Two Steps Beyond
Part 49
Sebastian and Blaine ended up arriving at the restaurant just a few minutes before Lexi and Cooper. "I was really afraid we were going to be late Bas." Blaine said after adjusting his tie. "I can't believe we fell asleep."
"Me too, but thankfully we're not." Sebastian replied before fixing Blaine's tie. "But obviously we needed it."
"I just did that."
"And it was crooked. Why are you so nervous B? We're just having dinner with Lexi and Cooper."
"I just know how much he wanted it to just be them today."
"B, he invited us so it's not like we're imposing. I don't doubt they made the most of their day today."
"Bas."
"I didn't mean it that way; I'm just saying I'm sure they spent the whole day together. Though I'm sure that did occur."
"Don't you two look handsome?" They turned to see Lexi standing there with Cooper.
"Thank you sis. Happy Birthday!" Sebastian said before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "You look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you."
"Happy Birthday Lexi." Blaine said before giving her a hug and kiss. "And Bas is right, you look beautiful."
"Thank you. Amazing what happens when you get pampered all day long." An almost shy smile crept to Cooper's face as she spoke.
"I'm glad you two could make it." He said before giving them each a hug. "Have your friends gone?"
"Those that are leaving." Blaine replied. "Santana is staying."
"Good for her and good for Nick. I'm sure he's happy she's not leaving."
"He is." Sebastian replied. "So, how long do we have to wait?"
"They said our table is just about ready."
Just as they'd been told, it was only a few more minutes till they were being seated. Once they were settled, Cooper ordered a bottle of wine for him and Lexi while Blaine and Sebastian ordered their drinks. "So, I hear you boys are going to be gracing the pages of one of my favorite magazines once again." Lexi said to them.
"We are." Blaine replied. "And I don't know if Tasha told you, but the pictures we took with Coop are in the next issue."
"Great! I can't wait to see them after all the fun you three had taking them."
"Who did she get to take my place?"
"Hunter actually." Sebastian replied.
"Sorry baby, you're getting replaced by a younger model." Lexi told him before giving him a kiss on his cheek. "Must say, I like her choice though, Hunter's cute."
"She did tell us you still might join us." Blaine told him.
"I'm hoping that happens but who knows with the way things are going." Cooper replied before taking a sip of his wine.
"Everything okay Coop?" Blaine asked, since it was pretty obvious Cooper was a little frustrated.
"This might sound horrible considering this is all I've ever wanted, but this getting pulled in a hundred different directions sucks. I had to honestly put my foot down to not have to do anything today. With everything that's been going on all I wanted was to spend Lexi's birthday with her."
"Well, if you want, we can go." Blaine said, his eyes cast down towards the table.
"Blaine that's not what I meant. Shit." He mumbled so no one heard him. "I want the two of you here, honest. Look at me, Blaine." Once Blaine looked up across at Cooper he knew what Cooper was saying was true. Cooper's acting had greatly improved but he was horrible hiding his true emotion from those he cared about. "I want you guys here, celebrating with us. I just meant I wanted to be with Lexi and not running around doing interviews."
"He means it Blaine; he wanted you both here with us." Lexi told him.
"I've got an idea." Sebastian said with a big smile, while putting his arm around Blaine.
"Uh oh." Lexi replied.
"For once, you don't have to worry sis, honest."
"What's your idea Bas?" Blaine asked.
"Tell B how you two got together; I think he'd find the story entertaining."
"You don't know?" Lexi asked.
"No, when I got here before you two got married so much was going on that I never thought of asking Coop. So what do you say big brother, wanna tell me how you won the heart of someone so amazing?"
"I'm sure you'd rather hear it from Lexi's point of view Blaine. She's the better story teller."
"Nope, I want to hear it from you. I want to hear your version of things since Bas heard Lexi's."
"I'm sure hers is going to sound better."
"I don't care; I want to hear your side. All you ever told me was you met the most amazing woman. You never told me how or where."
"Alright, if you want to hear it, who am I to say no. Just know I won't feel offended if halfway through you ask Lexi to finish."
