Alex awoke the next morning to the sounds of Steven, Karen's husband, coming home. She stretched. "Time to go home," she said to herself. Karen had already taken Julia out of the room. She chuckled, "I have the best sister." It was roughly ten A.M. and Alex was far more than appreciative that Karen let her sleep in. She went straight to the shower, her mind drifting to the previous night. She wasn't allowed to drift for long though.
"Everything! Tell me everything!" Karen had come into the bathroom far giddier than one should be in the morning – no matter how long they've been up.
"Uh, I'm kind of busy in here."
"And you can't go anywhere," Karen laughed. "Spill it."
"We had a nice time."
"Blah blah blah – was there kissing?"
Alex laughed. "How old are you, Karen?"
"Humor me – please."
"Yes!" Alex shouted over the water. "There was kissing, there was body contact – then both of us freaked a little…well, O.K., I think it was more me…"
"And?"
"And he said that we'd take it slow." Alex turned off the water. "Hand me a towel?" Karen passed a towel over the shower door.
"So do we like him?"
Alex came out of the shower, her towel wrapped around her. "Well, I like him…a lot." Alex was smiling widely. Her face then changed.
"Uh oh," Karen said. "There's a but."
"Isn't there always?"
"O.K., what tiny detail about him bugs you, hm?"
Alex left the bathroom and returned to her temporary bedroom. "Nothing."
Karen cocked an eyebrow. "Uh, what?"
"There's nothing about him – so far – that I don't like."
"Sis, where's the problem?"
"Here," Alex said, looking at her wedding ring.
"Oh, Alex." Karen sat on the bed, then patted the mattress. Alex sat next to her. "Sweetie, it's been a while and you haven't tried to see anyone until now."
"I know. Why now? Why him?"
Karen shook her head. "You can't start thinking like that, Alex. You can't analyze it, just go with it."
"I just…I can't help but wonder…"
"Don't wonder."
Alex put her head in her hands. "It's not like I haven't been asked out since Tristan…but I never accepted. Why Mort?"
"You like the name?" Karen laughed.
"Come on, Karen."
"Sorry," Karen said, composing herself. "Have you thought that maybe…it's just time? That you're finally ready?"
"I really don't know if I am. I mean, the physical aspect…it's been a long time and it's really really enticing, especially with someone that looks like him…"
"He is really…"
Alex shook her finger. "Bad married woman!" she playfully reprimanded. She sighed. "I just got too comfortable with him too fast. I'm not sure I can do this."
"Alex!" Karen was practically whining.
"I just think it would be easier if I opened up the newspaper and saw that he was arrested for something and didn't have to think about it."
"Bite your tongue. He seems like a great guy – don't run away from this. He even took to Julia."
"How am I going to know if things are…right?"
Karen smiled. "It has been a long time, hasn't it?" Alex nodded. "You'll start to remember. Trust me, you'll know."
***
Author's Note: I know these chaps have been short – but I've already written a "big point" to the story and now have to work my way towards it – It's coming soon, I promise! Thanks for all for the reviews so far! You guys rock! Pleas continue to let me know what you think!
