Alex could drive well and she kept the speed reasonable. She drove one-handed, holding my hand on the seat. She turned the radio to an oldies station and she sang along with a song I'd never heard. She knew every line.
"You like fifties music?" I asked.
"Music in the fifties was good. Much better than the sixties, or the seventies, ugh!" She shuddered. "The eighties were bearable ".
She is an old soul, I thought to my self. Now for the first time I'd finally gotten my first real glimpse into her. The mystery of the person hiding inside this quiet mind began to thin a little. I've never met anybody like her.
I invited Alex over to my place.
We were almost at my apartment and It has taken less than time for Alex to drive. When we reach my apartment I saw the red car parked in my driveway. Olivia and Jacob are home.
"They're back". I mumbled
"Who's back?". She asked confused.
"Jacob and the baby sitter."
"Your son is there?" I hear the slight alarm in her voice.
"Are you afraid of a seven year old?" I teased.
"A little bit", She admitted with a shrug.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you", I grinned playfully.
"Geeze! Thanks." She smiled.
"I'm not afraid of him, I'm afraid he won't like me." She explained.
"Are you going to tell him I'm your girlfriend or not?" She demanded.
"Is that what you are?" I winced a little at the thought of Jacob and Alex and the word girlfriend all in the same room at the same time.
"Well, I don't know. But he will need some explanation for why I'm around here so much." She reached over and gently touched my cheek.
"Or we can take it slowly and just tell him that I am your friend".
She probably took in my changed expression, and it made her thoughtful.
Alex followed me silently around to my side while I took the keys in my bag and opened the front door. Olivia is sitting on the couch her laptop on her lap. But I don't see Jacob anywhere.
"I'm home!" I called out.
"Oh, Hi Piper!", Olivia looked up from the couch. "Jake's in his bedroom doing his homework."
I briefly introduced Alex to Olivia. I just don't think I am ready or I'm not willing to share her when I just so recently acquired her.
"Would you like to stay for dinner?". I asked.
"Yeah" She said. "I would like that very much."
"Don't expect too much. It's only tacos."
"Taco sounds really good."
While I pull out the ingredients from the fridge, Alex is casually leaning against the counter and took in the kitchen.
From the refrigerator I pull out some lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers and a block of cheddar cheese and place them on the counter.
"Need a hand?" Alex offered and I gave her a skeptical look.
"Hey! Don't give me that look. I know my way round the kitchen. I make dinner every night".
"Oh yeah? What did you have last night?".
"Grilled chicken sandwich on a bun. With tomatoes".
"And the night before?"
"Grilled chicken sandwich on a bun. Without tomatoes".
I laughed.
"In that I consider myself an expert". She said and winked.
"Okay. Can you slice these please?
There's a bowl in the cupboard over there." I said and pointed behind her.
"Got it!"
Alex retrieved the bowl from the cupboard then she moved to the sink to wash her hands. She had put an apron and started slicing and dicing the onion, her movements quick and fluid. She followed that with tomatoes and green bell peppers. The knife danced steadily, the movements precise.
I was standing at the stove, browning the beef while I snuck glances at Alex as she worked. I was wondering how someone could look so pretty in an apron.
"Where's your son?" Alex asked
"He's probably in the shower. He should be down in a couple of minutes".
After slicing, Alex retrieved another bowl from the cupboard. She moves to the sink wash her hands and unwrap the block of cheese.
I added some packed taco seasoning and add water to the beef. Then I pulled another pot from under the stove. I need to make the salsa.
I poured a large can of tomato sauce, then added the onions and peppers. Stir them together and set the heat on medium.
When Alex was done with the cheese she rewrapped it and place it back in the fridge.
"What else?" She asked.
"Not much, I just have to shred some lettuce and that's it. Oh, and heat up the shells in the oven. I'll let the salsa and meat simmer for a bit".
Just then, Jacob came into the kitchen, oblivious to Alex's presence.
"Hey, mom!"
"Hi, sweetie. Did you have a good time at school?".