"Deal."
"Coop man, how again did you score us tickets to this premiere?" Jay asked after coming out of the shower of their small LA apartment.
"I told you, the receptionist at my agency has a crush on me. So I flirted my way into some invites for us. Basically anyone who's anyone is going to be there tonight. So, we're going to see a new flick and then at the after-party I'm going to work the room. Try and make some connections."
"That sounds great. You can work the room while I work the hot women."
"Dude, you need to check your libido or we're going to get kicked out before anything can happen."
"Fine, I'll behave. But you my friend need to be a bit more open to the ladies."
"Alright, I won't run if I get approached, but I'm rather sick of the girls I've been meeting. I honestly want to me someone who actually wants to get to know me."
"Coop."
"Yes."
"I think you're growing up, your Mom will be impressed after she gets over the shock." Cooper just shook his head before telling Jay to hurry up because he didn't want to be late. Upon arriving at the premiere it was everything he ever could've wished for, he just wished that he was the one walking the red carpet. "One day Coop, one day this will be for you."
"In my dreams man, in my dreams."
"Dreams can become reality you know." While Cooper and Jay entered the theatre from the opposite side they paid little attention to what was going on around the red carpet.
"Cassie, will you please tell me why I can't just go in and wait?" Lexi asked after Cassie came back from dealing with a reporter.
"That's because I need you to be a calming influence."
"You're one of the calmest people I know."
"Usually I am, but my client is a flake and probably entangled in one of the biggest scandals I've ever had to deal with."
"You'll do fine."
"I'd be fine if she just could keep her trap shut. Why can't she just follow my simple advice?"
"Because she's an idiot. But think, you get her through this your bosses are going to love you even more than they already do."
"I hope that's the case. But please, just stay close to me so I can have a sane person to deal with."
"Alright, I will. You know I can't say no to you or Tasha."
"And we can't say no to you. Just think, once this is over and the movie, we get to party."
"Lovely."
"Come on Lex it'll be fun. And maybe you can find someone to spark your interest."
"Does that really matter? If someone sparks my interest since you and Tasha haven't seemed to like anyone I've dated in the past few years."
"That's because none of them have been good enough for you. I'd love for you to find someone who can honestly make you smile. And someone who'll actually talk to you and not just try to get you in bed."
"And you think I'm going to find someone like that at a Hollywood party, cute."
"It can happen. One never knows who they'll meet at these things. Just promise me you won't go to the party with a closed mind."
"Fine."
Once the movie was over Lexi looked over at Cassie who was shaking her head as well. "Please tell me I wasn't the only one bored out of my mind."
"You weren't. I definitely need a drink after sitting through that mess." Lexi told her.
"Come now, it's a dazzling…"
"Please Cassie."
"Alright. How about you head over to the party and I'll meet you there. I need to make sure my client makes it there without making a scene." Lexi smiled and gave Cassie a hug before heading to the hotel next door.
"So, what did you think Coop?" Jay asked as they headed for the party.
"While the visuals were stunning, the rest practically put me to sleep. How can they call this an Oscar contender, seriously?"
"Because the old lady that was sitting next to me loved it and I'm sure she gets to vote."
Once Lexi arrived at the party she headed straight for the bar before making her way to the table Cassie had reserved for them. With a martini in hand she got comfortable and hoped that Cassie would be there soon. This was one of the times she was glad that she wrote under an alias, so that she didn't have to attend parties like these. All anyone was doing was networking and discussing the brilliance of the atrocity they just watched.
As she waited for Cassie, she lost track of the amount of men that approached her asking if she was in the business. By the time Cassie arrived Lexi handed her a glass of wine. "That bad, huh?"
"She's an idiot. For someone trying to be "Miss pure and innocent", she should really wear freaking panties under her dress." Lexi couldn't help but laugh. Judging from Cassie's reaction she found out this bit of news thanks to the paparazzi. "At least she promised not to run-off and have sex during the party. Though it would be easy access for whoever the poor soul is, ugh!"
