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5
Alexis
“Can I help you?” I eye the woman standing at my door.
“Alexis, hi. I’m so sorry to bother you.” My forehead creases in confusion. I take in her blonde hair and blue eyes. She looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t quite place her. At first, I think she might be a client, but I dismiss the idea immediately. I never schedule appointments at home. “Oh, sorry. I’m Monica, Erin’s sister. We met at the block party several months ago.” Comprehension dawns and I remember Erin fondly introducing her as her baby sister. Their parents had difficulty conceiving and had given up after Erin. Ten years and one hell of a surprise later, Monica made her way into the world.
“Sorry, it took me a moment to place you. We didn’t get much time to talk. What can I help you with?”
“I feel so stupid. I came to visit Erin, but she’s not here, and I somehow got a flat tire.” She grimaces and gestures behind her to the car parked in Erin’s driveway. “And to top off this shitty day, it looks like I left my cell at home. I was wondering if I could maybe use your phone?”
“Oh sure, that’s no problem. Come in.” I stand aside, and she walks past me with a grateful smile.
Her forehead furrows. “I feel so stupid. Dad tried to teach me how to change a tire, but it went in one ear and out the other.”
“Don’t feel too bad. If it wasn’t for roadside assistance, I would be totally screwed. Is there anyone you would like me to call?”
“If I could borrow your phone, that would be great. Anthony's always messing around with their cars, so I’m sure he'll be able to sort it out.”
“Go ahead,” I say, unlocking my phone and handing it to her. “I’m just going to check on Lizzy.”
“Thank you.”
I grab a juice box and head to Lizzy’s playroom. She’s immersed in her butterfly puzzle, so I give her the juice and a quick kiss before heading back to the kitchen.
“Everything okay?” I ask when I find her glancing around.
“Yeah.” She lets out a big breath. “Anthony is tied up at the office, but he’ll come by as soon as he can.”
“Are you sure I can’t call someone for you?”
“No, it’s okay. He said Erin got held up, but she’s on her way back. I’ll just wait for her in my car.” She turns to head to the front door, and I put my hand on her arm to stop her. I can feel her muscles tighten under my touch, so I quickly drop it.
“Nonsense. It’s scorching today. Make yourself comfortable.” I gesture toward the barstools and make my way to the fridge.
“If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble?”
“Not at all. Would you like something to drink?”
“Some water, please.” She slides onto one of the barstools. “You have such a beautiful home. How long have you lived here?”
“About six years. We moved in not long before Lizzy was born.” I hand her the water and settle across from her.
“Lizzy’s your daughter?”
“Yes, our one and only. Do you have any?” I don’t see a wedding ring on her finger, but that doesn’t mean anything.
“Not yet, but I do want to have a family someday. Till then, I just spoil Erin’s kids. It’s kind of nice being the fun aunt.”
I grin when I imagine how crazy that would make uptight Erin. “I bet she just loves that.”
She chuckles and looks down at the design I’m working on. “You draw?”
“Design, actually. I own a bridal boutique on the Mile.”
“I’m surprised you work.” She says with a shake of her head.
“Why’s that?”
