Twisted Views

by T Gephart

  Are you fucking kidding me? I wanted to punch this motherfucker right in the mouth. I knew what he wanted and it wasn’t fucking advice. What the fuck Lexi!? I was seething mad. Either she honestly felt nothing or she wanted to rub my nose in it. Whichever it was, I wasn’t willing to hang around and watch “crotch rock” make his play.

  I found Dave and made my excuses to get the fuck out of there. Really Lexi, you are just going to leave me hanging like that and go have a drink with the douche who only wants to get into your pants so he brag to his friends how he had you. I wanted to put my fist through a wall.

  I stalked out of the bar, my body buzzing with nervous energy. I needed to get to my car and get the fuck away from here. I wasn’t even mad at her, I was mad at myself. How could I have learnt nothing from the first fucking time? I jogged back to the parking garage when my Maserati was waiting for me, wanting nothing more than to get in and drive away. Far away, where I could get the image of that piece of shit with his hands on her out of my head.

  My phone buzzed with an incoming message, I swore as I read it.

  -Hey just saying Goodbye. I can’t see you. Did you leave? Lexi xx

  Did she really expect me to wait around? For what? To watch her make out, or worse still go home with that tool? To reinforce what I knew I couldn’t have? Yeah I know I had no right to feel like it, but I didn’t want to have to watch her with someone else. This had been a bad fucking idea. I sent her my censored reply.

  -Thought you’d left already, enjoy the rest of your evening. Alex xx

  My phone buzzed again and I was ready to hurl it out of the window. Except this time, it wasn’t Lexi. It was Marcy. If there was one thing Marcy was, it was persistent. I hammered the letters and sent her a reply.

  -I’ll be there in 20. Be naked. Alex

  I slammed the car into gear and sped out onto the road. My mind churned as my car manoeuvred through the busy city streets. I was all kinds of jacked up and if I didn’t have some kind of release soon, I was going to seriously lose my shit. So what if Marcy wanted to use me? I could use her right back. It seemed like a win/win to me. Maybe if I fuck her enough I can get this stupid, deluded idea out of my head. Finally get over Lexi. At least there didn’t have to be any false pretence that we were going to play happy families.

  I travelled into the Upper East Side, the buildings and the traffic blurred. With each passing mile and the closer I got to Marcy’s apartment, the more I believed this was the perfect solution. The last thing I needed or wanted was to be fucking around like Dan, with a different women every night and I sure as hell wasn’t up for a real relationship. That ship sailed when the USS Lexi left the harbor. With Marcy, no one would have to get hurt. I slammed on my brakes as I found a parking spot directly in front of Marcy’s building. I glanced up and saw the lights were on in her apartment. She was waiting, ready, willing.

  I took a deep breath as I exited my car. I was on a path now and I was committed… whether or not this was right thing to do was irrelevant. I just needed to find some peace.

  Chapter 8 - Sydney

  Author’s Note: This chapter takes place the day after Lexi and Alex have their first platonic evening out and Sydney and Lexi are having a post-mortem of the events of the previous evening.

  When I stumbled into the office, Lexi was already there. She was immaculate as usual, working the office chic in a fitted charcoal shift dress and classic black heels. Her hair was twisted elegantly into a French knot. You’d never know from looking at her that she had spent an evening at a sweaty pub. I balanced my latte as I dumped my over-sized Burberry handbag on my desk.

  “You know, looking that good in the morning only makes me hate you!” I smiled as I collapsed into my office chair.

  “Feeling a little seedy, are we?” Lexi smiled as she leaned back into her chair, “I thought you started at nine?”

  “Sod off. It’s only half nine now.” I feigned annoyance as I sipped my coffee, hoping the caffeine coursing through my veins would do what I paid it do to and wake me the hell up.

  Lexi laughed giving me her full attention, “Gee, I would have thought you would have been in a better mood this morning. What’s wrong? Zander not up to scratch?” her manicured brow arched in question.

  “And you just assumed I’d slept with him?” I playfully argued.

