“They are adorable aren’t they?” Derek commented from Sam’s side as she watched Riana and Alex in the kitchen from the front hallway. She turned to him and Lexi.
“They really are.” She leaned back against the wall. “They’ve been dancing and singing for a while. I find the current song wonderfully fitting.” She giggled. Sam had never seen Riana so happy or so at ease. Alex brought a life to Ri that had been missing for years; if she ever had it at all. They played like children as they laughed together and teased each other. Alex was appalled by Riana’s willingness to steal clumps of cookie dough to eat, but squeezed her from behind as he stole a taste himself.
“Absolutely. ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ should be their anthem or something.” Lexi laughed. “I just wish she was able to really see what was in front of her.” She mused. Sam nodded.
They decided not to interrupt Alex and Ri, and went to relax with some TV in the theater. “I can’t believe you guys are leaving in a week.” Sam pouted as she settled into her favorite recliner. Lexi snuggled into Derek’s side and nodded with a frown.
“I know. Pretty crappy huh?” Derek agreed. “A week is a pretty lengthy amount of time though. We’ll have plenty of fun before we go.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Wanna Get To Know You
Wednesday August 30, 2006
Derek didn’t often share much in D.M.A. interviews. He wasn’t outwardly goofy like Alex or exuberantly charming like Matthew. As he and Lexi drove to Prescott, Lexi found Derek was these things, and more. There had been hints to this conclusion, but once it was just them alone it seemed Derek was more at ease. He was profound without being stuffy and funny without being crude. “So did you always want to be an editor?” He asked as he glanced over at Lexi.
She gave a light laugh. “Not particularly.” Derek raised a brow. “I just sort of fell into it. Riana was very possessive of her writing--she still is. She didn’t trust strangers to be looking at her work.” Derek nodded. “So between our relationship and my English minor she asked me to take it on. Her publishing company took notice so now I’m a contract editor for them.”
Derek grinned, “That’s pretty neat how that worked out.” Lexi agreed and mentioned how she felt the best part was how the set up left plenty of time for her to volunteer in areas that brought her heart happiness. Lexi loved to volunteer in group homes and blocked out weeks at a time to help with the Special Olympics. “That’s incredible Lex.” Derek gushed. “I do believe we found three of the most amazing women out there.” Lexi fought the blush that tingled in her cheeks. Derek brought the car up to a park surrounded by beautiful, golden and red rock formations.
“Picnic?” He offered.
Lexi felt that Derek was an exceptional study in regards to what she would like. “Perfect.” She confirmed with a wink as she stepped from the car.
Derek jogged to the back and pulled out a blanket and tote of snacks and drinks. As they strolled through the park Derek draped his arm over Lexi’s shoulder and she leaned into him. Derek led her over to a lightly shaded area and spread out their blanket.
They continued their endless chatter and relaxed in the sporadic protection of the Joshua tree they were under. “Mm, so as glorious as this is,” Lexi started, her head dipped into her chest as Derek massaged her shoulders, “do we have any other plans?”
“All up to you dear. There’s a couple of art galleries, a museum, some sightseeing tours..” He trailed off as they contemplated what to do with their rest of their day.
Lexi and Derek found a small family owned Italian restaurant in Prescott after they had explored three small art galleries. They were led to a secluded table in the back by an older gentleman who could barely speak English through his thick Italian. Derek became lost in how Lexi’s beauty was enhanced by the soft lighting. “Derek, this day has been perfect.” Lexi sighed.
Derek bravely reached his hand across the pristine white tablecloth and slipped his fingers through hers. Lexi’s cheeks instantly filled with an excited blush. “You deserve it.” Derek waited until Lexi’s eyes met his. “Happy birthday Lexi.”
Lexi watched Derek in a different way through the rest of the evening. She thought perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad thing to consider the possibility of being with someone like him. Despite her conclusion, she also decided she would not be the one to present the idea to Derek.