"For now."
"That's not funny. I feel like a fucking babysitter."
"You sure don't get paid like one."
"True, but I don't get paid enough to deal with her bullshit. She needs a fucking handler."
"Such a potty mouth tonight."
"Well." Cassie said before finishing off her glass of wine. "If it makes you feel better, I'll rant in French from now on."
"Much, you'll sound classier."
Meanwhile across the room Jay and Cooper were standing at one of the cocktail tables. "How's your night going Coop?"
"Good enough. Though, this party is almost as lame as the film."
"True, but there are quite a few good-looking ladies around."
"Here's a hint, stay away from actresses."
"Why?"
"They'll run as soon as they find out you're not a director, producer, or casting agent."
"Ouch."
"Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go check out the rest of the room."
"Remember Coop what we talked about."
"I will. If someone catches my eye you'll be the second to know."
"Why the second?"
"She'll be the first." Cooper said with a wink before grabbing his drink and making his way through the crowd.
"Cassie, please don't leave me. The guys are getting creepier the later it gets."
"I'll be back soon, I promise."
No sooner did Cassie leave did Lexi have another guy come up and hit on her. The problem this time around though was since it was later in the night he clearly had too much to drink. As he towered over her all she could do was pray that Cassie would be back soon because this guy didn't want to take no for an answer.
Just as Cooper made his way to the other side he couldn't help but notice a beautiful brunette practically cowering in the corner at her table. From what he could see the man in front of her wasn't with her and she clearly wanted him to go away. So after setting his glass on a nearby table he made his way towards her. "I'm sorry it took me so long to return." Upon the sound of his voice Lexi looked up and was met by the most stunning pair of blue eyes she'd ever seen. There was something so soft and innocent about his eyes that Lexi's facial expression softened and she moved her clutch that was sitting next to her.
"That's quite alright." She replied.
"Who are you?"
"Her date." Cooper replied. "So, it's about time you leave."
"I haven't seen you with her all night."
"Well, I'm here now." When it became clear the man wasn't going to leave Cooper took ahold of Lexi's hand. "Care to dance?"
"I'd love too." She then grabbed ahold of her clutch and let Cooper lead her onto the dance floor. Once they began to dance Lexi looked up at him. "Thank you."
"You're quite welcome. I'm Cooper by the way."
"Alexis."
"Well Alexis, your admirer doesn't look too happy." Cooper said before spinning them around.
"I'm glad, he was a creep. So Cooper, what brings you here tonight? Were you in the film?"
"Trying to make a few connections. And safely I can tell you, no I wasn't."
"You didn't like it either?"
"No, you?"
"I was bored senseless."
"What brings you here since this doesn't seem like your scene?"
"A friend of mine, she's working."
"Waitress, actress?"
"Public relations for one of the actresses from the movie, she's a publicist."
"Ah, so she either makes you look good or cleans up your mess."
"Basically."
"And what do you do Alexis?"
"I'm an author."
"Nice."
They were still talking when the music changed to something a bit more upbeat so they made their way back to the table. "As nice as it was of you to help me Cooper, you don't have to stay around if you don't want to. I'm sure Cassie will be back soon."
"Well, I want to if you don't mind." Cooper replied once they were seated. Just then a waitress appeared asking if they wanted something to drink. Cooper turned to Lexi and let her place her order before ordering a drink as well. While they sat and talked, they didn't realize they had an audience over near the bar, both Cassie and Jay were looking on.
"Cass, is that you?" Jay asked as he walked around the corner of the bar hoping to get a better view of what was going on with Cooper.
"Hey, how are you? Long time no see." She said after giving him a hug.
"No kidding. So what's going on with you?"
"I'm working. What about you?"
"I came with my friend/roommate."
"Well, I'd say we could all go do something once this is over but my friend who I brought with me is a bit occupied at the moment."
"No worries, he is as well." There was something about the tone they each used that both of their gazes went back over to the corner table. "Is that your friend?" Jay asked pointing at Lexi.
