by T Gephart
“Baby, there is no way I’m letting YOU go. I love YOU Lexi.” He smiled as he kissed her again.
See I told you! Weddings and Babies and Happily Ever Afters! I could just cry. Maybe I was crying a little already, but I loved Alex. He was James’ best friend and I had known him just as long. Despite his previous “dating” history and tendency to be a jerk he was a good guy.
“Wait a minute!” Trust Dan to break the awkward silence, “You guys were fucking? When was this? Where the hell was I? I think if anyone should have been getting some action it should have been me, not this moody bastard!”
Yep, we might have all been thinking it (well not that part about him getting the action) but Dan would be the one to vocalise it! Alex told Dan to shut up and Troy gave him a “not now” look, which sufficiently silenced him, at least for the moment.
Alex clasped Lexi’s hand tenderly (so romantic) as he faced James, “Look man, I’m sorry. I know she works for us and trust me, I never meant for this to happen but I’m not giving her up, not now.” He brought her hand to his lips and I think my heart just melted. Damn this was so much better than watching the Hallmark channel.
James took a breath before shaking his head, “I guess I should have seen it coming, you’re both as bad as each other! Lexi, clearly you have no problem separating your private life from your professional dealings as apart from today no one knew that you two even liked each other let alone…” James winced and smiled before continuing, “Whatever it was you do together. So I have no problem with it.”
“How could I have not seen this? You guys are perfect together.” I was positively beaming as I nestled closer to James. While I knew that he took all band matters seriously, he would never deny his best friend a chance at true happiness. You just had to look at Lexi and Alex and see they were going to make it, I wanted a happy ending for them, damn it!
“Yeah perfect pains in the ass.” Troy chortled though I could tell he didn’t mean it. It was just their way, the insults and name-calling. I didn’t understand it but I think you had to have a penis to get that being called an “asshole” was a term of endearment. Help me Lord if this baby is a boy!
Lexi and Alex were adorable as they shared a whispered exchange. Neither of them was willing to relinquish their hold on each other.
“Get a room!” Jason piped in, his grin betraying that he, like Troy, was happy with this latest turn of events, so of course the obligatory dig had to be thrown in. Men!
Alex pulled Lexi from the room where no doubt they continued their poignant exchange without the commentary from the peanut gallery before returning with a steadfast resolve to leave. I was sure they had a lot of catching up to do, but I guessed not before some heavy action between the sheets! The pheromones both of them were throwing off were practically melting the paint right off of the walls.
“Yeah, Yeah you’re leaving - go screw each other’s brains out.” Yawned Dan, once again vocalising what we were all thinking but too polite to say. It’s like he had no filter.
“That’s my girlfriend you’re talking about, asshole.” Alex clipped him over the head, his broad smile proving he wasn’t as annoyed as he made out to be.
“Relax man, I was just kidding. And no offense, but if she was mine we’d probably never leave my bedroom.” Was Dan actually flirting with Lexi? I shook my head in disbelief, hoping that Alex had the good sense to not read too much into it. There is no way Dan would make a play for Lexi. Not really. God, I hope not!
“Dude! That is wrong on so many levels.” Troy laughed. As always we could count on Troy to keep Dan in check.
Lexi and Alex apologized to both James and myself again. Not that it was necessary but it was touching that they were so concerned about hurting our feelings. I don’t think they intentionally meant to deceive anyone, it was just… well what can be said about it? Neither of them had intended it to be more than a casual dalliance (yeah, and both of them had been in DENIAL!) and complications being what they were with Lexi working for the band, I guess I understood the whole cloak and dagger routine. Though it did make me cast my mind back to all their previous interactions and see if perhaps there hadn’t been some tip off I’d missed. I must be slipping!
They said their goodbyes and made a hasty exit, their happiness radiating so that you couldn’t help but be caught up in the warmth of it.
“Wow. Didn’t see that coming!” Troy laughed as Lexi and Alex disappeared from the room.
“Yeah, I’ll say. Though the whole Marcy thing threw me off. Who knew?!” James shrugged as he sat down. No one was interested in playing pool any longer.
“He really could have spared us having to deal with that bitch.” Jason yawned, attracting stares from all of us. No one really understood the whole Marcy/Alex thing but I didn’t know Jason had such strong feelings about it. “What! Don’t tell me you guys liked her ‘cause I know you are full of shit! I’m glad he’s with Lexi.”
The mood of the room was sober as we pondered it further, Jason was right. I was glad Alex was with Lexi also. Sure she was gorgeous, but she was smart and funny and she would never use him for status or money. Plus, we all loved her.