Fortunately, she didn’t have to. As she and Derek neared the ranch late that night Derek once again enclosed her hand with his as he felt it was pretty much now or never. He knew once they were around everyone else he’d likely lose his nerve. “Lexi, I had a wonderful time with you today.” He confessed as he glanced over at her. “A really wonderful time. I know you like to keep your life… less complicated,” he silently cursed his nerves when he noticed his palms were sweaty. “but I thought, maybe, it might be cool if we, you know, decided to see each other. Nothing serious, just, hanging out.” He cursed himself again for his lack of eloquence.
Lexi silently nodded as Derek slid Riana’s card and drove through the gate. Derek let go of Lexi’s hand as he parked the car. She met him at the back of the car where she reached for both of his hands. “Derek,” She murmured softly. “I would be happy to complicate my life with the likes of you.” She grinned and raised up on her tiptoes to gently place her lips to his.
“As would I.” Derek breathed against Lexi’s lips before he kissed her again.
Saturday September 2, 2006
Lexi curled up against Derek as everyone gathered around the fire; they’d been essentially inseparable since Lexi’s birthday. Alex prepared drinks and Riana was obviously torn between him and Ryan as she once again pulled her phone out. It seemed cold to Lexi; how Riana rubbed Alex’s nose in the fact that she was with Ryan. Ri seemed to always wait until Alex was around to send Ryan a message or call him. Often times her motivations to behave in certain ways were way off. This was a perfect example. Lexi felt Derek sigh and she turned her head up towards him. “I know.” She sighed.
“I just worry Lex, if she keeps pushing him away, eventually he’s going to listen.” He whispered.
“I really, really hope not.” Lexi bemoaned.
“Riana, stop calling him.” Alex groaned as Riana placed her phone against her ear.
She narrowed her gaze at him. “Why, Alexander? He is my boyfriend after all.” She knew it was cruel of her, but she was hopelessly trying to prove a point. The amount of emotional discourse she had dealt with over the last few days seemed to have created a type of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde within her. She loved the time she spent with Alex, but that was why she felt she had to reach out to Ryan more frequently. She tried to keep herself in check by pushing Alex away with reminders of Ryan.
“He’s an asshole Ri.” Alex muttered under his breath. Before Riana could snap some witty comeback Ryan’s voicemail picked up--again. Riana sighed angrily as she hung up and stormed over to the fire pit to simmer in her frustration. “No answer again, huh?” Alex commented as he stood over Riana. Sam anxiously looked to Lexi, the tension in the air quickly thickened.
“Just stop.” Riana mumbled as she rubbed her temples.
“There’s a reason he doesn’t answer Ri. It’s because this,” he motioned around her “is for his pleasure at his convenience. You are expected to be available when he wants you, not the other way around.” Riana clenched her teeth together. His words hurt, but only because they were true.
“Shut up Alex.” Riana demanded.
“No! Dammit Riana, you’re insufferably stubborn! You are, at this moment in time, one of the dumbest smart people I’ve ever met!” He yelled exasperatedly.
Lexi glanced over at Derek, who watched the scene worriedly. Being how Lexi knew Riana as well as she did, she braced herself for the storm that was surely about to erupt. “Did you seriously just call me dumb?” Riana snapped as she jumped up and attempted to stand off against Alex, who stood a good foot taller than her.
Alex ev
ened his face. “Yep. Sure did.” Riana flicked her eyes over his face and contemplated how to proceed. She knew everything he had said was true, but she wouldn’t openly admit it. “Riana, I just don’t get why you put yourself through this.” He lowered the intensity of his voice.
“I’ve been through worse.” She mumbled as she brushed past him. Alex widened his eyes at Lexi, Derek, Matt and Sam in vexation. He turned quickly on his heel and pursued Riana. Matthew moved to follow, with the intention to mediate, but Sam grabbed his arm before he could stand.
“It’ll be fine. Well, maybe not fine. But they have to do this Matt.” She assured.
Alex caught up to Riana in the hallway to her bedroom. “Ri.” He called. She barely paused before she flung her door open. “Ri!” He called again more urgently.
“What?” Riana yelled as she turned back to face him, tears welled up in her eyes. “Did you want to call me ugly too? Maybe irrational or gullible? Come on Alex, give me what you got!” She growled.