"That yours?" Jay just nodded. "Well, talk about a strange occurrence. Now I need to ask you, is he a jerk because if he is I'm getting her out of there like, now."
"Actually Coop is a pretty cool guy. I'm actually surprised to see him sitting with her."
"Why, is he gay?"
"No, he's just…he's put dating on the back burner. He's really trying to get his career going." Cassie looked over at Lexi and Cooper again.
"Wait, I've seen him before. Doesn't he do those credit rating commercials?"
"He does. Right now it's something to pay the bills till he gets his foot in the door."
"He's actually better looking in person which is rather hard to believe."
"What about your friend, she's not some mindless flake, is she?"
"Hell no. She's probably one of the smartest women I know, also one of the sweetest." While Cassie and Jay talked they were surprised when both of their phones ended up going off within a few moments of each other. "No way."
"If yours says what mine does, yes way. They're leaving. This is SO unlike Cooper."
"The same can be said for Lexi, wow." Jay then watched as Cassie started texting away. "What are you doing?"
"I'm texting Tasha because she won't believe this." After she was done, she managed to snap a picture of the two of them walking out of the party hand in hand.
After helping Lexi into his car, Cooper got in. "And where would you like to go my lady?"
"How about the beach?"
"The beach it is." Cooper said after fastening his seatbelt. He took a deep breath before glancing over at the beautiful woman sitting next to him. She was everything he could've ever hoped for but had resigned himself to not finding. By the time they arrived at the beach and parked he looked over at her. "Would you like to take a walk?" Cooper couldn't believe he said it once it left his mouth, but it was an absolutely beautiful night and a walk on the beach, under the stars couldn't have fit the moment better.
"That sounds wonderful but there might be one problem." Lexi said after unfastening her seatbelt and turning to face Cooper a bit more. "I don't think my heels and the boardwalk down to the beach are going to like each other."
"What do you say to me carrying you?"
"That's one way to sweep a lady off her feet." Lexi said with a smile that just drew Cooper in even more.
"Technically, it's all about saving your heels." Cooper said smiling probably wider than he realized.
"You're cute, you know that."
"You really want cute, you should meet my little brother. He's cute."
"Awww, that's sweet to hear you talk about him like that. Most guys don't feel that way about their little brothers."
"What can I say, mine's pretty special. Do you have any siblings?"
"A brother who I can honestly say I adore." There was something about that moment that Cooper wanted to lean in and kiss her, but he didn't want to ruin the moment. "So, are we going to take that walk?" Lexi's words shook him out of his daze and he quickly got out of the car and walked to her side.
"You might just want to leave your heels in the car. They won't be much help on the beach."
"True." Lexi then leaned over and undid her heels before turning in her seat. She was about to get up, but Cooper bent down and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he picked her up. "Thank you."
"Can't have you walking on a dirty parking lot." As they made their way down to the beach they talked the entire way. For two people that had met only a couple hours prior they were completely at ease with one another. Once they reached the beach, Cooper set Lexi down and he took off his shoes and socks. Then with his shoes in one hand and her hand in his other they started to walk.
There was something so soothing about listening to the waves crashing as they talked and felt the soft sand beneath their feet. They'd gotten so caught up in their conversation that they didn't realize they'd drifted closer to the water. It wasn't till Lexi giggled when the water brushed across her feet did they stop and see just where they were. They'd probably walked at least two miles by this point. "We should probably start heading back the other way."
"Probably." Cooper replied. They'd just started on their way back when he swept her up into his arms as a larger wave came rolling to shore, soaking Cooper's pants up to his knees. "You okay?" He asked when he looked down and saw the surprised look on her face.
"I'm fine, thanks to you."
"I couldn't let your dress get ruined." Lexi instinctively reached up and brushed some of his hair off his forehead that had fallen from his earlier perfectly styled hair. "Thanks." He replied after she did it with a soft smile. When he slowly set her back down after he'd moved them from the water line Lexi took ahold of his hand again. While they walked Cooper couldn't stop himself from looking at her and looking how right her small hand fit in his. Every once in a while they'd catch the other looking and they'd both just smile a bit more. When they reached the walkway back to the parking lot they just stopped and looked at each other. "What would you like to do now Lexi?" For all the times he'd been around someone and dated, this was the first time Cooper truly felt nervous.
