“We should have eaten lunch here. This is very comfy.” Alex was settling in.
“Yes, but we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the sunshine.” Cyn sat at the other end.
“So true. So tell me, why does your mother call you “Butthead?” I have been wanting to ask you since Tuesday night, when you said it was her favorite name for you.” Alex thought this was going to be a cute story.
Cyn had forgotten she told Alex. “Well, one evening when I was around sixteen she was cooking spaghetti and I was starving, so I was bugging her about when dinner was. I picked up the spoon she was stirring the sauce with and she told me to leave it alone and go do something else until she called when it was ready. Somehow I flipped a big blob of sauce out of the pan and onto the counter. She grabbed the spoon away from me and called me a butthead and to leave her to the cooking. So on Mother’s Day I always sign the card “Love Butthead.” She gets a big kick out of it. Plus she always apologizes to me every time it comes up. I just laugh and tell her I know she didn’t mean it. It’s our little bonding thing, if you can call it that. How about you? Does your mother have any pet names for you?” Cyn and Alex had never talked much about their families.
“My mother use a pet name? Not likely. She was very prim and proper. I think the only reason she had me was because it was expected of her. Your mother sounds so loving and caring, whereas my mother was very uptight. It was my father who had pet names for me. You know the usual “Princess,” and “Puppet” all those old names fathers used. He died when I was nineteen. He was killed by a drunk driver on his way home from a conference. He was a Professor of Egyptology, which is why my name is Alexandria, and not Katherine or Elizabeth.” Remembering her father brought a tear to her eye. Oh how she wished she could talk to him right now.
“Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry to hear that. You must miss him so much.” Cyn still had both her parents.
“Yes, he was very special to me. He was the reason I became a teacher. But Egyptology was not exactly in big demand, so I went with English. Mother thought I should have become a History teacher, but that was his field. I wanted my own niche in life. My mother didn’t understand. But then she never understood me. When I told her I was gay, she said I was just trying to ruin her life. My father would have understood. He had a gay brother. Of course my mother would never acknowledge he was gay. She said he was artistic – and artistic people need to be flamboyant. He was a selfish flaming queen, but she’ll never admit it.” Alex hadn’t thought about any of this for years.
“But you and your mother still talk, right?” Cyn was lucky in that her parents had three children so having one who was gay kept life interesting.
Cyn was the only one with a degree, the first in her family to get one. She was the golden child, so to speak, in the career department. Her other sisters had office jobs, good ones but office jobs just the same.
“No, we don’t talk. After my father died she cut me off, telling me that if I wouldn’t do as she wished she wasn’t going to pay for my schooling. So I got a job working as a waitress, and tutoring on the side. It took me six years instead of four to get my degree, but I got it without anyone’s help. In fact it made her madder that I didn’t come begging for money, or ask any of my family for financial help. I was so mad at all of them, except my grandfather, for letting my mother tell them what they should do with their money, that I disowned the lot. I haven’t spoken to any of them since. So that was twenty-four years ago. Wow, time sure flies,” Alex thought “when you don’t give a hoot.”
“No help with tuition? I couldn’t have done it without my parents. But I have been paying them back ever since I started working. I’m on the thirty year plan, at least it seems like that’s how long it’s going to take me.” Every time she learned more about Alex, the more she liked her – selfsufficient, proud, great sense of humor. If only she could be cloned, then Cyn could have her all to herself and Dez could have her copy. If only it was possible.
“Did your grandfather help you financially?” Cyn wanted to hear that at least he did.
“No, I wouldn’t let him. He was on a fixed income as it was, and he would have given me his last dime if I’d asked him. But I did live with him. My grandmother died before I was born. My mother’s parents lived in Canada so we only saw them on rare occasions. My father was forty-five when I was born and my mother was a lot younger, so living with a man who was eighty-four and still full of life was an experience. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. He passed away when he was ninety-eight. Just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. That’s how I want to go. But I really hope I’m not that old. I want to go the day before I lose it mentally, if I can put in that request to Goddess.”
