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I couldn’t believe this woman who was 12 years older than me was this courageous and comfortable!
“Okay, okay!” Daniel scolded as he gently pulled her away from me. She giggled as she pressed her head on his chest. She seemed so happy he was there. “It’s time for us to go home; you might shock poor Naomi even more,” he told her as he softly moved her dark brown hair away from her face.
She laughed as she kissed him. They stared into each other's eyes for a while, and I was starting to feel uncomfortable and weird watching them being so soft with each other. It was so pretty but cringe as well.
I absolutely coiled up whenever Dad and Mia started becoming mushy in front of me. I couldn’t stand it!
“We’ll be leaving now,” Daniel told me as he tucked her closely next to him, making sure she didn't let go of his hand. “Please take care of him for me.” He motioned with his head in the direction where Alexander was still drinking the night away.
I really wanted to whine and ask why I should have that responsibility, but in looking at everyone else, I could see they were having fun, and I didn’t want them to deal with a moody Alex today.
I guess I should take one for the team!
“Okay.” I waved as they walked away. Sarai winked at me as Daniel dragged her out the hotel, and I giggled as I watched them leave. Sighing, I turned around just in time to watch Alexander order another drink. Rushing to the bar, I sat down next to him and quickly called for the bartender. “May I please have a Kalimotxo Cocktail, please.” I smiled kindly as he nodded and walked away.
I turned to face Alexander, and he was already staring at me with a snarl, probably pissed that I’d disrupted his drinking peace. Believe me, I don’t want to be here either, but your friend and his wife have been nice to me the entire day, so I will do them just this favor. Of course, I didn’t say all that, even though it sat on my chest heavily.
“A truce? Please?” I asked softly, and he sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Just tonight.”
“Hmm.” Oh, back to the humming sounds. Well, as long as he didn’t die, I guess.
“Here’s your jacket. Thank you for loaning it to me.” I extended the jacket, and he stared at it silently and exhaled a long breath. “Oh, where are my manners?” I whispered as I placed it on my lap. “I’ll get it dry cleaned and then bring it to you someday.” I smiled, and he raised his eyebrow as he stared at me. What is it with him and staring? Had alcohol suddenly taken away his ability to speak?
“Did I ask you to do that?” he asked, and it was my turn to stare. “Keep it, I gave it to you,” he muttered as he welcomed his drink.
“Oh?” I squeaked, unable to come up with an answer. If I said anything, I would probably ruin the insult-less conversation we were having. Keeping quiet, I took a sip of my cocktail and moaned, loving the way it smoothly went down my throat.
“How was the game?” he asked, so softly I almost couldn’t hear him. As I stared at him, surprised, his lips lifted a bit as he looked back at me. “What? I can’t ask if you enjoyed the game or not?”
“It was great,” I whispered after gathering myself. Had Alexander just smiled at me? ME? “I had fun. It’s been a while since I watched a game in person. Plus the diamond field box is a fun place to be.” I giggled stupidly, and he grunted, stifling his chuckle.
“Is that so?” he asked, and I laughed, nodding; at least he wasn’t being an unbearable asshole.
“Yes, Mr. Harris.” His lips lifted a bit again before he shook his head, swallowing the rest of his drink. He raised his finger for another one, and now I couldn’t help but be worried. “Why are you drinking so much?” I whispered, and he looked at me from the corner of his eye before chuckling humorlessly.
It sounded like a pained laugh.
“It’s my 8th divorce anniversary.” He smiled as he leaned on his fist, finally looking at me. “So I’m celebrating.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes like it had earlier when he was with Daniel.
I suddenly felt bad for asking; although it wasn’t really a festive mood with him, it quickly became somber. “Don’t be sad for asking.” He nudged my shoulder gently. “It was my fault it ended anyway,” he whispered.
“Why do you say so?” Why could I not stop speaking?!
His eyes were hooded as he kept quiet for a while. He seemed really drunk. “Hmm?” He tilted his head to the side, and I smiled.
“Let’s get you to your room.” I kept using the same quiet voice as I got off my chair and prompted him to get off as well. “Give me the key.” I held out my hand, and he bit his lips as he rummaged through his suit pants, searching for the key. Gently dragging him to the elevator, I sighed, already exhausted. Getting to the elevator was supposed to be the easy part, but nothing was ever easy with Alexander.
We finally arrived on his floor, and he leaned heavily against me as I struggled to get the door open. “Come on,” I grunted as I tried the key again, and finally it opened. Fuck, Alexander was heavy. That was a given, but I really didn’t think it would be by that much.
“Oh? We’re in my room,” he said, smiling stupidly as he raised his head from my shoulder. Wasn’t it aching from all that bending? “I’m tired.” I almost couldn’t hear him.
“Okay, take your shoes off and go to bed,” I instructed as I led him in the direction of the bedroom. He shook his head and sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall.
Oh, come on! We were so close to reaching the room! Why is he doing this?
“No, I mean I don’t want to play anymore. Everything is suffocating,” Alexander admitted as his shoulders slumped. Bringing his hand onto his shoulder, he laughed coldly as he rubbed it. “You know, it’s fully healed, but whenever I start to feel absolutely anything, it aches so fucking badly.”
“Alexander,” I whispered as I kneeled down in front of him.
