Without Hate Chapter 7
Alexis Davis never expected to have a new found friend in Carly Benson. Yet, though they'd only been roommates for a couple of weeks, they'd gotten along pretty well. Carly had a sense of adventure Alexis had come to admire. She pushed Alexis to try things she never before considered.
Carly on the other hand respected Alexis's strength and intelligence, but most of all she admired her class. It was clear that Alexis commanded the attention of the entire courtroom when she entered. More than that, she gained the attention of men, powerful men. Carly might have found she was envious if Alexis had even the slightest clue about her own attractiveness.
Carly noticed Alexis seemed a little down over the last couple days, so she suggested they go shopping. Alexis did her best to talk Carly into something a bit more classic than she was used to wearing. Carly, on the other hand tried to talk Alexis into wearing clothes that showed off her curves. And after a few of Carly's choices, both women were surprised at just how vicious Alexis's curves were.
As they entered their Penthouse, the two women collapsed on the sofa. Alexis sighed, "I actually had a good time."
"I can't wait to see you in that little black dress. You're going to look great."
"I can't wear that in public." Alexis blushed as her mind pictured the nearly painted on black halter dress she let Carly pick out for her. "But thanks for today. It felt good to get away for awhile."
(./convergence_08/perfect-little-black-dress)
"I have an idea." Carly sat up straight as she thought of Sonny's reaction to Alexis in that dress. While it was true she'd promised Jason she wouldn't engage in any matchmaking, it didn't hurt for Sonny to see what he was missing. "Let's go out for a girls' night out; just the two of us."
"I don't know Carly, I'm exhausted."
"So take a nap. I've got to get you out in that dress, before you lose your nerve. We can go to Luke's. I'll go make sure Jason can keep Michael."
Before Alexis could object, Carly was out of the door and across the hall. And while she was completely aware that Jason was picking Michael up from Bobbie's, she landed next door anyway.
As usual, Sonny was gruff when he saw her. "What do you want Carly?"
"I'm looking for Jase." She looked at him, wondering what Alexis could possibly see in him. "I need him to watch Michael tonight. Alexis and I are going out for a girls' night. You should see the dress I got her to buy: hugs every single curve, perfectly." She noticed the interest sparking in Sonny's eyes and continued on, "Uncle Luke will have to fight the men off."
Sonny's mind pictured at least ten possible dresses on Alexis; each one more revealing than the previous. Then he pictured her unwanted suitors, one of whom was Carly's 'Uncle Luke." "I gotta be at the club tonight. Why don't I give the two of you a ride?"
"Sure, if you want. Stop by at 7. But Sonny, this is a girls' night out. You drop us off and that's it."
"Of course." Sonny agreed without meaning it.
Carly returned to the Penthouse and allowed Alexis to nap for 90 minutes before she had her up and showering. After a half hour of convincing Alexis agreed to allow her hair to fall into its natural curl.
Carly slipped into something red and tight. She made a half-hearted effort to get ready. At 6:58, the doorbell rang. Jason held a very happy, gurgling baby Michael. Sonny, who had been standing behind him, greeted her dryly. Though she hated to admit it, Sonny looked handsome. He wore a black suit with a black, collared shirt. His skin, darkened from the summer sun was absolutely flawless.
The click of Alexis's heels could be heard as she ascended the steps. Carly nudged Jason in the ribs and whispered, "Follow my lead."
Jason returned the whisper, a bit louder, "Carly! I thought we agreed."
As soon as Alexis hit the bottom of the stairs, Sonny was done for. Sweat moistened his palms and his eyes widened.
Alexis's effect on him was not lost on Carly. Now was the time for the plan she'd formulated the moment she saw Alexis in that dress. As Alexis approached, Carly turned toward Jason, "Jase, I think Michael has a fever."
"Huh?" Jason found himself unable to focus, until he felt a swift poke in the ribs. "I, I guess I didn't realize it." He pushed out a breath. "Alexis, you look great."
"Thanks," she blushed.
"Alexis," Sonny made no effort to hide his approval of her appearance, "I've always thought you were an amazing woman, but you look absolutely incredible."
"Thanks Sonny." Her voice was soft.
"Too bad we can't go anywhere, Michael's got a fever." Carly crossed her fingers behind her back.
Alexis instinctively moved toward Michael in an effort to touch his forehead. Carly quickly shifted the baby away from her.
