TENTH
CHARLIE
It's the middle of the night, and I'm in my element, working the late shift as Jessica. The hours pass in a blur of conversations, teasing, and playful banter with strangers who pay handsomely for my time and attention. The tips tonight are generous, and I find myself grinning as I log off, feeling a rush of satisfaction at the substantial amount of money I’ve earned.
I decide to treat myself to a late-night snack and head to the convenience store. As I push open the door, the familiar chime rings out, and I step inside with a confident, almost cocky stride. But instead of Eddie, it's Jack behind the counter again.
Jack looks different tonight. The usual sharpness in his eyes is dulled, replaced by a heavy, tired look. His dark hair is tousled, and the faint stubble on his jaw has grown thicker. There are noticeable dark circles under his eyes, giving him an exhausted appearance. Despite this, when he sees me, a grin spreads across his face, and the usual intensity in his gaze returns.
"Well, if it isn’t Charlie," he says, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Out late again?"
"Yeah," I reply, unable to keep the smug grin off my face. "Just finished some work and thought I’d grab a snack."
"Work, huh?" Jack’s eyebrows raise slightly, and he leans against the counter, studying me. "Must be good work if it’s got you grinning like that."
"It is," I say, trying to keep the cockiness in check. "Pays well, too."
He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that makes my skin prickle. "Glad to hear it."
I start browsing the aisles, picking up a few items as I go. The store is quiet, the hum of the fluorescent lights the only sound besides our voices. Despite the late hour, the store feels oddly cozy, a stark contrast to the unnerving vibe Jack usually gives off.
"You’re here late a lot," I say, glancing over at Jack. "Don’t you ever sleep?"
"Not much, lately," he admits, the grin fading slightly. "Family stuff, like I mentioned."
I nod, trying to keep my curiosity in check. There’s something about Jack that’s intriguing, despite the unsettling vibe he sometimes gives off. I can’t help but wonder what’s keeping him up at night.
I grab a few more snacks and head back to the counter, setting them down in front of Jack. He starts ringing them up, his movements slow and deliberate.
"Late-night cravings?" he asks, a teasing glint in his tired eyes.
"Something like that," I reply, matching his tone. "Figured I’d treat myself."
"You seem to be in a good mood," Jack observes, handing me my bag. "Good night at work, then?"
"Yeah, you could say that," I say, taking the bag from him. "Made a lot of money tonight."
Jack’s grin widens. "Good for you. Hard work pays off."
"Sure does," I agree, feeling a sense of camaraderie despite the odd tension that always seems to hang between us.
As I’m about to leave, Jack's expression shifts from casual to something more flirtatious. "You know, Charlie," he starts, leaning forward slightly, "if you're ever bored on one of these late nights, I could keep you company. I’m pretty good at making people smile."
I raise an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips. "You think so, huh?"
"Yeah," he says, his voice dropping to a lower, more intimate tone. "I’ve been told I’m pretty charming when I want to be."
I snort internally, feeling my defenses rise. "Well, Jack, as much as I appreciate the offer, you’re not really my type."
His grin falters for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Oh? And what is your type?"
I decide to go full asshole mode. "I’m into mysterious guys with a hint of depression who seek company online. You know, the ones who keep you guessing and have a deeper side."
Jack's eyes narrow slightly, a mixture of amusement and something darker flashing across his face. "That’s quite a specific type. And here I thought I was doing a good job of being mysterious."
"Not mysterious enough," I say, matching his stare. "Plus, the whole rugged, flirtatious thing? Not really what I go for."
Jack laughs, a genuine sound that catches me off guard. "You’d be surprised, Charlie. There’s more to me than meets the eye."
"Yeah, sure," I say, rolling my eyes. "Whatever you say, Jack."
As I grab my bag and turn to leave, Jack's voice follows me. "You might just find out one day that I’m exactly what you’re looking for."
I glance back, meeting his intense gaze one last time. "We’ll see about that," I say, smirking as I push the door open and step into the cool night air.
As I walk back to my apartment, I can’t help but chuckle at the encounter. Jack’s attempt at flirting was bold, but I’m not about to let my guard down that easily. Besides, he looks like a fucking asshole most of the time.
Yeah. Just like me.
As I continue my walk, my thoughts drift back to the night's work. Working as Jessica. There’s a strange satisfaction in the role-playing, in becoming someone else for a few hours. It’s like slipping into a second skin, a skin that’s confident, alluring, and completely in control. The real me, Charlie, often feels like a shadow compared to Jessica. The anonymity of it all gives me a sense of freedom I don’t usually have in my day-to-day life.
I think about the regulars who come back to Jessica night after night. Some are lonely, looking for connection, while others are just looking for a distraction. I’m good at giving them what they want, weaving stories and fantasies that keep them coming back. Sometimes, I wonder what they’d think if they knew the real me, the one behind the screen. Would they still be interested, or would the illusion shatter?
Lost in my thoughts, I barely notice the cool night air nipping at my skin. The streets are quiet, only the distant hum of traffic and the occasional rustle of leaves breaking the silence. My apartment building looms ahead, a comforting sight after a long night. I climb the stairs, each step echoing in the empty stairwell, and make my way to my door.
Inside, the familiar surroundings of my apartment greet me. It’s small but cozy, filled with bits and pieces that make it feel like home. I drop my bag on the kitchen counter and head to the bedroom, feeling the fatigue of the night’s work starting to catch up with me. As I undress, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing the person I’ve become, both in and out of character. Jessica might be a persona, but she’s a part of me now, a part I’ve come to appreciate.
Climbing into bed, I let out a sigh of relief. The comfort of the mattress and the warmth of the blankets are a stark contrast to the cold, hard reality outside. I close my eyes, letting the events of the night replay in my mind. Jack’s flirtation, the conversations with strangers, the thrill of earning good money – it all blends together in a hazy mix of emotions.
Tomorrow is another night, another chance to slip into Jessica’s skin and see where the night takes me.
The next day, I wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. Groggily, I reach for it, squinting at the bright screen. It’s a message from one of my regulars on WarmNights, asking if I’ll be online tonight. I smile to myself, the anticipation of another night’s work already starting to build. It’s funny how quickly this life has become my norm, how seamlessly I’ve adapted to the late nights and the dual identities.
After a quick breakfast, I decide to head out for a walk. The city is alive with activity, a stark contrast to the quiet of the night. As I stroll through the bustling streets, I find myself people-watching, wondering about the lives of those around me. Do they have secrets like mine? Are they living double lives, too?
I pass by the convenience store, half-expecting to see Jack inside. But it’s Eddie at the counter today, giving me a friendly wave as I walk by. I return the gesture.
Continuing my walk, I find myself in a small park, the sound of children playing and birds chirping filling the air. I sit on a bench, letting the peacefulness of the surroundings wash over me. It’s a nice change of pace from the chaos of my nighttime job, a chance to just be Charlie for a while.
As I sit there, my mind drifts back to the messages I receive on WarmNights.
****