Alex reached out, grabbed Riana’s arms and pulled her to his chest. The moment their bodies met Riana’s tears spilled over. She was hurt and angry, but at herself more than Alex. “It doesn’t matter that you’ve been through worse, Ri.” He explained softly. “The fact is, you’re better than this, you’re better than him.” He smoothed her hair. “And you’re definitely not ugly.”
Riana snorted and smiled just a bit as she finally wrapped her arms around Alex. “You’re right though, I am stupid.” She mumbled into him.
“You just love him is all.” Alex choked out. “I hear love makes you stupid.”
“Yes, yes it does.” Riana agreed. She referred to her love for Alex but refused to elaborate.
Derek, Matt, Lexi and Sam murmured amongst themselves as Alex and Riana handled their confrontation inside. “Trust me, if Alex can stand his ground with her like that, he’s pretty much golden.” Lexi assured.
Matthew shook his head in disbelief. “I just can’t imagine them fighting like this is a good sign.”
Lexi smiled just a bit. “Riana… Well, she needs friends that can stand toe to toe with her. She’s aggressive and emotional. If Alex can deal with it, he’ll be great for her.”
“Lexi would know.” Samantha quipped. Lexi laughed lightly. “Lexi knows that true love for Riana includes providing a little ‘tough love’ on occasion. I’m pretty sure she and Ri get closer each time they have a big blowout.” Sam poked at the flaming logs. “I guess the biggest thing with this is for Riana to learn that just because they fight, doesn’t mean he cares any less about her. He probably got so upset because he cares about her so much.”
“I just worry it’s going to take too long. She’ll keep purposely hurting him. He won’t stand for it.” Derek mused.
“Yes he will.” Sam replied. Her knowledge of how much Alex loved Riana fueled her certainty. “The best part is soon Riana will realize she doesn’t have to keep hurting him. This fight might actually be the moment she gets it.”
Monday September 4, 2006
2:51am
Riana was shaken awake once again by tormented dreams. She didn’t try to fight it; the internal battle of what she wanted, what she needed and what she should do. She slid out of bed and padded silently out of her room, up the stairs and down the hall. She shuffled through his door and climbed under his covers. As she wrapped herself around him she cried against his neck. “You can’t leave me in two days Alex.”
“Ri?” He questioned hoarsely as he pulled out of sleep. “Honey, what’s wrong?”
She clawed at him, desperate to get closer. “I don’t want you to leave me.” She sobbed. Alex quickly awakened further and sat up. He gathered Riana in his arms and brought her into his lap.
“Sweetheart, it’s okay.” He soothed. He held her tightly and kissed the side of her face. Riana heaved sobs into his neck and Alex allowed her to cry. He silently provided her with the comfort she so obviously needed. “Come back with me.” He blurted after a long moment.
Riana’s breath caught, she pulled back and found Alex’s face through her blurry vision. “What?”
“Come back to New York with me.” He urged.
Riana barely shook her head. “I… can’t.”
“Sure you can. You can stay with me and Derek. Hang out in the studio, inspire me.” He bit his lip softly.
Riana crawled out of Alex’s embrace as she hung her head. “I can’t. I need to go see Ryan.” Alex’s eyes narrowed, the pain evident. “I know, it’s stupid, but I have to Alex.”
Alex nodded. “I know.” He whispered. They remained quiet in the awkward moment. Finally, Riana scooted back towards Alex.
She was uneasy and anxious. She glanced up at him as she kept her head low. “For tonight can we not talk about it? Just… Let’s just… pretend you aren’t leaving me.”
Alex reached out and pulled Riana to him as he laid back down. “I’m not leaving you Ri. I just have to go home.” Riana trailed her hand down his sternum and around his waist. Her hot breath tickled the side of Alex’s neck before she placed one, sweet, yet desperate kiss to his skin. Alex fought to contain both the groan in his throat and the urge to turn and envelope her lips with his. Riana snuggled closer, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Alex wasn’t able to fall asleep so easily. He remained awake as he stroked Riana’s skin and replayed everything since May. He wondered how much longer he could take this roller coaster. He couldn’t comprehend how Riana was so oblivious and resistant. However, she was his best friend and he loved her. He knew that he would remain as long as she wanted him to.