  “Cut out the indignant act, Sydney.” Lexi leaned forward as she engaged me. “We both know what your end game was and judging by your mood I’m guessing he was either a complete dud in bed or it didn’t happen. Now you don’t have to tell me, though I’m guessing you probably will. So let’s not waste time with the “I’m not a slut” routine because we both have work to do.” Her lips curled into a smile.

  “Seems like I’m not the only one who’s narky. Didn’t you get a shag last night either? ” Last I had seen, Johnny was desperately trying to get into her pants.

  “I told you, I don’t date teenagers.” She shot back.

  “Lexi, Johnny is 21.” I corrected her. He was far from a teenager, perfectly legal and perfectly delicious.

  “See, a child. His balls probably haven’t even dropped yet! What do I even do with that?!” She screwed her brow in disgust as she waved her hand in mid-air.

  “You know Lexi, you shouldn’t knock it until you’ve tried it. You might surprise yourself. These lads can be quite talented.” My Cheshire cat smile couldn’t hide which side of the debate I firmly stood on.

  “Yeah, well when I feel the need to start dating One Direction I’ll let you know.” Lexi dismissed sarcastically.

  “I hear Harry likes older women, you want me to get it sorted?” I offered.

  “Fuck you.”

  We both burst into hysterical laughter. It was honest to God refreshing to work with someone who not only had my respect but was also a riot to be around. As much as it was a cock-up to work for the Boys Club I had previously been working for, it gave me an entry point for which I was thankful. It was hard enough to crack into the US business world, but your chances were diminished if you happened to be sporting a pair of tits and spoke the Queen’s English. So it came as a blessing in disguise when the company I’d been working for “parted” ways with Power Station, it gave me the impetus to find something else.

  “So…” I deliberately left my sentence trailing.

  “You might as well get it over with,” Lexi grinned. She knew I was dying to talk about it.

  “Zander was a disappointment. I mean, I wanted to be into him but it was such a piss poor effort! He was constantly looking around at other birds and when I finally got to pash him, his tongue was like a wild snake trying to burrow into my cheek. YUCK. I’m guessing the only talent he has with that mouth is singing. It was a classic case of reality not living up to the fantasy. I couldn’t be arsed taking it further.” There was more to the story, but I paraphrased. I’m no frigid prude but I expect that when a man has his tongue down my throat he would at least try and engage me. Zander was vacant and that was putting it mildly. No need to relive the disappointing night/morning.

  “Well, better to find out sooner than later. Sorry Syd. So I guess you’re no longer interested in representing them?” Lexi twisted gently in her chair.

  “Oh, I’m still interested in representing them. Zander may be a complete twat but he’s a talented twat. Might be small fry compared to Power Station but I can see the potential.” It was the truth. Insipid was on the rise and I wanted “in” at the entry level. While I was happy to take a knock on a personal level (nothing a quick whirl of my vibrator didn’t fix) I wasn’t going to forgo a chance to grab at this amazing opportunity and expand my professional development.

  Lexi gave me her knowing smile as she looked back at her computer monitor.

  “Alex looked good…” I bit my lip as I continued the conversation about last night. I wasn’t ready to settle into the nine-to-five grind yet.

  “Hmmm,” Lexi looked up, “I guess he looked ok. It was dark. I wasn’t pay
ing that much attention.” She shrugged as she went back to her work.

  “Bollocks! You can’t have that in a room and not notice! That man is fine spelt with a capital F. How that man doesn’t violate some Newtonian law is a mystery! Granted he ticks a higher age box than I usually go for but there is no way I’d turn him down. Of course it has never gone any further than a few steamy, naughty dreams being that he was our client. Professionalism and all that.” I took another sip of my rapidly depleting coffee. I swear they need to make a bigger cup. A bucket might be more appropriate.

  “Yes. It wouldn’t be smart to sleep with the client.” Lexi snipped, her mood darkening. Lex was usually happy to gossip with me within reason and she always reined it in when it was time to get back to work, but being short with me was out of character for her. I was willing to chalk it up to fatigue and not press her further. I had learned in the small amount of time we had known each other that Lexi Reed does not divulge information that Lexi Reed does not want to share.

