Author's Note: Protip: Don't take vacation, move, and start a new job all within a three week time period. It's just a bit stressful :)
Anyway...on with our story. You all have been great, so I wanted to get a chapter up. Plus, I'm tired of packing.
"That Cezanne exhibit really was spectacular," Olivia remarked as she and Alex waited at the edge of the sidewalk for a taxi.
Alex nodded. "Totally. You can really see his versatility and progression when viewing his works in a comprehensive collection. He was such an important influence on 20th century art."
"I'm glad we did this, Alex. It's not something I'd normally do, but it was so much fun."
"I'm happy you enjoyed it," Alex said.
Olivia spotted an empty cab and successfully hailed it. The two women got in the backseat and Olivia gave the cabbie Alex's address.
"You know," Olivia began, "I wish Cezanne had influenced more artists. Calling some of those pieces 'art' is really a stretch. Maybe I'm just too uncultured, but seriously...some of those works look like my kindergarten fingerpaintings."
"I don't think you're uncultured at all. Art is incredibly diverse, and conceptual pieces can be interesting, but I honestly believe that a lot of those modern artists are full of it," Alex responded.
"That's a relief! I thought I was the only one who thought that," Olivia said.
"Definitely not. So, Liv, what was your favorite piece?"
"No contest, 'The Starry Night'. I mean, you see photos of it all the time, but they don't do it justice. Van Gogh's brushwork was so intense, and this may sound weird, but I could feel his passion and struggle radiate from the canvas. It was breathtaking."
"It is a beautiful painting," Alex agreed.
"What about yours?" Olivia asked.
"That's a tough one. I loved the Cezanne works, obviously, but I keep going back to 'The Persistence of Memory'. I can't explain why, but I love it."
"I understand. It speaks to you," Olivia stated. "It's an innovative piece, that's for sure."
The cab pulled up to Alex's building. Olivia insisted on paying, and soon they were back in Alex's apartment. Olivia made herself comfortable on the couch while Alex sat on her recliner.
"I wish this weekend wasn't ending. I had such a great time with you, Al. But I think you're tired of seeing me in these same clothes, so I'll head home in a few."
"Liv, this is only the beginning. We'll have plenty more weekends." Alex leaned forward. "I hope you don't get offended, but I have to ask you something. Are you sure you'll be ok at home? I know you want to stop drinking, but do you think you'll be able to resist it when you're alone?"
Olivia loudly exhaled. She wanted to reassure Alex; to let her believe that everything would be fine. But Olivia couldn't bring herself to lie to Alex. "That's a fair question. Honestly...I don't know. I wish I could guarantee that I won't drink, but I can't. I know that's not the answer you wanted to hear, but I want to be completely truthful with you."
Alex sighed. "Well...I do appreciate your honesty. I wish your answer was different, but we have to deal with reality. So maybe a better question is...how can I help prevent you from drinking? I mean, would staying here help? I could hold you accountable and make sure you don't have access to alcohol."
Olivia rose from the couch and wrapped her arms around Alex's shoulders from the back. She gave Alex a quick kiss on the cheek.
"You're amazing. And so sweet. But we agreed to take it slow, and I don't want to overstay my welcome. You can't be around me 24/7. Not that I wouldn't love that, but we both know it's impossible. I need to take responsibility for my actions, and I have to control myself."
"But there has to be something I can do, Liv. How about this: if you feel the urge to drink tonight, please call me. Even if it's the middle of the night."
"Ok, Alex. I can call you." Olivia carefully chose those words. She didn't want to promise anything, since she wasn't confident that she could keep her promise.
"Thanks, Liv." Alex felt better knowing that she'd given Olivia an alternative to drinking.
"On that note, I'm going to head out."
Alex walked Olivia to the door. "Have a great night, Liv. And remember, you can always call me."
Olivia smiled. "I know." They gave each other goodbye kisses, then Olivia left.
Alex locked the door behind her, then grabbed her laptop from the desk. She sank into the couch and fired up Google. Alex typed "alcoholism" into the search box. Alex wasn't even sure if Olivia could be classified as an alcoholic, but she wanted to get any information that might help.
Olivia came up from the subway and began her walk home. She knew every inch of this path, and she knew exactly where Empire Spirits was. She'd been in there so often lately that the staff knew her by name. Olivia stopped in front of the store and peered inside. It was still early enough to buy something.
"Liv, what the hell are you thinking? You are not drinking tonight," Olivia scolded herself.
Not thirty minutes ago, she'd told Alex that she would call if she felt the urge to drink. Olivia pulled out her phone, but paused before dialing. "She's going to think there's something seriously wrong with me if I call her so soon. I can do this. Just walk away, Liv, come on."
Olivia stood by the entrance trying to decide what to do. Every cell in her body was coaxing her into the store. Her mind continued to debate itself.
"Maybe I can just buy a six-pack. That's nothing."
"But 'no alcohol' means 'no alcohol'. Beer does have alcohol."
"It's just beer. It won't affect me as much."
"If I drink tonight, Alex will be so disappointed. I would feel like a jerk if I did that to her."
"Alex will forgive me. How many times did I forgive mom? And she won't find out unless I do something stupid."
"I'd still feel awful hiding this from her."
"Am I really going back and forth on this?"
"Yes, and that probably means that I should stay away from booze."
Olivia stepped away from the entrance and quickly walked to her building. Once she was inside her apartment, Olivia called Alex.
Alex answered on the first ring. "Hey Liv. Are you ok?"
"Yep, I'm fine. I just got home and wanted to hear your voice. We've been separated for over 45 minutes." Olivia avoided mentioning her dilemma outside of the liquor store.
Alex laughed. "I miss you too. I'm so lonely without you here. I wish we were cuddling right now. Great, I'm turning into a sappy lovebird. I'm making myself sick."
"It's cute though," Olivia said.
"I have a reputation to uphold, you know. Cute doesn't jive well with 'heartless bitch'.
"Oh please, Alex, you're one of the kindest and sincere people I know." Olivia paused before speaking again. "Thanks again, for everything. I'm going to do my absolute best to stay away from alcohol."
"I'm glad to hear it, Liv. I'm sure it will be difficult, and there may be some rough patches, but I know you can do this."
"Yeah, it won't be easy. But I have you, and with your support, I know I can beat this."
"Excellent. So, do you need any warrants tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure, Alex. Why?"
"Because it gives me an excuse to see you."
Olivia smiled. "I'll see what I can do. But right now, there are only two things on my mind. You and sleep."
"Sleep sounds perfect right now. I'll let you go, but really, call me if you need to."
"I will. Sweet dreams, Alex."
"You too, Liv."
They hung up and Olivia changed into her pajamas. She crawled into bed and thought about the weekend. "How did I get so lucky?" she wondered.