The Journalist: A Sexy Contemporary Romance

by Tia Lewis

  "None. And I feel that the earlier you accept the reality of things, the better things will get for you. Your mom must've been an amazing woman, but the truth of the matter is that she's gone. She's never going to come back, but would you put your life on hold for that?

  "In as much as I risk sounding like your father, do you really think your mom would've loved this whole thing you're doing? I'm willing to bet that she would've abhorred it. But here you are. Your father's not at fault for what happened to your mother. Life happened there. Life's shit and life's unfair, but the truth is that we have to deal with it nonetheless. Your father did what he thought was best for his beloved.

  "Your father's timing was quite rotten, but the thing is, sooner or later he would've moved on. Understand that he was lonely, too. The way you pinned for your mother was the exact same way he was pining for his wife every day, crying for her, missing her. It might be hard for you to see that through this thick scales that your anger has placed over your eyes, but eventually, I hope that you will.

  "And him going with that woman, I'm sure he never meant to hurt you or your mother's memories. It must've happened without him realizing it. It must've started out as just an innocent friendship or business relationship. One thing leads to another, and they begin to confide in each other more. And before you know if, shit happens. If you don't think it's possible, then just take a good look at you and me."

  "Don't do that. It's not the same thing as what happened with us," she said for the first time since I started my lecture.

  "What's the difference? We started out with work, and then we got friendly, and before you know what's happening, we've had sex, without even realizing what is happening. And now here I am talking to you about one of the greatest secrets you have. How's that different?"

  "Maybe it was a terrible idea texting you then."

  "It wasn't. Don't tell yourself that so as you can get out of this."

  "It's not the same thing. With us, it was just sex. Just the sex, nothing more. We share nothing other than the work that brought us together and the occasional boinking. Nothing more. But him? He went and fell in love with her. He got engaged to her! And he was all but set to make her my step-mother so soon after. He didn't even give it time."

  "Things like that happen. I know it must be hard accepting it, but it's the truth you'll have to come to terms with sooner or later. It hurts, but that's just how things are. If your dreams are anything to go by, then Alexa darling, I'd advise that you see your father. It's been four long years. What if something happens to him?"

  "Nothing will. Don't be like Patrice now."

  "But what if? Think about that for me, will you, Alexa? Think of how you would be able to forgive yourself knowing you had the chance to make things right, but your pride got in the way. Just think of that."

  "Thanks for the sermon."

  "I hope you picked up one or two things from it," I said with a hint of humor. I didn't want to scare her off with all this seriousness. Sometimes, one needed to approach these things with caution.

  "What I am now is tired, Dylan. Stop dwelling over this. I'll see my father, but the timing isn't right yet. There are a million and one things I need to do first."

  "I understand. Just don't dwell on it for too long," I said and pulled her into a warm embrace. She needed it and honestly, so did I. An idea dropped into my mind at that moment. "I have an idea. Why don't you go back into the bathroom, have your bath, and change into something decent so we can go out?"

  "Why? Where're we going?"

  "I want to treat you to pancakes. We won't talk about my work or your problems or even the article. Just two friends out having fun. Let's put all of this behind us for now."

  "Are you sure you can afford that right now?"

  "I'm broke, but not that broke. Come on. Don't ruin this for me."

  "Argh! Goodness! I just left the bathroom."

  "Not to take your bath. Now, I actually need you to take your bath."

  "Fine," she reluctantly agreed and headed over to the bathroom.

  She spent the next five minutes in the bathroom, and I was sure half of that time was spent crying. I didn't press her on it when she did come out of the bathroom.

  Instead, I smiled at her and attempted to make her smile. She smiled too, but it was obvious it was on the surface. The smile was not from deep within.

  We headed off to her favorite café. The place was unusually crowded, but we didn't mind. We ordered banana pancakes and goofed around over our plates for the next hour.

  I was glad I had called in at work to let them know I wouldn't be able to make it today. I had given Paula and Chris the excuse of working on the finishing touches to the interview. Paula had agreed to it and was quite impressed I was investing so much in this. Chris had only grunted his suspicion at my spending so much time with Alexa all of a sudden. I had disregarded him and headed to Mountain View.

  By the time we left the café, Alexa's mood was considerably improved. She was actually smiling genuinely. Her happiness was quite contagious, and before long we were like two kids playing in the park. Despite all Alexa's complaints, I took her to an ice cream parlor and splurged on ice cream. All this while, my poor finances didn't even cross my mind. The fact that I was helping someone, a friend, maybe more was what was on my mind.

  Chris' last words to me last night crossed my mind. Could his suspicion be true?

  Was I slackening because of Alexa? I couldn't possibly have feelings for her. But then again, last night crossed my mind. I had planned to stay back and work until Opal had called. Then, I had been all but ready to dump work and head out with Opal just to prove to myself and maybe to Chris that I wasn't losing my touch.

  But that was when Alexa's text had come in. Everything before that text had turned into a blur. I didn't remember anything other than the text and the email. If she had let me, I would've rushed down to see her.