The sun had been down for some time and it was starting to get chilly. Alex was still feeling full and so was Cyn so they decided to call it a night. Cyn was sorry to see Alex leave, but knew she would be back tomorrow for their appointment with Frederick. Alex gave Cyn a big hug and headed home.
Chapter 12
As Alex drove home she felt a little guilty being out again. It was the third night this week she had spent away from Dez, who was now probably sitting at home waiting for her. This role reversal was new for Alex, and she felt a little uncomfortable. While driving she continued to detail the truck dash using the cotton swabs to wipe dust from every little spot she could find. Luckily there wasn’t much traffic since she wasn’t paying as much attention to her driving as she should be. Not seeing Dez’s truck in its garage did get her full attention.
“Son of a biscuit eater. Why do I even try to be considerate?” Alex shouted as she pulled into her carport. “Here I’m feeling guilty, thinking she’s here waiting for me and she isn’t even home yet. This better be a really big emergency or she just may find that I’ve stayed out all night.”
Alex walked in and found two messages on the machine – one old, one new. The old one was hers to Dez, so she knew Dez had called in and gotten it. The new one was from Dez. “Hey Babe, since you’re going to have dinner with Cyn I’m going to have dinner with the Jennings.
See you later. Don’t wait up.” Alex’s heart started to pound in her chest. Obviously when Dez learned she was out, she immediately made plans to spend her entire evening with the Jennings girls. Heaven forbid she would ever come home and wait for her for a change. Alex flew into a rage and wanted to scream at Dez about how inconsiderate she was. What did she think she did most evenings when she came home late? Stay out partying and then get home ten minutes before she pulled in? Could Dez be anymore self absorbed?
Alex pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and called the home number, thinking two could play this game. “Hey Dez, since you want to be out all night I might as well stay at Cyn’s since we’re driving back to school tomorrow to work on a project. See you whenever.” She pulled out her duffel bag and packed two changes of clothes and her pj’s. She wasn’t sure what she was doing, but at least she had clothes. Alex decided to test the waters with Cyn, rather than drop by without an invitation.
“Hi Cyn. Long time no speak.” Alex wasn’t sure how to ask the question.
“Alex, are you okay? Your voice sounds shaky.” Cyn picked up her car keys and was ready to drive over if need be.
“I am so mad I’m shaking. Dez is spending the evening with the Jennings girls. I felt guilty staying as late as I did at your place, thinking she was here alone. Now I find out she never even came home. She doesn’t care if I come home to an empty house, as long as she doesn’t have to.” Alex was beside herself.
“How about you come back over and spend the night. I can make up my couch and we can leave from here tomorrow for school?” Cyn figured Alex would never go for this idea.
“You mean it? You wouldn’t mind?” Could this girl be anymore perfect – Alex could have kissed her right then if she was in reach. Her heart rate was coming down, thank goodness.
“Absolutely!” Cyn almost dropped the phone, she was so excited.
/> “We can have our own little slumber party. Pack your toothbrush, pj’s, and a change of clothes and come on over, girlfriend.”
“Have I told you lately that you are the best? See you in a bit.”
Alex was backing out of her carport when she saw headlights coming up the driveway. Now what? Dez didn’t like the dessert they were serving? Alex was in no mood for Dez’s control issues right now.
“Hey Babe, where are you going?” Dez had a doggie bag in her hand as she got out.
“Over to Cyn’s to spend the night. You told me not to wait up so I figured why wait at all. We’re working on a project at school tomorrow. So we’ll just go from there and it’ll save me the extra driving time in the morning.” Alex was ready for an argument if that’s what Dez wanted.
“Okay, I guess we’re on different wavelengths these days. I missed you so I called it an early evening. I guess I should have called to let you know my change of plans.” Dez was using her poor little me voice.
“I guess you should have.” “It’s not going to work this time, sweetie,” Alex mused to herself.
“Are you mad at me?” Dez was using her hurt voice now.
“Should I be, Dr. Dez?” The engine roared as Alex drove down the driveway. She turned off her cell phone. She was single tonight.