“So… ummm yeah… I’m going to need that porn now!” Dan finally spoke after having remained surprisingly silent during our post mortem. Our heads whipped around to face him.
“Porn? Now? What is wrong with you dude!?” Troy shook his head in disbelief.
“What! You guys aren’t imagining the two of them fucking each other’s brains out?” Dan looked around bewildered, unable to reconcile what was wrong with his statement.
“No!” The room almost screamed in unison. Ewww! Like Troy said, what is wrong with him?
“Suit yourselves. But out of respect for Alex I thought I’d use another image than what’s in my spank bank right now, ‘cause that’s the kind of guy I am. So James, I really don’t need you holding out on me brother.”
The only response I had was to laugh. In addition to the warmth and fuzziness of the occasion quickly evaporating, I was going to need Clorox to scrub those thoughts from my brain. Lord help us when Dan finally settles down, that was going to have to be one understanding and patient woman! For now I was just thankful that our little family was whole again and that Alex had found love with someone as amazing as Lexi.
Interviews with your favourite Characters
Name: Alexander Jenson Stone
Birthplace: Helsinki, Finland
Car: Silver Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale
Something you never leave home without: My Dog tags. They were my father’s from when he performed his military service back in Finland. He was 18, the military seemed exciting and girls liked the uniform. Though with the uniform came these tags and the reminder to act responsibly and with honour for his country and his unit. He gave them to me when I turned 18 to remind me no matter what I was doing to do it with honour and responsibility. It’s my way of staying grounded and connected to my dad. He is and always will be my hero.
Last song you listened to: The Last Good Bye, Jeff Buckley.
Last book you read: The Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort
Last thing you ate: Bagel from Panera
Favourite Colour: Blue
Favourite Movie: Any Given Sunday
If you weren’t doing this you would be… Possibly a racecar driver. The athleticism combined with speed is a big turn on.
Mac or PC? Mac
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
What is one piece of advice you would give to others to keep them focused and successful in their chosen career? Be hungry! You cannot be scared of failure or rejection. Set backs are good because they remind you how badly you want it. Nothing is impossible.
Describe a physical feature as well as a personality trait you find a turn on? A sexy smile and personality trait is confidence, maybe a little bit aggressive. I like someone who isn’t a push over.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Please explain your answ
er: No, not love. Attraction, yes, sure. But you need to get to know someone before you love. In my opinion the word is thrown around too much.
Name: Alexandra (Lexi) Reed
Birthplace: Melbourne Australia
Car: Honda Civic 5 door hatch
Something you never leave home without: Can I choose more than one?? If it’s just one then my iPhone…if I can be greedy, it would say my credit card as well - who knows what sale you might run into?
Last song you listened to: Arlandria, Foo Fighters (Taylah’s influence)
Last book you read: I-D Vivienne Westwood. I love her edgy style. She revolutionized the marriage between fashion and music. You can’t think punk without Vivienne!
Last thing you ate: Sol (Power Station’s Asshole Lawyer). No seriously, a salad at my desk.
Favourite Colour: RED…. One with blue undertones not that trashy, orange red.
Favourite Movie: The Help. The power of those women, their adversity and what they needed to overcome was inspiring. I laughed and was moved to tears.
If you weren’t doing this you would be… Life Coach. Hahahahahahaha. Ok it’s not that funny, you can stop laughing. Whatever I would be doing I’d be successful, mediocrity isn’t for me so whether I was selling shoes or running a company I would want to be leading in my field.
Mac or PC? MAC I’m like a walking endorsement for Apple! If I gave a shit, it might be embarrassing.
Pepsi or Coke? Coke (regular, full strength Coke). If you are going to have a Coke, make your peace with it and have a god damn coke. You don’t go to a prostitute for a hug!
What is one piece of advice you would give to others to keep them focused and successful in their chosen career? Unless you want to live someone else’s life, don’t follow their road map. Take advice and direction but pave your own way and don’t look back. Don’t listen to people’s negativity, prove them wrong and be awesome.
Describe a physical feature as well as a personality trait you find a turn on? Physical feature - Washboard abs that taper down to that delicious V at the hips… mmmm yum Personality trait - Strength, someone who isn’t intimidate by me.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Please explain your answer: LUST at first sight, yes but not love. I think love is something that grows over time. To be in love is to relinquish control and I couldn’t do that without knowing someone first.
Name: Matthew William Burns
Birthplace: Houston, Texas
Car: Ford Ranger. Kind of predictable being I’m from Texas but the truck is amazing and I like to drive.