  Was that love? Could it be possible to fall in love after just sporadically seeing her in just some days? Chris would have a field day if I told him any of these thoughts of mine. These crazy thoughts of mine. I pushed all these thoughts out of my mind, and let the present be the only thing on my mind.

  We headed back to her place after a day filled with emotions, fun and too much sugar. When we started to kiss, I blamed the sugar in my head. When she so desperately started to tug at my clothes, I blamed the sugar. When we finally hit it off, I knew this had absolutely nothing to do with the sugar.

  Three hours later, I left her Mountain View apartment and headed back to my own side of town. I was too restless to go home, so I headed off to the office instead, hoping to God that most of the people I was on an overtly friendly basis with were not at work. I almost thanked my stars when I found out they were all gone until Chris ambled toward my cubicle. I groaned inwardly and almost hit my head against the wall.

  "Hey lover boy," he said with a sneer.

  "What's with you, Chris? Can you cut it out?"

  "Nope. I can't. Found a photographer for your piece yet? I'd be glad to shoot this girl's photos."

  "No one is even supposed to know who she is, so why would I need her photos?"

  "You would at least need some photos. Or you don't plan on using any at all?"

  "Back off, Chris. I'm too tired."

  "I'm telling you, man. That girl's got you strung on so tight."

  "I won't even bother arguing with you," I said and turned back to my laptop.

  "Alright I'll stop teasing," Chris said and somehow found a way to sit on my desk. "I'll be serious now. I've never seen anything like this before. I've never seen you like this in all of the time I've known you. For the first time, you're putting one girl above all the other women. And that, for you, means a lot. Heck, I haven't even heard you talk about any other woman in God knows how long!"

  "I think that had something to do with the fact that I'm broke as fuck."

  "Since when did that stop you from finding some girl off of
Twitter who would be won over by your charms? This girl. She's special. And she's the only girl who doesn't want you to marry her immediately once she set eyes on you."

  "You asshole. I wish I didn't tell you that part."

  "But you did. So start talking."

  "Okay so maybe I like her a little. She's different and honest, and I like that a lot about her."

  "That wasn't so hard to admit now, was it?"

  I'm about to open my mouth to cuss him out when my phone starts to ring.

  Caller ID read Alexa, and before I could hide it from Chris, he saw it.

  "Go on and answer, son. I'll wait till you are done. I am, after all, a very patient man."

  I rolled my eyes and answered the call. "Hi, Alexa."

  "Hi, Dylan. How are you?"

  "I'm alright. You?"

  "I'm great. Thank you so much for today. It was really sweet of you, and it meant a lot to me."

  "You don't have to thank me for anything. It's the least I could do for you, Alexa."

  Chris chose this moment to cough, and I punched him playfully in the thigh.

  "I just um…I actually don't know why I called. I guess I like talking to you."

  "I'm glad you do. I like talking to you as well," I said and glared at Chris before he did something stupid.

  "So what are you doing?"

  "I'm unfortunately stuck at work with an annoying ass I call my friend. You?"

  "Reading a book. That's the only calming thing I could do."

  "It's a good enough hobby."

  "Fuck no!" I heard Chris say and I turned to him, my glare etched into my face. "Cut it out, man." I mouthed to him.

  "You've got to get off the phone now, Dylan. Shit just got messed up."

  "Stop fooling around, Chris," I actually said to him.

  "I'm not. I just got a text from Tom. Our boss just fucking died."

  "Oh my God! Paula?"

  "No, her husband," Chris said and my eyes grew wide.

  "Oh fuck no!" I said, my phone momentarily forgotten by my ear.

  "What's the matter, Dylan?" Alexa's worried voice cut across to me, bringing my attention back to my phone. "Is everything alright?"

  "No. The guy who bought the magazine I work at from the previous owners, he's my editor's husband. And he just died."

  "Oh my goodness, that's terrible."

  "I know. I'll have to call you back. I need to call Paula."

  "Yeah sure. Extend my condolences to Paula."

  "I will," I said, and upon ending the call, I called Paula immediately.

  She didn't answer. This shit was true.

  21

  Alexa

  I was touched at how Dylan could feel so much empathy for anyone, and the only thing that I could think of was that he was a good man beyond all the other not too good parts about him. It crossed my mind that despite what I told myself, I actually did like this man. I shook the thought from my mind. I had just been told a man just died. The last thing on my mind should be a budding romance or lack of one thereof.

  But all through the time, the longer I tried not to think about it, the more it crossed my mind. Soon enough, I was restless and couldn't sit still. Was this how this love thing felt? I hadn't had that much experience when it came to love and an actual relationship. I have had flings and what not, but nothing like this. This was a first for me.

  It was scary as hell, but it was at the same time quite exciting.

  I liked the way I felt when I was around him. I liked the way I got when I talked to him.

  I loved the feeling. Maybe this love thing wasn't such a bad idea after all. But it couldn't be love, could it? Had to be something else. Infatuation maybe. Or it could be because I saw him so much. But why did I wish he was here when he wasn't? I quickly fashioned out the excuse that it was because I was getting the cold turkey, like those on drugs. I would get better with time if I did not see him for a while.