  “Well in any case,” I cautiously changed tactic, “I’m guessing he’s going to give this Marcy deal a red hot go because I didn’t even see him look at another girl last night. So we should probably prepare for Soap Weekly and all those other cheap and nasty magazines to be giving us a bell.” I was surprised at first, Alex was a known flirt, and so I half expected him to at least have a girl or two hanging off his arm last night. He didn’t however; well not in the time I’d seen him. He was the perfect gentleman and had stood beside Lexi the whole time.

  “Yep.” Lexi muttered under her breath, oddly quiet for someone who usually has so much to say.

  “Something the matter?” I was confused by the sudden shift in the vibe. It was as if the air had cooled significantly in the room.

  “Sorry, Syd. No nothing is the matter. I’m just trying to wrap my head around all of this. You’re right. Alex dating Marcy will elevate our workload. Can you look into any requests please?” Lexi’s tone was even and relaxed.

  I’m guessing whatever was bothering her was something other than the conversation at hand.

  “Of course. Besides, you only have me for another fortnight and then I’m done. Might as well get your money’s worth out of me.” I winked, knowing that it was going to be too soon that my time with Power Station and the account was going to end. “Though I do think you’re on the wrong side of crazy to be doing this all yourself.” I had no idea how Lexi was going to manage a project like this on her own.

  “Didn’t you get the memo Syd? I’m fucking superwoman!” Lexi grinned as she continued to work through her daily tasks.

  “Nah, you have way more class than her. Tell me why the villain superheroes always get the better wardrobe?? Surely if you had superpowers you could fly your arse to Barneys and get yourself a stylist.” I hadn’t meant for the random thought to escape my lips.

  “Well thank you, but I think I can do this by myself. Besides, do you really see me relinquishing control now I am finally at the wheel? This is like a dream come true, there are people who go their whole career without this kind of opportunity.” Lexi’s tone was unemotive but I could tell she felt she had a lot to prove.

  “Trust me sister, I get that. However, there were three managers assigned to this portfolio, three and me, as an assistant. In case they didn’t teach you addition back there in Aussieland, that’s four bodies… four! You are one person and as fan-fucking-tastic as you are you can’t split yourself into four. Although if you can, we’re ditching these guys and giving Circque de Soleil a run for its money!” I hoped she wouldn’t take my observation as criticism, because it wasn’t. I just struggled to see how she was going to manage on her own.

  “Syd. Firstly, there is nothing wrong with our education system in Aussieland. Secondly, I won’t know what I’m capable of unless I try, right? I get bored if I don’t push myself out of my comfort zone and this is a great challenge.” Lexi refused to enter into the discussion further. She’d made her mind up and come hell or high water, she was on a solo mission.

  “Fine, fine. Do it yourself you crazy bitch, but I think you are stark raving mad.”

  “You say the nicest things,” Lexi threw her head back and laughed.

  Chapter 9 - Matt

  Author’s Note: Lexi has not been fooling anyone that things are okay and Matt doesn’t want her to spend the holidays alone so takes her to his family home in Texas.

  “I’m so glad you decided to come spend the Holidays with us.” My mom smiled as she finished making the potato while Lexi spooned out the stuffing for the Turkey.

  “Thanks so much for having me,” Lexi smiled politely “You’ve been so generous in allowing me to stay with you. I really appreciate it.” Lexi had been quiet all day. She wasn’t big on holidays, especially ones that involved families.

  “Awww, sweetheart. Of course you would stay with us. There is no way we’d have you stay at a hotel. And you’re welcome any time, ya hear?!” My mom gave Lexi a hug, sensing Lexi was a little flat.

  “Uncle Matty!” screeched Savannah as she ran through the door. With her hair a sea of corkscrew curls and bright green eyes, she bounded into my arms with my older brother Bob and sister in law Kelsey not far behind.

  “Hey pumpkin!” I lifted her up and twirled her around like I knew she loved. “You being a good girl for mommy and daddy?” I covered her plump little cheeks with kisses as she giggled hysterically.

  “Savannah, give Uncle Matt a break sweetheart. You’ve got all day to see him.” Kelsey looked exhausted as she dumped her over-sized purse on the counter. Her bulging belly left no doubt that the newest Burns would be making their entrance very soon.

