Chapter 119: Clocktower Apartment
Thursday, January 5th, Night
The microwave buzzed, and he pushed away from his desk for a late-night meal of pizza rolls. He'd been locked up here all day sitting at his computer and the multiple screens. Slowly something came out of all the angles and the several takes. He figured at this point he'd be able to meet the deadline, as long as nothing bad happened.
Now though it was all about the pizza rolls. He had been called to see if he wanted to take dinner with the family but he refused in order to make the deadline. So, hot pockets, and pizza rolls, with a liberal helping of coffee was his fuel.
Tucker Baker filled up a coffee mug, and with his plate of pizza rolls carried it back over to his editing computer. He took a deep breath and looked over the digital picture frame on his desk. The current picture was of him, his niece Nomi, and his sister Keni on the beach. He smiled, just as the image changed and a picture of him and a blonde came on the screen. Alix, she was in California, on tour, and he's supposed to be there. Finally, he missed her. The last time they were together was just before he left for the Nordwind tour.
"I miss you, Alix," Tucker said, and turned back to the editing computer and started to head back to work.
That was when the other computer started to ring. He turned and opened the Skype call. He was greeted by the face of Alix Hartmann. He smiled at her.
"Hey baby," Tucker said.
"Hi Tuck," Alix said, sounding tired.
"What's wrong?' Tucker asked.
"I didn't sleep well last night," Alix said, "and you're not here."
"I'm working on the Keller video now," Tucker said.
"How long have you been working on it?" Alix asked.
"expect for a few hours of sleep, since eleven pm last night," Tucker said.
"So, you're almost done," Alix said.
"What makes you say that?" Tucker asked.
"I know you, and how you work, you're quick, but detailed editor," Alix said.
"Alix, Engel, I only get one shot at this," Tucker said.
"Liebling, I know, it's just been tough without feeling you near," Alix said.
"Soon, hell or high water I'll be there tomorrow," Tucker said.
"You better, Tucker Baker," Alix said.
"I will Alix Hartmann," Tucker said.
"We're getting into colder climates, so pack accordingly," Alix said.
"I'm already packed, and have everything ready to go," Tucker said.
Alix smiled, "Good," she said.
"I was looking for my red and white plaid shirt, have you seen it?" Tucker asked.
"The real nice flannel one?" Alix asked, looking like the kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"Yes, that one, have you seen it?" Tucker asked.
Alix nodded, "Yeah, you could kind of say that," she said.
Tucker looked at Alix, "What aren't you telling me, Alix?" he asked.
Alix gave him a sheepish look, "Well, I sort of have it," she said.
"What? Why do you have my shirt?" Tucker asked, "It's one of my favorite shirts."
"I know," Alix said.
"You know?" Tucker asked.
"I do," Alix said.
"If you know it's my favorite shirt, why do you have it?" Tucker asked.
"Well," Alix said.
"I'm waiting, Alix," Tucker said.
"I sleep in it every night," Alix said.
"What?" Tucker asked.
"Every night I put it on. It has the scent of your cologne, and I have you close to me every night," Alix said, "But the scent is fading now."
The expression on Tucker's face said it all, oh. His face became downcast. He looked at Alix and she nodded.
"Wow," Tucker said.
Alix nodded, "That's why I have your shirt," she said.
"I, I, I don't know," Tucker said, "I didn't expect that response."
Alix shook her head, "I didn't expect you to, or even understand," she said.
"Surprisingly, I understand," Tucker said, "I really do understand."
Alix looked at Tucker, "So, what's up?" she asked.
"I don't know," Alix said, "Maybe, I'm a little jealous."
"Jealous? Jealous of what?" Alix asked.
"You get to sleep with me every night," Tucker said, "But I don't get to sleep with you," he said, with a laugh.
"It's not funny, Tucker," Alix said.
"I'm not laughing at what you're doing," Tucker said, "I'm laughing because I feel like an idiot."
"Why do you feel like an idiot?" Alix asked.
"Because I was getting mad at you for one of the, I don't know, cutest thing I've ever heard of you doing," Tucker said.
Alix smiled, and shook her head, "Are you twisting my tail, Tucker Baker?" she asked.
Tucker shook his head, "No, not at all, Engel," he said.
Alix shook her head, "Ty mozhesh' byt' takoy zadnitsey, Dorogaya," she said.
"Cursing me out?" Tucker asked.
"No," Alix said.
"You need to get better at your lying, you only speak Russian with Kat and Raya or when you want to curse someone out," Tucker said.
"You caught me," Alix said, "So, what's my punishment?"
"Let me think about it," Tucker said.
"Oh, please let me know what my punishment is, I've been, bad, very, very, very bad," Alix said, with a seductive flirty tone in her voice.
Before Tucker could say anything Alix's bandmate Holden came into view.
"Hi Tucker, will we be seeing you in the flesh tomorrow?" Holden asked.
"God willing," Tucker said, "Yes."
"We'll keep a bunk open for you," Holden said.
"As long as you don't snore," Tucker shot back.
"Well, I hate to cut this short, but it's time to go to work," Holden said.
"See you tomorrow, Holden," Tucker said and watched as Holden left and Alix returned to the screen.
"Duty calls," Alix said.
"I know, I have to finish this video," Tucker said.
"Well do that," Alix said.
"I will and you blow the audience away," Tucker said.
"I will," Alix said.
"Love you, and see you tomorrow," Tucker said.
"Love you and can't wait," Alix said, blowing him a kiss then breaking the connection.
Tucker smiled and returned to editing the music video with renewed energy and purpose.