The Charm Offensive

by Alison Cochrun

You know, I think this is the best practice date I’ve had.” Charlie doesn’t tell Dev it’s the best date he’s had, period.

For someone who hates touching, Charlie Winshaw is always leaning in and not leaning away.

Charlie is the only person Dev has let read his script. He doesn’t know what to do with that revelation.

I’m worried you don’t know what you deserve.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Charlie whispers.

You’re deserving of a relationship in whatever form you want it.”

“You make me so fucking happy.”

“You said sometimes easy is better than happy.”

“You’re one of the funniest, smartest, kindest, most passionate motherfuckers I’ve ever met, Dev. And you deserve a happily ever after, too.”

“Jules…” He swallows through the pressure in his throat, because not saying it seems so much worse than saying it at this point. “I’m in love with him.”

“Have you considered just letting yourself love him?”

“You’re so good at seeing other people. I wish you could see yourself.”

Shit, he loves Dev. Fully. Stupidly. Maybe irrevocably.

Dev has always known how this story will end. Now he has two weeks left to figure out how to accept it.

Dev doesn’t get the happily ever after, but he would settle for less if it meant being with Charlie. Because the alternative—losing Charlie—is going to destroy him.

“I love you because you try to understand my brain even though you’re terrible at being patient, and because you’re passionate about the stupidest things, and because you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. I love how you make me laugh. I love your ugly cargo shorts, and I love how cranky you get when you’re hungry, and I love how stubborn you are, and I don’t love you despite those things. I love you because of those things.”

I love you. I love you so much right now, I can’t imagine ever not loving you. And it’s okay if you don’t love me back yet. I can love enough for both of us. Just please stop pulling away.”

“I love you. How could I not love you?”

“What if I’m like our naïve contestants? What if… what if the love I’ve wanted my whole life isn’t real? What if there are no happily ever afters?”

“I don’t think happily ever after is something that happens to you, Dev. I think it’s something you choose to do for yourself.”

“Dev Deshpande. Are you interested in becoming my prince?” If happily ever after is something you choose, then Dev decides to choose it for himself. “Yes,” he says.

“Over the course of the next ten weeks, Daphne will embark on a Quest to find her fairy-tale princess. Are you ready, America?” Dev is so ready.