Our partnership slowly turned into a romantic one shortly after her abduction. Don't get me wrong, the feelings have always been there, but we independently decided to bury those feelings for the sake of our work. After receiving the phone call that she was found and being rushed to Mt. Sinai, it become abundantly clear that she is and always will be more important than the job.
After picking her up from one of her therapy sessions, we had a great breakfast together. Alex was feeling better and finally off her medication, so she insisted we order mimosas with our omelets. After finishing off the pitcher the restaurant gave us, we decided to walk back to her apartment since we were both embarrassingly tipsy at 10 in the morning.
As we enjoyed the warm sun and the sounds of the city around us, Alex swayed a bit and grabbed onto my arm for support.
"Sorry", she giggled. "It's been a while since I've had a few drinks, I'm becoming a lightweight. My Irish ancestors would be so disappointed in me."
As she begins to pull her hand away, I quickly put my hand on hers.
"Leave it there, it's nice", I say with a smile.
She smiles at me and holds on tighter. "It is nice, isn't it?"
We stroll past several funky shops and stop in front of the local grocer who has fresh fruit and vegetables. "Oh God, I haven't had fresh plums in a long time, let me grab some for home", she says.
As Alex tests the ripeness of each of her selected plums, I notice the bright vivid fall flowers that they are selling. Roses, Lilies, Tulips, Gerber Daisies, all in vibrant colors begging for someone to buy them.
Making sure Alex doesn't catch me, I quietly pick out a red Gerber Daisy and pay the storeowner. She is finishing up her purchase and wandering with a little bit of a sway back to me. My Eames is adorable when she's a little drunk.
"Ok, I'm all stocked up on fresh plums and apples", she says holding up her bag. "I'm thinking of making an apple pie from scratch. My mother is always telling me I better learn to cook something that won't give her indigestion," she laughs.
We begin walking again and I'm still hiding the flower behind my back, suddenly nervous to give in to the spontaneous gesture that just a few minutes ago seemed so right.
"Bobby, I really want to thank you for being a wonderful friend to me. You have no idea how much it means to me," Alex says looking forward, swinging her bag.
I stop in place and she turns to me with a questioning look. "What's wrong, Bobby?"
"Nothing. For once, everything is just fine", I say as I walk closer to her.
She is glowing in the mid morning light, tendrils of her hair flying lightly in the wind.
I produce the red daisy from behind my back and look into her surprised eyes.
"You never have to thank me for being here, Eames. There is no place I'd rather be", I softly say as I push back the hair on the right side of her face, slowly tucking the red flower behind her ear.
Her soft pink lips open breathlessly as my fingertips linger on her, softly caressing her cheek.
She is a flaxen-haired ferocious warrior, a determined strong-minded mate, and an alluring siren that has called me home at last.
Our lips meet in a chaste kiss, softly tasting each other. With one hand behind her head and the other on her cheek, I feel her gently open her mouth to deepen the kiss.
Time stand still for us, the outside world has ceased to exist and the only people that exist in this moment are the two of us. Robert and Alexandra.
I didn't go home that night or the next.
Somehow my toothbrush and razor became a part-time resident in her bathroom. My suits were hanging in her closet and several of my books cluttered her coffee table.
Since my mother was diagnosed, I have been distant and I know Alex was upset at how she finally found out about my mother's cancer. I know I am retreating, but I don't know how to stop, but I do know that if I continue this behavior, she will no doubt come to resent me.
I know going to her family's house is not a test, but simply a request for my company.
For her I will do most anything. Sunday is going to be a long day.