"Yes, we did some very cool science experiments".
"That is awesome!". I exclaimed while I ran a hand through his wet hair.
"Hey, I have somebody here I'd like you to meet". I said and nod behind him.
"Oh", He exclaimed and looked behind him to see who it was.
Alex smiled at him.
"Hi, my name is Alex."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jacob." He grinned. "You know how to play chess?" Jacob asked her.
"Hmmmm. Maybe not as good as you, but I know how to play."
"Do you want to play?"
"Sure!" Alex agreed.
"Hey, let's make dinner first." I interrupted. "We'll do that after dinner. You'll have to set the table first. And you'll only have a couple minutes. Dinner's almost ready." I instructed him.
"Okay." He said, turning around.
"Thank you."
He opened a drawer and grabbed three forks, followed by the plates.
"He's a great kid". Alex murmured.
"Yes he is". I said proudly
After everything was cooked, Alex helped me set the food on the table.
She was straightening the silverware and I was struck again by her natural beauty.
As soon as Jacob sat down, he started loading his tacos with seasoned ground beef.
As the evening wore on, the sunlight slanting through the window shifted and waned, dimming the kitchen. We finished eating, and after excusing himself, Jacob went to play in the living room . Alex helped me clean up the table, wrapping the leftovers and stacking plates and silverware in the dishwasher. In the living room I can hear Jacob's laughter.
As the night fell, I stood on the living room door watching Alex and Jacob in the back deck concentrate on the chessboard infront of them. What I love about the scene was that despite the concentration the game required, Alex and Jacob still manage to talk about school and Jake's friends and his cousins. Alex seemed genuinely interested.
Alex's natural shyness actually seemed to give Jacob room to express himself. It was clear to me that Alex is comfortable with who she is. She wasn't trying to impress Jacob or me by showing me how well she could get along with her.
It was obvious that Jacob liked spending time with Alex and I got the sense that Alex liked spending time with Jacob as well.
It was getting late and Jacob was getting tired and ready to call it quits. Alex followed us back inside the house. After saying goodnight to an exhausted Jacob, Alex turned to me and cleared her throat.
"I just want to thank you for a great evening, but I should probably be heading home." She said.
Despite the fact that it was half past ten, part of me didn't want her to go just yet.
"Do you need a ride?". I offered.
I can call Olivia back to watch Jacob for a bit while I drive you home."
"Thank you for the offer, but I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?".
"Positive". She nod.
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course ". Alex smiled genuinely and I can't help and appreciate her beauty one more time.
"All right, then..." Alex leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on my lips. Her lips pressed softly against mine.
What neither of us was prepared for was my response.
Blood boiled under my skin, burned in my lips. My breath came in a wild gasp. My fingers knotted in her hair, clutching her to me. My lips parted as I breathed in her sweet scent.
Immediately I felt her hands gently, but with irresponsible force pushed my face back. Her eyes were wild, her jaw clenched in restraint.
"I'm sorry," I murmured and disengaged myself.
"Don't be sorry, that's okay, but I told you we will take it slowly. So this is me keeping my word."
"Okay, fine." I said disapointed.
Alex laughed at my expression and lean down to kiss my cheek.
"Good night, Piper."
"Good night, Alex."
Once she was gone, I checked on Jacob and gave him a kiss on the cheek before going to my room. I replayed the evening as I was getting ready for bed. I paid attention to how often Alex would look in my direction and it pleased me.
Alex is different from any other person I have ever met before.
Of course she is different, I told myself.
After my shower I put on my pajamas and went to bed. But when I close my eyes, I keep thinking about how Alex's mouth would turn down slightly whenever she said something or how she laughed and the way her eyebrows knit together when she concentrate on a task. For a long time I tossed and turn, unable to sleep. Maybe Alex is awake too and thinking about me.
*
I would like to apologize to everyone for taking me so long to write another chapter. I hope you enjoy this and I promise to find the time to keep writing and posting regularly.
Take care everyone! Be safe out there