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"Let me go get changed." Alexis said as we walked through the front door of the loft. "The paper is on the kitchen counter or you can watch TV. I'll be right back." She said walking the up the staircase.
"Take your time."
I walked into the kitchen and grabbed the paper off the counter, settling down on the couch. I barely got past the second page when she came rushing down the stairs in jeans and a tan sweater, a brown jacket slung over her shoulder.
"That was quick." I said looking at my watch.
"All I had to do was change, I took a shower at your apartment." She said putting the jacket over shoulders, then fished a tan knit cap out of her pocket. She carefully put it on her head, being mindful of her hair. "I didn't put any make-up either, so that's why it didn't take as long."
"You don't need make-up anyway. I like you au natural." I said kissing her cheek.
"I'm sure you do." She said rolling her eyes. "So what are we doing today?"
"I have meetings this morning with my realtor. He's showing me a couple of apartment buildings on the Upper East Side. I actually wanted you to come with me."
"Why?" She said opening the door to the loft.
"Well, you are going to be spending a lot of time there. I want you to like it." I said walking to the elevator.
"Are you asking me to move in with you?"
"It's up to you. I want you too. I mean second semester is going to be starting up soon, so instead of going back to a dorm; you can just move in with me." I said as we descended to the lobby.
"You've been thinking about this for awhile now, huh?" We stepped out onto the lobby floor.
"Yes, but I want you to want to. I don't want to pressure you into anything."
"Fine but it will be a gradual move. I don't want to rush things. I mean after I moved in with Pi things just went downhill from there."
"Alexis, I'm not Pi. We aren't going to go downhill. Now I'm not going to say we are going to be perfect because that just would be lie. We are going to have disagreements but, I want to have those disagreements with you. In our apartment." I said grabbing her hand and towing her down the street.
"That does sound pretty nice. Our apartment."
"Yea it does. So?"
"Gradually and by New Year's, I'll move in completely." She said grabbing my bicep and snuggling into my arm as we walked the streets of New York.
I sighed happily, "These little moments are the ones I love the most. The ones where we're alone just talking about us. Walking down the street with you on my arm makes me the happiest man ever and you just telling me that you will move in with me is the cherry on top." I said kissing her cheek.
"God, you're such a sap." She giggled.
"Don't pretend that you don't enjoy it because I know you do." I said holding the door to the lobby open.
"Mr. Bracken, glad you could finally join me on the tour." My realtor greeted, extending his hand to shake mine.
"Sorry, Chuck. I…uh…got distracted." I said looking at Alexis.
"I can see. Shall we?" The young man motioned to the elevator.
The lobby was glamorous and elaborate. There was a sitting area with a fireplace that included large bookcases. There was a receptionist in a clean cut suit waiting at the desk.
We entered the apartment which was located on the ninth floor of the building. It had one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and dining area. Plus it had a balcony that had a great view of the Central Park. The furniture was modern giving the apartment a fresh, sleek look. I really liked it but I was worried what Alexis would think. She was more of a classic girl.
"Give us a minute, Chuck." I told the realtor. "So, what do you think?"
"I really like it. The only thing I would really change is the furniture. I don't like the whole rounded corners and bland colors."
"I'll buy the whole furniture store. So…"
"I am only giving you my opinion. This is your decision."
"Well, let me go check with Chuck on the paperwork. How about you wait for me in the lobby?"
"M'kay." She said turning and walking out of the apartment.
"Ok. I knew she'd like it. I already put a downpayment on it. Chuck, I need you to coordinate with Alexis on the furniture. I'll send you her email later tonight. Thanks for letting me show it to her."
"No problem, Mr. Bracken."
I met Alexis down in the lobby where she was standing next to the fire warming her hands.
"Hey, there are tons of media people outside." She said as I approached her.
"Great." I said monotonously.
"Don't worry I'll let you pose with me once or twice." She said jokingly while she patted my cheek.
"Ok but you have to let me be on the left because that's my good side."
"You're an idiot." She said grabbing my hand and dragging me out of the warm lobby.
We were in Remy's eating a light lunch before heading back onto the town again. Alexis and I each ordered a hamburger and a milkshake to sip.
"Do you want to have dinner with my family tonight?" She said sipping on her milkshake.
"Am I formally invited or are you asking me to crash a family event?"
"Yes, actually they wanted me to ask you. You're family now. Grams, Kate, Dad, Kate's Dad, Javier, Kevin and Jenny, their little baby girl, and Lanie are going."
"Do I need to bring anything?"
"Just yourself. My dad is cooking everything."
"Ok. But I might be a little late. I have a press conference at six to announce my candidacy."
"That's fine. All I want is for you to be there." She said reaching across the table for my hand.
"Ok. I'll try. Speaking of the press conference, I need to get going. I have a meeting with Miss White over some final details."
"Miss White?" She said, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Yea, my campaign manager."
"Oh."
"Alexis, she's got nothing on you." I said leaning in to kiss her. "I'll leave the town car for you."
"Call me when you're on your way." She said with a smile. The hint of jealousy disappeared from her completely.
"Will do."
This press conference needed to be over with quickly because I have a dinner with my family to attend to.