"Do I have options?"
"Well, considering the sun will be coming up in about an hour we could stay here and watch it come up or I could take you home? I'm sure your friend is worried about you."
"I vote for watching the sun rise. Cassie will be alright." Cooper smiled and took off his jacket and wrapped it around her after noticing that she seemed to be getting a chill. Once she had his jacked on, which engulfed her, he sat down on the sand before helping her down as well. While the talked, Cooper wrapped his arm around her and she moved even closer, till she was snug against him.
By the time the sun came up neither of them really wanted to leave, but they knew they needed to. "I just want to thank you for a wonderful night Cooper. It definitely wasn't the night I imagined it was going to be, but I liked it better than what it was supposed to be."
"I had a wonderful time too, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend a night either." Just then Cooper saw Lexi yawn. "And it looks like I need to get you home."
"That's probably a good idea, though I'd rather not."
"Me either but there is nothing stopping us from seeing each other again. That is if you want to see me again." Lexi then leaned in closer and kissed him. Cooper was so surprised by it that it took him a moment to respond. But once he did, it turned into quite a kiss though there was nothing rushed about it. It was rather soft and tender. By the time it broke they just looked at each other.
"Is that answer enough for you Coop?"
"Absolutely. So, where am I taking you?"
"The Beverly Hills Hilton."
"The Hilton?" Lexi just sighed at his reaction. After everything they'd talked about it never came up that she lived in New York.
"Yes, the Hilton. I don't live out here."
"Where do you live?"
"Manhattan." Cooper closed his eyes and leaned his head back. For the first time that he could remember he was honestly falling for someone, yet she lived over three thousand miles away. "It's alright, I get it." Lexi said while getting up off the sand. Before she could even take a step, Cooper was on his feet and had taken a hold of her hand.
"Where are you going?"
"Cooper, it's pretty clear from your reaction the fact that I live across the country isn't working in our favor."
"I'm sorry; you just surprised me, that's all. The fact that you live in Manhattan doesn't bother me."
"Really?"
"Okay, maybe it bothers me a little, but I'm willing to give whatever this is happening between us a try. Are you?"
"I am. If it makes you feel any better I don't go back for a few more days."
"It does actually. So, why don't we make the best of the time we have and go from there?"
"I'd like that." After she answered Cooper wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. When she looked up at him, he just leaned down and kissed her again.
When they finally arrived back at her hotel, they exchanged numbers and Cooper told her he'd call her after he got some sleep and they could figure out what they were going to do that night. Then after one last kiss Lexi headed inside. Lexi was in such a dream state that she didn't even see Cassie standing in the lobby till she was standing right in front of her. "Alexis Smythe, just where the hell were you all night?"
"I was with Cooper."
"You were with Cooper, all night?"
"Yes."
"And just where were you?"
"We went to the beach."
"You're kidding?"
"No, I'm not. We walked on the beach and talked. Then we sat and waited for the sun to come up. And before you jump to conclusions, he was a perfect gentleman."
"Really?"
"Yes." Cassie just looked at her best friend and couldn't stop from smiling herself. "What?"
"You're absolutely beaming. I've never seen you like this before. Now, not to be a mood breaker, but what's going to happen when you go home?"
"We said we'd figure it out Cassie."
"You really like him, don't you?"
"I do which is crazy considering I just met him."
Cooper ended up having a very similar conversation with Jay when he finally got home. And like Cassie, Jay couldn't believe what he was seeing. But the next few days proved that it wasn't just simple infatuation. Lexi and Cooper were happier than either of their friends could ever remember seeing them. When it came time for Lexi to go back to New York, they seemed to sit in Cooper's car for what seemed like forever. "You promise to call and let me know you arrive, right?"