  “My Uncle Matty!” Savannah argued protectively, as she hung her little arms around my neck.

  “Yes, your Uncle Matt but you are going to have to learn to share when your little sister is born.” Bob piped in as he carried the gifts to the tree.

  “No! No Share!” stomped Savannah as she buried her head in my chest, her little hands hanging onto my shirt.

  “Awww, Pumpkin. You know Uncle Matt has got enough love for you and your little sister.” I knew she had me wrapped around her little finger but I didn’t care, she was possibly the sweetest thing I’d ever laid eyes on.

  Lexi watched on tentatively, she was way too quiet. “Hey Savannah, I want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Lexi. Lexi, meet my number one girl, Savannah.” I eased Savannah onto her feet while Lexi moved closer.

  “Well hello Savannah,” Lexi knelt down beside her, “what a beautiful dress you are wearing. Do you think they’d have one in my size?” She gently touched the tulle from Savannah’s bright pink tutu.

  Savannah giggled as she grabbed onto my leg. “It’s all she ever wears.” Kelsey smiled, “Hi I’m Kelsey, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She offered her hand to Lexi.

  Lexi rose to her feet and greeted both Kelsey and Bob. She seemed at ease with the conversation as they asked her about Australia and her work. Lexi asked about their drive from Dallas and how much longer until the baby was born. Savannah and I helped Mom finish dressing the table as Kelsey pumped Lexi for information about the dress she was wearing.

  I fielded questioning glances and raised eyebrows from both of Kel and Bob as they carried in the rest of fix’ins for the Turkey. Despite wording up both of them that my relationship with Lexi was purely platonic, they found it hard to believe that we weren’t more than “just friends.” They saw my holiday romance/soon to be long distance relationship with Anna as a long shot and subscribed to the old adage “If you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with.” My Mom and my Dad were more understanding and accepted Lexi for what she was. She was my best friend and while I loved her deeply, there was no spark between us and neither of us was “in love” with the other.

  “She’s gorgeous,” whispered Kel bringing in Savannah’s booster seat to attach to the dinning room chair.

  “It’s not like that Kel,” I smiled. “W
e’re just friends. Good friends, but just friends.” I had prepared myself for the misguided, albeit, well-intentioned inquisition.

  “All I’m sayin’ is that she seems perfect for you. And if you were to end up with her there would be no one happier than us for you.” Kel gave me a wink.

  “Thanks, but it’s not going to happen.” I looked over at Lexi who was being entertained by Savannah reciting her alphabet. Her little cheery voice almost screeching over the football game Dad had on in the living room.

  “John Robert Burns, switch off that game right now and come to supper,” my mother cautioned as she carried in the bowl of creamed corn and placed it on the table.

  “Comin’ Darlin’.” Dad ambled into the dinning room, watching the last few seconds of the game from the doorway before hitting the remote.

  Lexi looked awkwardly at the table. Mom’s finest china and crystal were laid out in perfectly set place settings on pristine white linen. Every square inch of the table was covered in food or decoration, while Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” was gently playing in the background. The Holiday was huge in our house and my parents celebrated accordingly. No matter where we were or what we were doing we always came home for Christmas. It was a different story for Lexi so understandably this was foreign for her.

  “Sit here, sweetheart.” Mom motioned to Lexi as she pulled out a chair beside her. Lexi thanked my mom and waited till everyone was at their place before taking her seat.

  I squeezed Lexi’s hand as Mom led us in grace. Despite Lexi’s ambiguous feelings on religion she was incredibly respectful and reflective during prayer. It was one of the things I admired most about her. While Lexi was very clear on her beliefs and opinions, she would never diminish mine. I had no qualms bringing her home, knowing that my conservative, devout Southern Baptist parents and my progressive, agnostic friend would love and accept each other. Lexi bit her lip to suppress her smile as Savannah tried to sneak a buttermilk biscuit while everyone had their heads bowed. Kel swiftly removed it from Savannah’s mitts and placed it on the plate in front of her without missing a beat.