  That was not the most important thing right now. The important thing was that I desperately needed a distraction. I didn't know what else to do. I picked up my phone and scrolled through all the social media platforms I was on, but nothing caught my attention. The TV was not showing anything special, and I was not a fan of the news, so I didn't bother to tune in. I decided to dial Patrice instead since she hadn't called me all day, as opposed to what she promised. Amidst several apologies, Patrice promised to come over immediately. I was not surprised when there was a knock on my door ten minutes later.

  "Hey, you," she said as she sauntered into my place.

  "Hey, yourself. You left me here and promised to check up, but couldn't even be bothered to as much as sending a text."

  "I am totally sorry. I didn't mean to. I just completely forgot when I got home. There was so much to do. You don't look like you fared terribly, though."

  "That's because some people actually care about me enough to check up on me when they promise to. Not everyone is like you, my dear Patrice."

  "Right. I know no one is as great a friend as I am. Now, who is this person trying to take my place in your life?"

  "Dylan. And he's succeeding, too. He took me on a sugar filled treat, and I am better for it."

  "Dylan. His name has somehow popped up again. And you say there are no strings attached?"

  "Maybe I am willing to admit that I like him just a little. But that's just a little. And Patrice, don't try to squeeze me dry because of what I just said."

  "Nah, I'm just going to let that slide. I've been waiting for you to admit it and you finally have," she said and went straight to the television to turn it on. I shook my head but said nothing and headed back to the room to grab my phone.

  From inside the room, I heard her shuffling between TV stations and then settling for the news after groaning that there is nothing else good enough on air. We both knew that was probably just half the truth. Patrice was so engineered to love the news more than all else. Had been engineered that way by her parents since she was a kid.

  "Ah, such a pity. So soon after investing that much money." I heard her say.

  "What are you complaining about this time, Patrice?" I called from the room.

  "This billionaire guy that died this morning. I think he owns the magazine Dylan works."

  "Oh really?" I asked as I headed out the room. "How come you know him, and I don't."

  "I like to educate myself on happenings. You don't. His widow looks so beautiful."

  I padded out of my bedroom out of sheer curiosity. When I got to the living room, I was rooted to the spot with fear. It couldn't possibly be. I had seen that woman before. Her face was one I have etched in my memory to forever hate. It couldn't be.

  "Patrice, is….is that the widow?" I asked quietly.

  "Yeah. That's Alfred Patterson's wife."

  "Oh my God! Oh no! No!" I couldn't help the tears that rolled down my face, and I crumbled to the floor.

  "Are you alright? Oh dear, why are you crying?" she said as she ran to my side.

  "That…that's….oh my God…that's my father."

  22

  Dylan

  Reaching Paula was increasingly hard with the passing of each second. It was still quite a rude shock to me that her husband was dead already. It still felt like yesterday when I had gotten that table for them at Four Points, and now he was gone? Some of us at work had decided to pay her a condolence visit and those of us at the office were closing shop. I heard my phone ringing. It was an unknown number.

  "Hello?"

  The voice at the other end seemed pretty distraught. "Dylan, it's Patrice. Can you please come over now?"

  "Patrice. Are you alright? You sound pretty shaken. Wait, is Alexa alright."

  "Something really bad has happened. Alexa's father is Alfred Patterson."

  "Oh shit! I'm coming over. Is she there?"

  "That's the problem. I went to get her some Kleenex from the bathroom, but when I came back outside, she was gone. Her phone and her purse are missing."
/>   "Just stay there. She might come back. I'll be with you as soon as I can get there."

  I ended the call and immediately and started to run out when I heard Chris calling out to me.

  "I've got to go, man. It's Alexa."

  "What's up, man? Is Alexa really that important? We're supposed to be going to visit the bereaved, and you want to run off to see your girlfriend who you just left?"

  I was impatient as hell watching Chris jump into his million conclusions. "Dude. Stop. Alfred's Alexa's father." I whispered.

  "Wait, what?"

  "I don't expect you to go running to anyone or even Paula, but I know you to be quite the discreet one. Alexa had issues with her father and ran away from home. But she's a Patterson all the same. Her friend just called to let me know she ran off somewhere, so I have to run along now if we want to find her."

  "Wow. I had no idea. Hurry on then."

  He hadn't even finished his sentence before I beat a retreat. Time always seemed to go much slower when you were in a pickle. The ride to Mountain View seemed to take forever, even though it was the shortest time I have spent on my way there.

  When I got to the house, Patrice was a shadow of the girl I met at the café some weeks ago. She had cried her eyes out and was still crying as she let me into the house.

  "Still no sign of her?" I asked.

  "None. It's like she just vanished. I've been trying to call her all day, but she's not answering. I just hope nothing happens to her," she said amidst sobs.

  "She'll be fine. Did you know before? About her father?"

  "I didn't. She just told me he was some top shot and no matter how much I quizzed her about it, she wouldn't give me an answer. She was that particular about that part of her story."

  "To think that I was just talking to her about going back home," I lamented. But that wouldn't get me anywhere. I turned back to Patrice. "Here's what we do. You'll stay back here just in case she comes back to the house so you can let me know. I'll go out and search for her. Just call me immediately if she comes home."