Something you never leave home without: My wallet. Not only does it have important stuff like cash and ID but I carry a couple of family photos in there as well. I went to college out of state and have worked away from home quite a bit so it’s comforting to be able to look at them, especially if I’m having a rough day. I’m blessed to come from an amazing family and we’re pretty tight knit so even when I’m away I like to have them with me.
Last song you listened to: My niece Savannah singing some nursery rhyme. She loves to sing and perform, especially for an audience.
Last book you read: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R Martin.
Last thing you ate: My mom’s 5 alarm chilli. When she makes it there is always enough to feed an army, I always end up with some tucked away in my icebox. Not that I’m complaining because I love my mom’s chilli. It’s the ultimate comfort food especially when it’s cold out.
Favourite Colour: I don’t really have a favourite colour but if I had to pick one I’d say Blue.
Favourite Movie: Remember the Titans. I’m a sucker for a football movie having played during high school and college but this one really got to me. It not only deals with typical aspects, camaraderie of a team, the dynamics of high school competition and the relationship with the coach but also delves deeper with racism, friendship and over coming adversity. Based on a true story and with an amazing cast, it really is a must watch.
If you weren’t doing this you would be… I’ve always had an interest in business so if I wasn’t in this particular industry, I think I’d still be in the corporate world. I like the pacing of the business sector, the strategy and the mental challenges. I thought about Law while I was in college but ultimately chose to do a business degree instead. I don’t have the stomach for litigation and there is no way I’d want to represent someone who was guilty, so that made choice easy.
Mac or PC? Whatever. I tend to do most of my work on a PC but I’m really not that precious to have a preference. I can work with both operating systems so am happy to chop and change.
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
What is one piece of advice you would give to others to keep them focused and successful in their chosen career? Be smart. Go to school and really educate yourself in your chosen field. Learn from your peers and don’t go out there half cocked expecting to be brilliant. It takes hard work and dedication but if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded.
Describe a physical feature as well as a personality trait you find a turn on? The eyes. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul and I believe it. My heart stops when a beautiful woman gives me a meaningful glance, because so much can be conveyed without so much as uttering a single word.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Please explain your answer: I think when the heart knows, the heart knows. We can try explaining things with science and sure, initially it’s probably an attraction that hooks us in but there is more to it than that. Sometimes unexplained feelings get stirred inside you and you know that your place is with that person and there is no fighting it. That’s love at first sight, that lightening bolt. My Dad fell in love with my Mom the minute he saw her and chased her around till she agreed to go out with him. Forty years on they are still very much in love. It happens.
Name: James Anthony Bowden
Birthplace: The Bronx, USA
Car: Dodge Viper but I mostly get driven around in an Escalade or Suburban.
Something you never leave home without: My wedding ring. I can’t always be with Hannah because of the life I lead but that symbol and what it represents is always with me. I’m a sap and I make no apologies, I am deeply in love with my wife.
Last song you listened to: One of ours. We’ve been recording new material and I wanted to go over the tracks and tweak them a little. The new stuff is punchy, different from the previous album.
Last book you read: Can’t remember the last time I didn’t read something that wasn’t a contract, interview or something work related. I wish I had time but I don’t right now.
Last thing you ate: Pastrami Sandwich from Carnegie Deli on 7th.
Favourite Colour: Don’t really have one.
Favourite Movie: Scarface. Al Pacino is the king!
If you weren’t doing this you would be… I’d be busking in the subway. HAHAHA! There’s nothing else I would be doing other than this. Regardless of whether the success came or not I would still be preforming
Mac or PC? Whatever. I have a Mac because its applications are better for song writing and recording but I’m not that precious.
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
What is one piece of advice you would give to others to keep them focused and successful in their chosen career? Keep trying! Nothing worth having comes easy and there really are no short cuts. Only way is to roll up your sleeves and go hard at it. The amount of rejects we got in the beginning was soul destroying but we kept going cause for us; there was no other option. The rejection, the struggle it is worth it now I’m on the other side but when it’s happening to you it’s easy to say FUCK IT so don’t, it will come…just stick at it.
Describe a physical feature as well as a personality trait you find a turn on? Hannah! I have to pick one thing? Her eyes, she has beautiful eyes and personality would have to be a sense of humor.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Please explain your answer: YES! First time I saw Hannah it wa
s like someone had knocked me on my ass. I knew I had to be with her. Of course we were just kids so everyone thought we were too young, told us we didn’t know what love was but I knew that there was no one else for me. We broke up a few times over the course of the years but we always ended up back together. She was there before this all started, she will be there when it all ends and she knows who I am. She is my life and I knew that the minute I laid eyes on her.