Cyn had forty-five minutes tops to get to the store and back, which wasn’t enough time. The mini mart would have to do. She was on cloud nine. Alex was hers for the night and most of the next day. Whatever angel was looking down on her, please keep it up. The mini mart had soda, beer, chips, dips and cookies galore. If they had been twelve to eighteen this selection would be great. Cyn then realized they would probably just talk and then go to bed anyway. The sound of that sent a jolt through her that got her heart racing. Deciding to just get stuff for breakfast, she grabbed orange juice, a tray of Danish and some more bacon. Would Alex want something to drink this evening? The mart didn’t carry plum wine of course, and Alex wasn’t a beer drinker. Sparkling cider was the answer. Cyn made it home fifteen minutes before Alex pulled up the driveway. She had put everything away and was waiting on the front porch swing. On the outside she appeared calm, but on the inside she was a total wreck. She even started to shake she was so excited.
“Don’t you look cute sitting there. Aren’t you freezing?” Alex could see Cyn trembling and figured she was cold, little did she know.
“I guess I didn’t realize it until you mentioned it.” That’s one way to explain the shaking.
“Well, let’s get inside and warm you up.” Alex was thinking of something hot to drink. Cyn was thinking of something else that was just as hot.
“Can I get you anything Alex? Are you hungry yet? Cyn had stopped shaking, maybe she had been cold.
“Actually, I’m very tired. Needless to say, I was venting the whole way over here. If Dez’s ears aren’t burning it’s a miracle. It just wiped me out. I’m sorry.” Alex needed sleep as soon as she could get it.
“No worries. I’ll have your bed made in two minutes flat.” Cyn was hoping she could get to sleep knowing that Alex was in her house.
“Great. Can I use your bathroom to change into my pj’s?” Alex was fading fast.
“Certainly. When you come out your bed will be ready and waiting.” Cyn wondered what kind of pj’s she would wear.
Alex changed into boxers and an oversized tee shirt. She had given up on sexy lingerie a long time ago. She was more into comfort these days and the sexy stuff didn’t work on Dez anyway. When she came out Cyn was in her room changing. Alex didn’t want to be rude and not say good night before becoming unconscious, but the couch looked so inviting, that she climbed in. That was the last thing she remembered.
Suddenly Alex found herself running, but there was no one behind her. She felt so empty and alone. She was in a field with nothing around. She looked up and saw the planets of the solar system. They appeared far larger than normal and it was almost like she could reach out and touch them. Then her surroundings changed and she found herself in a playground with swings and monkey bars, but there was no one to play with. She couldn’t see anyone else in any direction not a soul. She felt so alone. Then she spotted something coming towards her in the distance. She slowly recognized Beau, but who was riding him? It was a woman, but her face was a blur. As she came closer Alex tried to focus on the face, but it just wouldn’t come. She felt unafraid and completely comfortable with this person, she wanted to see where this dream would take her. The figure jumped off and took Alex’s hand. She led her to the swings where she pushed her, and told her she would always be there to push her forever. Alex didn’t feel empty or alone anymore.
Chapter 13
Alex woke up to the smell of coffee and the sound of bacon sizzling. She could hear Cyn puttering around in the kitchen. From the couch she could only see a shadow that appeared to be dancing. Alex wanted to see what Cyn was doing so she got up very quietly and tiptoed to the door. As she peeked in she found Cyn with her head phones on dancing back and forth. Alex leaned against the door jamb and decided to see how long it would take her to realize she was being watched. After a minute, Cyn still hadn’t noticed her, so Alex spoke up.
“Hmmm. Is this how you make breakfast every weekend, dancing to the oldies?” Alex could hear the music very faintly coming from Cyn’s head phones.
She spun around at the question. “You bet, sleepyhead. I thought you would never get up. Good morning and how are we this fine day?”
“Yes, a fine day that is raining all over my newly waxed truck, thank you very much.” Alex was smiling as Cyn had gotten her wish. It was raining hard enough to water the lawn a lot.
