by Izzy Cullen
“Well, we only invited you so we had someone to pay for everything,” Sam said jokingly.
“Gladly, it is the least I can do,” Johnny said while looking over at me. I wanted to tell him we were good and not to worry, but I thought it was best to ignore it so that it would start to fade from everyone’s minds.
We all walked out together and climbed in his Audi Q5. I climbed in the backseat and let Sam sit up front. I wanted to take in sights and thought it would be harder if I sat up front, because Johnny might want to talk. I was worried my silence would be taken the wrong way.
Before I knew it, we were pulling into the parking lot. The park had opened an hour before we arrived. Sam said it probably wasn’t very busy. Johnny turned his hat around and put on his aviator glasses. I honestly thought he looked different than the pictures that had been recently plastered all over the magazines about him going to rehab. I thought he would be safe from recognition.
When we went in, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do first, but I knew it had to be a roller coaster. We rode for a while before Sam started to bail a bit. I then realized she had been hung over and not just tired. I had to give her props for even attempting the day. I would have taken me up on the offer of just hanging by the pool. We left Sam on a nearby bench and jumped on another coaster. I was glad Johnny came. We didn’t talk a whole lot, but it gave me someone to ride with. When we were done, Johnny suggested we get Sam some grease for her stomach. I agreed, since I was starting to feel hungry as well.
Once we grabbed Sam and the food, we sat outside at a table. We had light conversation, but I couldn’t help but watch Sam and Johnny together. I knew they had known each other for a long time and that Sam referred to him and Steve as her other brothers, but I wasn’t getting a Sam and Alex vibe from them. I wasn’t even getting an Abby and Derek vibe. I felt there was more between them. I made a mental note to keep observing them.
We decided we had enough and were ready to leave during the early evening. I stopped in and bought each of the girls a different Snoopy stuffed animal. When I was done, I met up with Sam and Johnny at the exit. Sam thought we should go back to the house, have dinner, and swim. I really liked the idea. There was something about lying next to a pool that sounded relaxing, and my feet were hurting from all the walking today.
Once we got there, Johnny and I went to the back patio while Sam went to find Marie. “So are you ready to leave this beautiful weather and head home tomorrow?” Johnny grabbed a seat by the pool and sat down. I pulled a lounge chair up next to him and sat down.
“I’ll miss the weather, but I miss my girls so much more.” I hated to be away from them, but at times I felt it was needed for my sanity, as well as theirs. “Did you give it anymore thought on coming for Thanksgiving?” I looked at him.
“You seriously want me to come? I thought you might have been asking just to be polite.”
“Yes, and for the record, I’m not the type of person to ask just to be nice. If I didn’t want you to come I wouldn’t have asked.”
Johnny had a real smile on his face. “I think I will then. I’m glad you invited me.” Johnny took his hat off and put it on his knee. “It will be nice to get away from here. It’s hard to stay clean and not fall back into old habits.” I was sensing what a struggle this sobriety was for him, and actually proud of him for being able to say it out loud. I have seen my fair share of people with drinking problems come into the pub, but it took a strong person actually to admit they had one.
Sam finally joined us and told us we would have dinner in a little bit. She tried talking me into putting on my swimsuit, but I was too tired. Instead we just sat around and talked about nothing and everything. We laughed a lot and were still laughing when Alex came out to join us.
“I’d ask what is so funny, but I’m scared to hear the answer to the question.” Alex placed his hands on my shoulders and leaned down, giving me a kiss as I looked up at him.
“Oh, you know, we were telling Abby all about you and a few of your secrets.” Sam winked at Alex.
“I’m not worried,” Alex said with confidence, as if he knew that no matter what they told me that it would not scare me away. I wish I had that confidence on my end with our relationship. I was getting there, but past demons still popped up every once in a while.
Marie came with the food and we all sat around the table. We were all so quiet at first, since everyone was so hungry. When we were finishing up, Alex looked at me with a serious expression.
