Joey really is digging herself deeper into this bet, isn't she? I advise you to enjoy the happiness while it's there though! Love, IJKS xxx

Chapter Twenty Two

The corners of Brax's mouth twitched in amusement. With everyone back on campus, the shift in Charlie and Joey's relationship was obvious. Everyone had known they were dating but, having spent a month at Charlie's parents house, they appeared to have grown even closer.

"I don't believe you," Brax said.

He and Joey were seated across from each other in the kitchen.

"Why would I lie?" Joey asked.

He chewed his lip.

"That's what I can't figure out," he said. "Why would you want to lose the bet?"

"Look," Joey said sharply. "I have no desire to pay your rent for a month. For starters, I can't afford it. But more than that, I am not doing this to Charlie. She deserves better."

Leaning back in his seat, Brax folded his arms across his broad chest.

"If you really believed that then you'd tell her the truth," he pointed out.

"I can't do that," Joey said quietly. "She'll leave me."

"You're actually falling for her, aren't you?" Brax realised.

"Yes," Joey admitted. "The worst thing I've ever done is try to use her like that. I don't forgive myself for it. And that's why I'm so desperate for you to drop this whole thing and let us live in peace."

Brax shook his head.

"A bet is a bet," he said, standing up. "It's like... the law."

Joey rolled her eyes and scowled at him as he marched out of the kitchen. Sighing heavily, Joey took their dirty mugs and washed them up. She had one month to go and then it would all be over. Then she and Charlie could get on with their relationship without having to worry about repercussions.

It had been a couple of weeks and Charlie felt like she was finally managing a happy balance between studying and having fun. She had become far more sociable with the rest of the corridor, although she maintained her weekends at home with her daughter. Sometimes, Joey would return home with her and sometimes she remained in halls in order to give Charlie some quality time with Ruby. All in all, Charlie felt more secure and settled than she ever had. It was a strange experience to feel relaxed around other people. She remained a little on edge when others were around but in Joey's company, she felt completely safe.

That evening, Charlie got ready for her date with Joey. They'd booked theatre tickets and reserved a table at a posh restaurant. Taking her time, Charlie dressed in a particularly flattering red dress that showed a lot of leg. Joey had confessed to be a big fan of Charlie's legs so she was happy to show them off whenever possible. It was strange really; she had once made a point of not allowing herself to look or feel attractive. She had never wanted the attention. But now, knowing how Joey felt about her, it made her feel good.

Having dressed up in her one and only suit, Joey applied a little lipstick and fixed her hair. She was excited about the evening ahead, partly because she had been looking forward to seeing Priscilla Queen of the Desert for ages and partly because she always looked forward to spending time with Charlie. She had never imagined herself as the happy, sappy relationship kind of person but apparently, she had been wrong. And she was thrilled about it.

Checking her reflection one more time, Joey headed out of her room and knocked on her girlfriend's door. Her breath caught when Charlie opened up. Every day, she seemed to grow more and more beautiful. Joey considered herself to be the luckiest person in the world.

"Wow," she said honestly.

Charlie blushed and did a small, self conscious twirl. Smiling broadly, Joey gathered her into her arms and kissed her.

"You look amazing," she said sincerely.

Out in the city, Charlie and Joey sat opposite each other at a candlelit table. They sipped wine and ate their main courses, having both agreed to save room for a shared dessert.

"I'm really excited about the show," Joey admitted. "I've watched the movie about a thousand times!"

Charlie grinned.

"I'm looking forward to it too," she said. "Although, I don't think I've actually seen the film."

Joey's eyes widened in surprise.

"Well then, you have a real treat ahead of you!" she declared.

Charlie and Joey climbed out of the taxi and walked through the University grounds to their building. It had been a wonderful evening with nice wine and nice food. Joey almost felt like a grown up. And the show had been absolutely incredible – even better than the film, which Joey had made a mental note to dig out and watch with Charlie.

Hand in hand, under the moonlight, Charlie and Joey made their way across campus. Suddenly, Charlie stopped. Joey paused and gazed at her thoughtful face.

"Are you okay?" she asked a little worriedly.

"I'm great," Charlie replied.

She stepped closer and held Joey's other hand, gazing into her eyes.

"These last few months have been so amazing, Joey," she said. "I can't even begin to tell you how much joy you've brought to my life. I've never really had friends before. I've certainly never dated anyone. And I've never... I've never felt like this before."

"Felt like what before?" Joey asked.

"I'm in love with you," Charlie admitted.

She looked fearful as Joey continued to study her face.

"Have I messed everything up?" she asked anxiously.

Joey's smile reassured her immediately.

"I'm in love with you too," she said honestly.

Stepping forward, they closed the gap between them, kissing and oblivious to the world.

Next time… Charlie and Joey discuss taking their relationship further…