“I love the rain. It makes everything look and smell so clean. Are you hungry? Breakfast is ready. I don’t need to ask if you want coffee.” Cyn knew the answer to that question.
“No, you needn’t. Who would guess I teach English?” And Dez always said she was grouchy in the morning. What did she know?
They finished off two pieces of Danish each, orange juice and coffee, and headed off to get ready. With only one bathroom they had to take turns. Two women, one bathroom. It could take a while. Cyn offered her guest first shot at the hot water, and Alex graciously accepted. As Cyn was brushing her teeth in the kitchen sink, Alex relinquished the bathroom.
“Don’t you look cute.” Cyn was dying inside. She had never seen Alex with her hair up in a ponytail.
“I didn’t want to wash my hair and use up your hot water, when it’s going to get wet anyway. Your turn, Madame. I’ll brush my teeth in the kitchen sink.” Alex had put on a nice pair of jeans and a red cashmere V-neck sweater, which was very old but still in great shape.
She was standing at the sink watching the rain come down in buckets, when she heard Cyn coming from the living room. She had put on jeans and a black turtleneck. They looked at each other and felt like they were seeing each other for the first time.
“Look at you. If I wasn’t a married woman you would be in big trouble right now.” Alex was serious.
She was feeling something for Cyn that she had never felt before. She needed to say something and quick.
“Even if I was single, I’m way too old for you.” Alex figured that should do it.
“Maybe that’s a call you need to let me make. I love older women. They know what they want, and are done with the whole party scene.” Cyn was wondering if Alex was being serious or not. She figured she’d better be safe and assume she was kidding. She didn’t want to make a fool out of herself.
Alex almost wished she was two separate people one who could fall in love with Cyn, and one who could keep her as a friend. Having sex with a friend and then not having it work out was the worst. You lose a friend and a lover. She needed Cyn’s friendship now and forever.
“Well, it’s a moot point, since I’m still attached. Shall we make a run for it?” Alex hoped that would change the subject.
“Sure. Let me get a couple of umbrellas. It�
�s only six bucks per day rental fee and that’s a fifty percent discount! Quite a deal, considering the high demand today.” Cyn wanted to keep things light between them. Their friendship seemed to be changing and she didn’t want to scare Alex away. She had enough to handle these days.
“Six bucks, what a deal. Do you take credit cards or strictly cash?” Alex picked the red one, to match her truck.
“Strictly cash, miss. Will you be paying now or later?” Cyn had the front door open.
“I’ll pay after I return it. You never know it could be defective. By the way, you still need to rent your seat belt from me for your ride to school.” Alex gave Cyn a wink.
They made a run for the truck and jumped in, only slightly drenched. As they started off on their mission to find out what Frederick knew, Alex started to think out loud.
“Okay, we pretty much told Frederick everything we know, so do you think we need to ask him specific questions or just listen to what he offers us?” Alex was hoping Frederick would just tell them everything he knew. Then they could plan a course of action to end it all.
“Listen to what he has to say.” Cyn’s mind really wasn’t on Barney. She was too busy watching Alex. Cyn needed to get her head in the game.
“What if Frederick knows who it is? Maybe he overheard a conversation or something and that’s why he wanted to meet us on a Sunday, when there are fewer people around.” Alex could only hope.
“What are you thinking about, young lady?” Alex noticed Cyn staring off into space and was wondering if she was listening.
“Oh, nothing really, I’ve heard every word. It’s just that I’m wondering why now. If someone in administration was trying to run us off, why didn’t they do it at the end of the last school year, so they wouldn’t have to bring in new teachers in mid year.
“So are you saying it isn’t someone in administration?” Alex wondered where she was going with this.
“No. I hate to say this, but it seems to me, this is more personal and maybe just about you. Someone wants you and or wants to mess with you. As to why they messed with my car, I have no clue, unless that was a mistake. I’m just thinking out loud here. Barney sent someone else to do the dirty work and they got the wrong car, something like that.” Cyn hadn’t realized how bad that sounded until she said it.
Taylorwood (Alexandria Whitney Mystery) Page 9