"Oh well," Alexis turned to retreat toward the stairs. "Guess I wasn't meant to wear this after all."
On instinct, Sonny caught her wrist. "Wait."
She wondered how the big, bad mobster had baby-soft hands. "Yes."
"I'll take you out." He eyed her in an obvious manner. "You look way too beautiful to keep locked inside."
"I don't know, Sonny. You are my client. We probably shouldn't..."
"We're just a couple of friends having a good time." Sonny smiled a dimpled smile that implied he was lying. He punctuated his sentence with a mischievous wink. "Besides, I'll be on my best behavior. I promise."
Sonny extended his hand which Alexis grudgingly accepted.
Against her better judgment, fifteen minutes later, she found herself in the backseat of Sonny's limo. She made certain she kept her distance, which wasn't lost on Sonny.
"Alexis, I'm not going to bite...unless you want me too." He chuckled.
Alexis shot him a dirty look then scooted a little closer to him on the seat.
"Seriously, just relax. We're friends. That's not going to change just because you got on a heart stopping dress." It would take more than a dress to change the nature of their relationship. Sonny knew he was going to have to convince her he was the man of her dreams, which given his line of work was going to be difficult
Relaxing was easier said than done with Sonny smelling so good. After fifteen minutes of pure torture they arrived at what looked like an abandoned warehouse. Alexis was suddenly very curious. "Where are we?"
"The No Name."
Despite her misgivings Alexis followed him inside. Much to her surprise, behind the facade was a restaurant with gorgeous interior. Men from the wrong side of the law decorated by young women in spandex filled the tables. A handsome maƮtre d' greeted them warmly and led them to their table.
"Why is everyone staring at me?" Alexis whispered to Sonny.
"Because you're the most beautiful woman in the room." Sonny meant what he'd said. No doubt, she was the smartest and the funniest, but she wouldn't believe him if he told her.
The presentation of their dinner was comparable to any five-star restaurant Alexis had ever visited. And the food melted in her mouth. "This is the best meal I've ever tasted."
"Just wait until I make you dinner."
"You cook this well?"
"'Lexis, I do everything well." Sonny grinned. "I can't wait to show you some of my other skills."
"You are shameless." They chuckled in unison.
Although Sonny was a notorious flirt, Alexis had to admit she enjoyed the attention. Since her breakup with Ned, she'd been preoccupied. As much as she hated to admit it Sonny, Carly and Jason had been a welcome distraction. Tonight, she even managed to feel beautiful.
At the conclusion of their meal, Sonny led her to a small dance floor in front of a five-member band. With a nod he managed to signal to the bandleader he'd like to hear a salsa number. After a few steps, Alexis could tell dancing was just another thing he did well. And she could also tell he was surprised she could keep up.
Once again, Sonny signaled to the bandleader and the music became slow and dreamy. Before she could blink, Sonny had her wrapped in his arms where he held her tightly. They began to sway to the music.
Alexis almost let herself give in and enjoy the moment. Almost. "Sonny, I think I should get home. I'm a little tired."
Sonny could tell something was wrong. For starters, Alexis was quiet. On the way back to the Penthouse, he asked "Are you okay?"
She simply nodded.
He walked her to her door. Something had her worried and as a result, he was worried, too. A survivor himself, he knew not to push. "How about a good night hug?"
"I'd like that." She rested in his warm embrace. Before he left, he kissed her forehead and stroked her hair.
She entered her Penthouse. To her surprise, Carly was waiting up for her.
"Carly, I know you faked Michael's fever so I'd have to go out with Sonny alone. But I implore you to stop. Nothing can happen between us."
"And I know why." Carly had stumbled across some unexpected information that evening. She pulled an unopened pregnancy test from behind her back.
"Carly, you have to pretend you didn't see that. If you say a word to anyone, it could ruin everything. Promise me, please." Tears the size of raindrops began to stream down Alexis's face. Her body shook involuntarily.
"Alexis, calm down." Carly moved to the sofa and gestured for Alexis to join her. Alexis was the strongest woman she knew and yet her reaction seemed extreme, even for Alexis. "Alexis, if you're pregnant, you don't have to stay with Ned. I'm sure Jason and Sonny can find enough on him to keep him away from you."
Without intending to she blurted, "Carly, if I'm pregnant; Ned is not the father."