"I promise." Lexi replied before wiping a tear from her eye. "But I should probably get going, don't want to miss my flight." Cooper then leaned in and placed a hand on her cheek before kissing her gently. Through that kiss, so many words were said without saying a thing. When it finally ended, Cooper brushed a strand of her hair off of her face.
"So, I'll talk to you in about six hours give or take, right?"
"Right." Then after one more kiss Lexi headed inside.
Then just as Lexi promised, she called as soon as she was able too. Normally she would've waited till she got home to call anymore, but after all the time they spent together she missed him. Throughout the flight home while trying to work on the newest chapter of her book her mind kept drifting to him. Cooper Anderson was completely monopolizing her thoughts. Timing couldn't have been better since Cooper needed to go to an audition just as Lexi was arriving home and found Tasha waiting for her.
"Coop, I need to ask you something." Jay asked as they waited outside for Cooper to be called into his audition.
"What?"
"How was it? I'm guessing it was pretty amazing considering all the time you spent with her."
"Huh?" Cooper replied while glancing over his lines.
"Coop, the sex, how was it?"
"I don't know."
"How do you not know?" Cooper looked at Jay who was obviously frustrated by Cooper's response. "You've spent the last week with a beautiful woman who has you completely mesmerized."
"Jay, I don't know because we didn't have sex."
"You didn't?"
"No."
"Did she not want to?"
"I didn't try so I don't know. This thing between Lexi and I is more than that. Sex will happen, when it happens." But before Jay had a chance to pry any further, Cooper headed into his audition.
For the next three weeks Tasha laughed constantly because every time she saw Lexi she was on the phone with Cooper. "For a guy you've yet to sleep with you two are inseparable."
"Tasha, we are separated, by three thousand miles."
"Yes, but you two talk constantly. Why don't you just get your butt on a plane and go see him. And I want a picture. It's not fair that Cassie knows what he looks like. All I saw was a profile, but from that you've done real well."
"Thanks. And I want to, but…"
"He doesn't know you're loaded, does he?"
"No."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"When it's right."
"Lexi, he seems to honestly adore you for you. You being loaded will just be an added bonus."
"Thanks."
"You know I didn't mean it like that, but come on. Go see him. Lex, I've known you for almost eight years and I've never seen you like this. Don't deny yourself this chance." Lexi just looked at Tasha, before sighing. Tasha knew that reaction too well. "Great! Go pack and I'll book you a flight."
And from that moment everything started to fall into place. Cooper was absolutely shocked to see Lexi at his door and just pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The time they'd spent apart definitely made the heart grow fonder. As tempting as it was to just fall into bed, it didn't happen. He just held her in his arms, etching the feeling into his memory. Then before heading out to eat, Cooper got the call he'd been waiting for, he had nailed his audition the day Lexi left, he got his first movie role.
Before Lexi headed back to New York this time, things had definitely changed between them. They realized they needed to see each other at least once a month whether that was Lexi flying out to see him or him coming to see her. That feeling just got stronger, once they finally slept together. For the next couple of months, they made their trips and constantly talked on the phone or over the computer. But things took an even better turn for them once Cooper got a movie that was going to be shooting in Manhattan.
During the month Cooper spent in Manhattan, he'd barely been there a week when he checked out of his hotel and went to stay with Lexi. It was during that time they exchanged their first I love yous and also came to the conclusion that the once a month trips cross country weren't going to be enough. They went through lots of different scenarios but before they made a decision Cooper decided to call his agent to see what the pros and cons would be if he stayed in New York. He was rather happy when he was told that as long as he could make it to LA at least one week a month it shouldn't be a problem. Also, that he'd put him in contact with the agencies New York office so they could get things going on that end.
Cooper then headed back to LA once he was done filming and started packing up his things. At first he thought Jay would be upset, but he was happy that Cooper was following his heart. Normally one might see it as foolish, but Jay knew this wasn't some passing moment. His best friend was in love and he was certain this was it. He knew Cooper was going to marry Lexi.