"I know that you and Bryce haven't mentioned the accident for my sake. I appreciate it, but in order to deal with it I have to let it out" Lara said, staring at the ground. "It was my fault, I made myself ill and it spiked when I stood up too long"
"It wasn't your fault. Sheridan just didn't understand that you and Alex were in a lasting relationship, and when he did understand he didn't like it and killed the one thing that cemented yours and Alex's relationship." Hillary said, looking for signs of emotion in Lara's face. She looked at him with tear swelled eyes.
"Hilly, how do I ever get over the guilt? It was my fault but everyone says it wasn't" Lara said looking Hillary in the eye.
"I don't believe you do. I believe that you just move on" Hillary said, standing up and offering Lara a hand getting up. She gratefully accepted.
They had begun to take a walk back to the manor when Alex walked up to them. Hillary took this as his signal to leave. Alex placed an arm around Lara's shoulder. He noticed that she tensed under his warm hand.
"Lara," Alex started. "Would you like to join me tonight at a new club that's just opened?"
"Ummm...sure, just as friends though" Lara said, avoiding Alex's gaze.
"Okay...I'll change and we'll set off at eight" Alex said walking away. She knew that he had wanted them to go as a couple but she couldn't bring herself to do that.
Alex made his way back to Croft manor. He breezed into the front door and went straight to his room to get ready. Lara walked in with her teary eyes. Hilly went straight up to her and accompanied her up the stairs to choose her clothes for later that evening. He proceeded in helping her get ready and left when she got into the shower.
Alex was ready and waiting by the front door when Hillary emerged from Lara's room. Alex gave him a nod and Hillary returned it. They turned around upon hearing footsteps and saw Lara descend gracefully down the grand staircase. They stood there with their mouths wide open, gazing at the beauty of Lara. She was wearing a black sleeveless floor-length dress with elegant Jimmy Choo shoes on
"Close your mouths boys, you'll drool all over your clothes" Lara said playfully. She placed a hand under each of their jaws and closed their mouths for them. Alex looked at her and gave her a smirk. Hillary went to go and see Bryce whilst Alex offered his arm to Lara, intent on walking her out like a lord would a lady. He knew he would never be as highly respected as a lord, but he had one thing they didn't...Lara.
Alex walked Lara up to his newly bought Audi. He had already had shatter-proof glass installed. 'No more incidents there' Alex thought as he held the passenger door open for Lara. She smiled and slid into the leather seat. Alex closed her door, opened his and slipped into the drivers' seat. Alex started the car and drove out of the gates of Croft manor. Lara turned on his car stereo and it began blaring Fall Out Boy.
"Nice song" Lara said sarcastically. Glancing at Alex.
"Hey, don't talk badly about Fall Out Boy" Alex said, giving her a playful punch in the arm.
"Changing the subject, what club are we going to?" Lara asked.
"Ahhh you'll have to wait and see" Alex said, giving her a cheeky wink. He turned his eyes back to the road.
They arrived at the club at around half eight. There was a queue but Alex guided Lara straight to the door. Alex signalled the bouncer and he let them pass. They headed straight for the bar.
"What will you be drinking tonight gorgeous?" The bartender said eyeing Lara's cleavage. Alex gave a glare to the bartender.
"I'll take a glass of sparkling white wine thank you" Lara said, smiling at the bartender. "...and whatever he's having" she said gesturing to Alex.
"I'll take a glass of scotch" Alex added, giving the bartender a look that could kill. When their drinks arrived Lara took a sip.
"Would you like to dance?" A man with amazing blue eyes and dark brown hair asked. Lara turned recognizing the voice.
"Kurtis?" Lara asked, nearly choking on her drink.
"Yes Lara, it's me." Kurtis said, smiling at Lara. "Now I ask again, would you like to dance?" Lara took one glace at Alex before taking Kurtis' hand. They walked to the dance floor and began dancing together.
Alex was carefully watching them from the bar. He despised this Kurtis bloke. The song ended and a slow song came on. Kurtis saw Alex coming over and took that as his signal to leave. Lara was about to ask where he was going when she felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned to see Alex.
"Are we going to dance?" Alex asked, looking at the playful expression on Lara's face.
"Well now you put it like that, no sorry" Lara said, barely able to keep in her amusement.
"I'll go then" Alex said turning away. Lara saw this and grabbed his arm; turning him around and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. He gripped an arm around the bottom of her back and she placed an arm around his neck.
They kissed for five minutes until Lara ran out of breath. She began to feel weak at the knees. Sensing this Alex pulled away and motioned her to one of the stools by the bar. They sat down for about an hour, Lara drinking glass after glass of alcohol. She tried to get up but she stumbled and an arm immediately went out to stop her.
Before Alex could stop her, Kurtis held an arm out to stop her falling flat on her face. She leaned up against him until Alex came over.
"Is she alright?" Kurtis asked Alex. He didn't see the look that Alex gave him. Lara stood up as straight as she could and leaned her body up against Alex. She nestled her head into his chest. "I'll take her home".
"No I'll take her" Alex said defensively. Lara looked up drunkenly.
"So much testosterone" Lara said giggling. "I'm staying here boys".
"No your not" Kurtis said, he looked her in the eye. "Lara, listen to me. You're drunk. You should go home." With that Kurtis lifted Lara into his arms and carried her to the club doors.
