6
Johnny shook Derek's hand with a grin. The young lawyer had asked him to come in for a quick meeting.
"Alright Johnny, let's get down to business." He sat down across from Johnny, a serious look covering his face.
Johnny leaned back in the chair, his hands behind his head "Sure."
"Alexis has been… a little worried lately. She somehow has the impression that someone is out to get her." Derek tented his fingers "For arguments sake… I'm assuming she's on to something."
Johnny furrowed his brow. "Now that you mention it… she has been acting odd…"
"That's why I called you here. I want you to watch her."
"…I don't follow."
"I'd like you to be her… unofficial body guard."
Johnny slowly shook her head "She lives in a mansion full of body guards. I don't think you have anything to worry about."
"You're the only person I trust Johnny. For all I know, someone could be hired on the inside. I'm willing to pay you."
"I'm really honored that you think of me that way, but I don't think-"
"One million dollars."
Johnny's eyebrows perked up.
Derek grinned with a nod. "I knew that would get your attention."
He nodded slowly "Yeah. Alright."
"Good." Derek smiled. "The only thing I ask is that she not know about it. She'd be furious with me if she found out… and I don't want her to worry."
Johnny nodded "Of course."
Derek shook Johnny's hand. "Perfect."
---
Johnny led a petite brunette through the doors of a very high priced restaurant, slipping her fur coat off for her. The maitre d' welcomed them, checking the young ladies expensive coat before leading them through the dining room.
Johnny squinted through the dim lights at one table in particular before a frown over took his expression.
"What's wrong baby?" the brunette asked in a soft voice, running her hand across his chest.
"Nothing." Johnny said quickly, a smile instantly replacing the frown as he held her hand against his chest.
Derek stood up with a smile. "Hey Storm! Over here!"
Johnny smiled and waved, silently praying that the maitre d' wouldn't stop.
He did.
"That's a pretty nasty gash on your head there Mr. Storm. Some nasty bad guy give that to you?" Alex asked with a confident straight face.
"Nah. Just a bitter ex girlfriend. Not much different I guess eh?" He winked at Derek who laughed.
"Scoot over Alexis." Derek grinned "Look, we've got plenty of room at our booth. We'll make it a double date."
Johnny gritted his teeth through a grin. "Sure."
He slid in the booth after his date, the grin still on his face.
Derek introduced himself to Johnny's young date. She introduced herself as Dana.
Derek struck up conversation with Johnny instantly, going on about politics. Alex hated when he did that. That's all the man ever talked about.
Dinner came and went, Alex staying as silent as possible. A familiar song started playing through the speakers while Dana watched the couples swaying on the dance floor.
Derek shook his head "This whole craze with 80's music is beyond me. I hated it the first time around and I hate it now." He put his arm around Alex "Classical music. That's the only thing for us. That and Michael Bolton. Right?"
Dana giggled "Dance with me." She looked at Alex "If you don't mind."
Alex smiled, her eyes wide as she shrugged. Johnny could read her like a book. She couldn't care less.
"By all means!"
The two of them began dancing as the singer started crooning the lyrics.
Johnny looked at Alex. She was discretely mouthing them as she watched their dates dance.
"So. Michael Bolton? I didn't realize he did a version of this song. Bed of Roses?"
She pressed her lips together. "He believes what he wants to." She said with a shrug.
"Listen. I wanted to apologize… for earlier." She said quietly, avoiding eye contact.
He folded his hands on the table.
"It's just… been so long. I never thought I'd see you again and I guess I have a little bit anger." She shook her head "That cut. I'm so sorry."
"Don't worry about it." He leaned back in the booth, watching Dana flirt with the millionaire. "The chicks kinda dig it."
"Right. And um… sorry Derek ruined your date."
He frowned "Yeah."
"Don't worry Johnny. I'm sure you'll still get some." She said with the hint of a smile.
His jaw dropped open with a smile "The ice queen has a sense of humor still!"
She exchanged the same goofy stare with him before looking away with a laugh. "And flame boy has a death wish!"
Johnny smiled at her for a moment. It was nice to joke around with her.
"He certainly has a way with the ladies doesn't he?" he furrowed his brow, his eyes wandering back over to his date.
"Wouldn't have anything to do with his bulging wallet, would it?" Alexis stared at her glass of water, tracing circles in the condensation.
"You're not jealous."
Alex snorted, before catching herself. She sat up and looked at him in the eye "I know how Derek feels about me."
Johnny nodded. He didn't buy it. Alex had always been the jealous type.
"So what ever happened with that French chick I saw you with in all the magazines?" She shrugged. "Last I heard you were getting married."
Johnny grinned. "Don't believe everything you read in the magazines Ally cat. It was all a big publicity stunt. We were merely business partners…" He shrugged "with benefits."
She took a sip of water, her eyes moving back over to Derek who was whispering something into the brunettes' ear.
"I wouldn't expect you to understand that though." Johnny shook his head.
Alex choked on her water, placing the glass down as she began to cough violently.
Johnny stood up sliding around the booth next to her. "Are you alright?!"
She patted her chest, trying to breathe through her coughs.
"Put your hands up." Johnny said, lifting her arms as he rubbed her back.
Finally she gasped for breath as she nodded "I'm okay."
He smiled "Geeze. You scared me there."
"I think I swallowed an ice cube." She managed to say hoarsely as she stood. "Let Derek know I'm heading home… would you?"
"You're going alone?"
Alexis looked at Derek still on the dance floor with Johnny's date. "Yeah."
Johnny stood up. "I'll take you."
She shook her head but before she could protest, Johnny had already conveyed a silent message with Derek, letting him know that she was sick and going home. He waved and smiled sympathetically, blowing her a kiss.
Alexis waved him off as she scooted through the restaurant, Johnny following her closely, stopping her when they made it outside.
"Why are you doing this Johnny? Are you trying to make up for something?" Alex frowned, crossing her arms tightly.
"No. I'm just not going to let you go home alone." He opened the cab door for her allowing her to scoot in first.
She smiled as the cab driver pulled away "You know. You really can be a gentleman sometimes."
"Yeah. Don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my reputation."
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-Kinetically Charmed- xoxo