He gazed down at her and lowered his lips to her temple. “I love you Riana.” He whispered. “I wish you could understand that.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Say Good-bye
Wednesday September 6, 2006
Lexi helped Derek pack his things to go home. She couldn’t seem to erase the pout on her face and Derek felt horrible. “Lex, you just let me know and you can come visit any time you want.” He assured as he kissed her softly.
“I just feel like, so much time was wasted. I’ve only been able to be with you for a week. I have a feeling I need much more time than that.” She grinned.
Derek laughed as he tossed a few shirts in his suitcase. “I know exactly what you mean. It’s been an amazing break Lexi, we definitely needed this. Thank you again for convincing Riana to invite us.”
“Of course. Speaking of, I should probably go check on her. I imagine she’s having a hard time processing Alex leaving.” Derek nodded solemnly.
Riana hid in her office as she attempted to stuff all of her emotions to a depth she hoped to never reach again. She was overcome with despair, anger, and confusion. Alex had attempted to console her, to no avail. She fiercely pushed him away. “Hey sweetie.” Lexi’s soft voice beckoned as she entered the office. Riana turned to the sound of Lexi’s voice. Riana’s face did nothing to hide her pain. Lexi fully entered the office and leaned against Ri’s cherry desk. She didn’t say anything, just patiently waited for Riana.
Riana’s couldn’t seem to grasp the rationale for any of her emotions. She dropped her head to her desk. “I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already.” She mumbled.
“I know, honey.” Lexi soothed as she rubbed Riana’s back. “Derek said to just let him know if I wanted to stay in New York with them. I’m sure Alex would love if you visited too.” Lexi ran her fingers through Ri’s hair as it was something Lexi knew relaxed her.
“I can’t, Lex.” Riana moaned. “I have to go see Ryan.”
Lexi sighed but knew it was something Riana had to do. “You’re still going to ride with us to the airport, right?”
Riana was hesitant but nodded as she stood. As she and Lexi exited the office Riana was suddenly tackled in the hallway. Strong, lean arms wrapped around her and lifted her off the ground. A sweet, innocent kiss was placed to her cheek. “I’m going to miss you so much Ri.”
“Oh, I’m going to miss
you too Matt.” Ri declared sadly. Matthew set her down, but kept his hands on her waist.
“Please promise me you’ll stay in touch this time.” Riana blushed under Matt’s sweet, Persian blue eyes and nodded. Matthew watched her for a moment and wondered how things might have been different had Riana continued to write to him. He was suddenly overcome with the desire to place his lips to her skin again, but instead he pulled his palms from the subtle curve of her waist.
Alex knew it wasn’t easy for Riana to accept he was leaving, it was difficult for him as well. He just wished she'd talk to him about it instead of pushing him away. He escaped the house, dropped his bags on the ground behind the Jeep and jogged to the barn. The heavy door creaked as he pushed it to the side. Alex smiled softly as he saw Apollo lean his head over his stall door.
“Hey buddy.” He called. Alex sighed as he climbed up to sit on the front wall of Apollo’s stall. He reached out and rubbed Apollo’s cheek. “I’m going to miss you dude. We had some fun, huh?” Alex gave a little snort. “This is what it’s come to? Talking to a horse?”
“Hey now, I talk to my horses all the time.” Riana chuckled from the barn entry. She approached Apollo’s stall and folded her arms on the top of the door. She rested her chin on her forearm. “Sometimes I think they understand more than we give them credit for.” She mused. “I know Adonis has heard more about my life than most people. I feel less crazy when I can talk it out, you know?”
“Sure do.” Alex sighed. He gazed down at Riana. Her eyes seemed to be focused off in the distance. There was so much left unresolved. “Ri…” He murmured.
“Alex, please, don’t.” She bemoaned. “This is hard enough already, isn’t it?” She commented as she lifted her head, turned around and leaned against Apollo’s stall door.
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