“Something came up and I need to stay the week to get everything straightened out.” He set his napkin on his plate and slid it to the middle of the table. “I’m sorry. I would have Sam fly back with you, but I need her to stay here. It seems the artist she wants me to sign is a slight pain in the ass, and I’m making her stay and be the mediator.” He looked over and gave Sam a slightly pissed off look.
“You’ll be back for Thanksgiving, right?” It was our first real family holiday together, and for some reason I felt he needed to be there.
“Yes. The plan is that I’ll fly out Saturday morning so I’ll be there with a few days to spare. I can help your mom get things ready. Sam can fly back with me, too.”
I looked from Alex to Sam and seeing Johnny as my eyes floated past. “Johnny can fly back with you guys too, since he’s coming for Thanksgiving.” I had a smile on my face.
Alex looked over at Johnny. “Do you want to fly back with Abby tomorrow? You can stay in the apartment above the studio so you have your own space, or even in the house, since I’m never there. I know you said you needed a change of scenery.” I was slightly surprised by the invitation. Alex looked over at me. “If you don’t mind.”
“Absolutely not, but will you have enough time to pack?” I asked, looking at Johnny. I was flying out at five in the morning because it was eight in Michigan, and I didn’t want to get home too late. I could postpone the flight, but I really didn’t want to do that. I wanted to see the girls before they went to bed.
“Yeah, it actually sounds like a good idea. I’ll head out now so I can throw some shit together. I really don’t need a lot other than jeans, shirts, and shoes. It won’t take me long to pack.” Johnny’s whole demeanor changed. He seemed excited about the trip and the stay in Michigan. I was hoping this new environment and time away from LA would be good for his sobriety.
“Don’t forget a jacket and sweatshirt, and pretty soon you will need a snowsuit,” Sam quickly added. I didn’t say anything, but I stuck my tongue out at her. I was leaving this weather to head back to the forty degree weather and soon, very soon, snow.
After Johnny left, we cleared the table and headed in separate directions from Sam. She was looking beat up from her long night from the night before and today’s fun. I was pretty sure she was heading off to bed. I gave her a hug and said my good bye just in case she wasn’t up when we left at 3:30 in the morning.
I needed to pack my things and get everything ready for the morning. This was always the worst part about traveling – packing. I hated packing just as much as I hated early flights. Alex was helpful. He got everything out of drawers and hangers, and he was handing the clothes to me so I could fold and pack them. I was happy to be heading home to the girls, but wishing Alex wasn’t staying back for another week.
When we were finally done, I decided to jump in the shower to wash all the sweat and grime off me from the amusement park. I let the water wash over me and didn’t realize Alex had joined until he started washing my hair for me. I loved having my hair played with, even when it was wet. When he was done shampooing and conditioning it, he grabbed a puff, put body wash in it, and started washing me. He started at my toes and worked his way up my back. I felt a soft nip on my left butt cheek. When he got to my neck, Alex turned me to face him and then started washing my front. This time he worked from my neck down to my feet. When Alex reached my toes, he started massaging my legs with his hands. First my calves, and then up to my outer thigh, working his way to
the insides. I loved his touch. It was gentle, but with enough roughness that didn’t hurt, but turned me on.
His hands went to my ass. He rubbed each butt cheek while he pulled me in closer to him. I then felt soft kisses on the outside of my folds. I was melting into him and wanted him. There was no stopping the soft moans coming from my mouth.
One of Alex’s hands left my butt and was working on my clit along with his tongue. It didn’t take long for me to climax, and if it wasn’t for Alex’s strong arms holding me up I might have collapsed onto him. I went to return the favor, but Alex shut the water off and pulled me out of the shower. We towel dried each other off, skipped the robes, and walked into the bedroom. I made a beeline for the bed, wanting and needing him to join me.
