Virtually Mine: a love story Read online

  Though the ride had ended, Charlie sat relishing a few more moments of what he was reluctant to end. In the morning, he would pack up what little he owned and head for a visit home. He would tell his father everything. They’d put their heads together and figure out how he could start anew.

  That’s when the ride attendant’s voice wafted into Charlie’s ears. “Closing down. Sorry,” the ticket taker said. Charlie didn’t turn, not at least until he heard another voice, that voice he’d come to adore.

  “Is there any way you could run it one more time?” Kate pleaded. “Just this once?”

  Seeing her, Charlie didn’t know whether to hope or hyperventilate. As hard as he could, he fought doing either. Instead, he sat paralyzed in wonder as she charmed the attendant into cranking up the ride for one last whirl.

  Time stood still. At least, it seemed to as Kate approached and boarded Charlie’s car. Though he couldn’t bring himself to look at her directly, he could sense the warmth of her smile.

  Charlie swallowed hard, knowing he had to say something. “How’d you find me?”

  “I know you, Charlie,” she replied. “Just like you know me.” Kate lowered the safety bar. “How long have you been riding?”

  Charlie glanced at his watch. “Couple, three hours.”

  Kate nodded. “Sounds like a personal best.”

  A burst of courage came over Charlie’s heart. Okay, maybe not a burst, but a nudge more than he’d ever had with Kate before. “I saw you met Eric,” Charlie admitted. “He’s the one you fell for. I mean, I couldn’t be more hetero and even I know he’s, you know, very...visible.”

  Kate nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, Eric seems like a very nice guy, but to tell the truth—” Kate stopped mid-sentence as the Ferris Wheel began to move. “Ooh. Here we go.”

  Charlie braved a glance in her direction. “You don’t have to—”

  “Actually, I do,” Kate added. “Some matches, they look good on 8x10 glossies. They do. But...truth is, the whole time I was with Eric, I couldn’t help thinking about you. Not just who you were as Brad, but who you’ve always been to me as you. It’s your heart I fell for, Charlie.”

  Charlie felt his jaw drop. “You. Fell for me.”

  Kate nodded. “Really did.” She shivered in the night air. “Kind of chilly tonight.”

  Pulling sheepishly at his tee shirt, Charlie finally found words. “I sure wish that I had a jacket to give you.”

  Amusement danced in Kate’s eyes. “This is the part where you put your arm around the girl and offer to keep her warm.”

  Charlie shook his head. “I, uh... I couldn’t.”

  “Look at me, Charlie.”

  Charlie mustered his courage. He turned his face toward Kate’s. As he did, for the first time, he noticed the golden heart necklace, glittering around her neck.

  “Charlie, I don’t know where this will go. All I know is...I adore you. And I’d like to give us a try.”

  Charlie fought for air. “Dry throat. Very dry.”

  Kate reached out and took Charlie’s face in her hands. Sincerity glistened in her eyes. “I like how you look. Your face, it...it just shines with everything that you are.” Slowly, she drew him into an exquisite first kiss—gentle, promising, and pure.

  As Kate’s lips parted his, Charlie gazed at her, dazzled. “Throat’s better. Definitely getting better.” Encouraged by her musical laugh, Charlie braved kissing her back, and then, almost as quickly, he broke away. “I’m not, by any chance, imagining this, am I?”

  Kate looked deep into Charlie’s eyes, deeper than he remembered any girl ever looking at him before.

  “No, Charlie,” she glowed. “This time, I’m pretty sure it’s for real.”

  ♥

  About the Author

  Susan Rohrer is an honor graduate of James Madison University where she studied Art and Communications, and thereafter married in her native state of Virginia.

  A professional writer, producer, and director specializing in life-affirming entertainment, Rohrer’s credits in one or more of these capacities include: a screen adaptation of God’s Trombones; 100 episodes of drama series Another Life; Humanitas Prize finalist & Emmy winner Never Say Goodbye; Emmy nominees Terrible Things My Mother Told Me and The Emancipation of Lizzie Stern; anthology No Earthly Reason; NAACP Image Award nominee Mother’s Day; AWRT Public Service Award winner (for addressing the problem of teen sexual harassment) Sexual Considerations; comedy series Sweet Valley High; telefilms Book of Days and Another Pretty Face; Emmy nominee & Humanitas Prize finalist If I Die Before I Wake; as well as Film Advisory Board & Christopher Award winner About Sarah.

  Among the books she has authored, Rohrer’s previous fictional title, Merry’s Christmas: a love story, is also an adaptation of her original screenplay.

  Other Books by Susan Rohrer:

  Fiction:

  MERRY’S CHRISTMAS:

  a love story

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0097SO5KM

  Nonfiction:

  THE HOLY SPIRIT:

  Amazing Power for Everyday People

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ES7358

  IS GOD SAYING HE’S THE ONE?

  Hearing From Heaven

  About That Man in Your Life

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JWCPS2

  Recommended Reading:

  NEVER THE BRIDE: a novel

  by Cheryl McKay & Rene Gutteridge

  FINALLY THE BRIDE:

  Finding Hope While Waiting

  by Cheryl McKay