already said he'll teach you how to send me pictures on the computer. And I promise, I'll send you cool toys I come across in California, alright?" I assured him.
He nodded softly. "Okay."
"Alright then. Goodnight, my best friend, CJ. I love you."
"I love you too, best friend Katy," he responded, stifling a yawn.
I embraced him, lifting him gently, and placed a kiss on his cheek before shifting my gaze, searching for Shana.
"I've got him," a voice emerged, and when I looked up, it was Carter. A faint, knowing smile played on his lips, indicating he'd overheard our conversation. I handed CJ over to him, veiling my face as I struggled to manage the emotions swirling within me. I couldn't bear to meet his gaze, not wanting him to witness the tears threatening to escape my eyes. As Carter led CJ to his room, I hastened to the hallway bathroom, only to find it occupied. I chose to leave, intending to find a quiet spot to shed tears in my car. But Mrs. Carter intercepted me.
"Use the bathroom in the bedroom," she gently suggested.
I nodded, aware that it must be Carter's room. Despite the awkwardness, I recognized it was better than breaking down at a child's birthday party. Entering the room, I headed for the private bath. Silent tears streamed down my cheeks. I splashed cold water on my face, unintentionally smudging the little makeup I had on. After about five minutes, I composed myself enough to bid farewell to everyone.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I discovered Carter standing in the bedroom, waiting for me.
"Your mom sent me in," I blurted out.
"Your mom informed me," he replied, reaching out to halt my departure. He called my name.
"Carter—" I began.
The next instant, we were kissing. I couldn't discern who initiated it, but the urgency and familiarity of the kiss overwhelmed me. Many reasons flashed in my mind, reasons why this was inappropriate: the ongoing birthday party, his mother's presence, CJ, and Shana. All valid grounds for refraining from this impulsive act, here and now.
"Carter, we can't," I gasped, drawing back from the kiss. His lips found my face instead. His lips against mine and his embrace felt so right, momentarily allowing me to forget that I was about to return to California. Almost. "I'm still moving. Nothing's changed," I reminded him, explaining why we shouldn't be indulging in this at all.
He momentarily stilled, and for an instant, I believed I had reached him. Then, he continued, his hands skimming over my lower back as he pressed his lips against mine again. "I know," he murmured against my lips. "Last time, we didn't know it would be the last time. Just one more time. For old times' sake."
His choice of words stiffened me, but he diverted his attention to my neck, aware of its effect on me. Sparks ignited across my body as he trailed kisses down my neck. I clenched my thighs and emitted a moan. He interpreted it as affirmation, leading me to the bed. But instead of laying me down, he guided me to lean against it, my hands propping me up at the edge.
Raising an eyebrow in query, I glanced over my shoulder. He responded by tugging down my capris and panties.
"Arch your back for me, baby," he husked.
I complied, and a low groan escaped him as he gripped my hips. After a moment, I felt him against me, pushing himself deep within. Both of us moaned as he filled me completely. He moved languidly, his hand sliding around my waist to reach between my thighs. His fingers found my clitoris, tracing lazy circles. I bit my lip, stifling my moans, and pushed back into him, yearning for more. Yet he held the agonizingly slow rhythm, bringing me to the brink of climax before abruptly stopping, pulling me against his chest to kiss me, and then starting over. My frustration intensified, with tears nearly forming as he kissed, caressed, and teased me, a dance I was all too familiar with, only to halt and leave me craving more. Time seemed to stretch as he finally drove me to the edge, releasing himself inside me as we climaxed together.
Afterward, he drew me close, holding me against him. His lips found my shoulder again and again, a repetition of the day in the kitchen when we'd agreed to become friends with benefits.
"I'll talk to him. You don't need to stay in touch. I promise he won't feel abandoned. He'll adjust to your absence," he assured me, releasing his embrace. "Have a safe trip. Best of luck with everything." Stepping back, he left the room without another word.
I spent several minutes trying to process what had just transpired when his words struck me. Hard. I dressed quickly and left the room. Saying goodbye to anyone else seemed unbearable, so I left, tears streaming freely as I hurried to my car and drove away.