When Alex joined me, I started kissing him on the mouth, pulling him back with me onto the bed. I felt needy tonight, more than normal. I wasn’t sure if it was because I would be without him for a week or if I was worried he would be staying back in LA with Paige. She was attractive and talented. They had more in common than Alex and I did. I knew Alex wasn’t anything like David, and I hated myself for comparing and doubting him like I was at this moment. I managed to pull my mind away from the conversation in my head and got lost in the moment. By the time we finally fell asleep, I was lucky to get a couple of hours.
I woke to Alex holding coffee in front of my face and kissing my forehead. “Hey, time to get up. Johnny is already on his way over. I made you some coffee and have the shower running already.” I didn’t open my eyes. I was so tired that I just wanted to sleep. “If you want to get back so you can see the girls you need to get out of bed.” That statement was the only thing getting me out of bed.
I got out of bed and kissed Alex while taking the coffee mug out of his hand. I took sips as I walked into the bathroom to take my quick shower. I threw my hair in a messy, wet bun before grabbing a robe and heading out to the bedroom. Alex sat next to my suitcase on the bed and had his own cup of coffee in his hand.
“I still don’t understand why you are a teacher when you hate mornings so much.”
“I don’t understand how you are a musician when you like them so much.” I shot him a smirk.
Alex pulled me in a tight one handed hug that pulled me onto his lap. “And to think I was going to miss you.” He leaned in, kissing my neck.
“Well, I’ll miss you. I’m going to have to start making my own coffee again.” I started to stand up to get ready.
“I’ve had your coffee, so you’ll be begging me to come home after the first day.” He let out a small chuckle. “Speaking of home, I am thinking of giving Sam this house for Christmas. What do you think?”
I turned and looked at him for many reasons. One, a house is a huge gift, and two, that meant he would be giving up residency in California and making Michigan his new permanent home. I was excited and scared. Everything was so quick. I knew how I truly felt about him. I was still waiting on him to realize he was taking on too much, or we weren’t enough to make him happy.
“What are you thinking about? And don’t tell me you aren’t, because you’re biting your lower lip and your eyes are glazed over like you just smoked a joint.”
I playfully slugged him in the arm. “Nothing, really. Where will you stay when you come back to California?”
“Is there something you want to tell me? Are you kicking me out? I mean, I have only been living with you a week, and I thought I was hiding all my bad habits until I got the ring on your finger.” He grabbed my hand.
“Ha-ha, no, I was thinking when you come back for trips like this one. Where will you stay?” I still wasn’t comfortable opening up about my fears of him one day wanting to leave.
“I’ll stay here. It will just be considered a visit and I’ll be a guest. That way she can write the checks to the help.” He was smiling.
“It’s your house, money, and sister. It is your choice what you do with it all.” It was the truth. It didn’t matter if I thought it was a great idea or dumb; it wasn’t my place to tell him what to do with any of it.
“We can talk about it when I get home.” Alex stood up and wrapped me in a hug. “I’ll head downstairs and get a travel mug ready for you. Johnny should be here any minute. Are you sure you are okay with him going back with you? I didn’t give you much choice. I was just thinking of my conversation with him and knew being in LA was getting harder every day.”
I reached up and placed my hand on his mouth to get him to stop talking. “It’s fine. The company will be nice, and I’ll get a better chance to get to know him.”
“He’ll be fine in the apartment. You don’t need to babysit him.”
“Really? You are going to impose your company on me and then tell me to be rude to him?” I was only kidding, and I knew Alex knew with the tone of voice I said it in.
“Get ready, you are going to be late if you keep sitting here making me talk to you.” He gave me a kiss as he walked out of the room with my bag.
I quickly threw on my sweat pants and t-shirt and head down the stairs. I figured there wasn’t anyone I was going to be seeing and being comfortable was important on the long flight. When I got downstairs, Alex, Johnny, and Sam, were sitting around the island in the kitchen. They each had a coffee in front of them, and there was fresh fruit cut up in a bowl in the middle of the island. Sam scooped me out some and slid the bowl over to me. I didn’t wait for a fork before picking the fruit out with my fingers and sucking them clean when I was done.
Alex came over, wrapped me in a hug from behind, and whispered in my ear, “I’m going to have a hard time letting you go if you keep doing that.” He kissed me on the top of the head.
“Alright, lovebirds, the car is about to leave, so get your asses moving.” Sam came over and gently pushed us towards the door.
“You’re in that much of a hurry to get rid of me?” I asked jokingly.
“No, I’m in that much of a hurry to get back to my bed,” Sam said as she wrapped me in a hug. “And I’m not here to say bye to you, but to Johnny.” She pulled away and gave him a hug. I knew she was saying it jokingly, but I felt some honesty in the statement.
Alex drove with us to meet the plane. I settled into his side on the drive. I was quiet because I knew I would be missing him. As much as I tried to fight it or deny it, he had become a permanent fixture at my house and I was beginning to rely on him.
Johnny and Alex talked about the studio session with Paige the day before. The way Alex made it sound, she was pretty high maintenance and had an attitude. Johnny informed Alex that he should be used to working with attitudes. I felt he was referring to himself. Johnny seemed to be delivering a positive pep talk. I was only catching bits and pieces because I was lost in my own inner thoughts. When we pulled into the airport, it was a bittersweet feeling. I was glad everyone got out of this trip what they needed, and that it was over so I could return home, but I was also sad that Alex would be left behind for a week. I had to keep telling myself that it was only a week and to stop being that girl, the girl Lexi and I always made fun of, the one who couldn’t function without a guy. I had always been independent, even when I was married, and I didn’t want that to change. Maybe this short separation would be good for me. I already had plans on a catch up dinner with Lexi this week.
I climbed out of the car and Alex held my hand as we walked to the back to grab the bags. Johnny had a few suitcases. He walked over and shook Alex’s hand and Alex pulled him in for a man hug. “Remember what we talked about. Actions speak louder than words. Now don’t burn down my goddamn house.”
Johnny pulled away and didn’t say anything, but nodded. I wasn’t sure what the exchange was about, but thought I could get it out of Johnny on the plane. He was a talker and liked to share. I liked to sit back and listen while probing for more answers.
Alex reached over and pulled me in for a long kiss, followed by a kiss on the forehead. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him in tight. I inhaled his sme
ll. It was something that I loved. He rarely wore cologne. There was just something about his smell that did me in.
“I love you, and I wish I was getting on that plane with you, but I’ll get this shit wrapped up and be back in time for Thanksgiving.” Alex rested on the top of my head. “I packed you a few of my shirts in your bag in case you start to miss me.”
“Promise you’ll be there for Thanksgiving?” is all I said as I looked up at him.
“Promise. I wouldn’t miss my first Thanksgiving with my family and friends for anything. If it’s not wrapped up in time, I’ll cut her. This deal isn’t that important.” I heard what Alex said and it made me feel relieved.
When I finally pulled away, I grabbed my bag from his hands and headed up the steps to board the jet. I looked back and saw Alex standing next to the car. I was going to miss him.
~11~
When we got on the plane, I noticed we had a different flight attendant than we had a few days ago. I was slightly relieved at this. I placed my bag in the cabinet, on top of Johnny’s. His suitcases took up most of the room in there.
I walked back and saw he was sitting at the seat with the table. I took the seat diagonal from him across the table. I didn’t really want to sit there, but thought I would be rude if I sat in the single seat across the aisle. The flight attendant told us right after take-off that she would be back with coffee and muffins. I couldn’t wait for the coffee. I was in need of another cup. I shouldn’t be so tired with the time change. My body couldn’t have adjusted that quickly to the time change, but I also wasn’t used to the late nights. I knew I would be in bed right after I tucked the girls in that night.
Neither of us spoke at first. I placed my head back on the headrest and closed my eyes. Johnny was looking at the newspaper that was sitting on the table of the jet. Once we were in the air and received our coffee and muffins, we both seemed to get a little more life in us. Johnny was the first to talk.
