by K. T. Black
As quietly as she could, Alex slipped out of bed. She selected something to wear and headed into the bathroom so she could dress without disturbing Chandler. She had a few favorite places in the city to get coffee. Since she was only here a short time, she wanted to visit at least a couple of them before she headed back to Castleton. It would be a few more hours before Chandler woke up anyway. If she was quick, she could be back before she was missed.
With her smart phone in her hand, Alex left the suite and made her way to the closest elevator. Once she was in the lobby, she had the doorman flag down a cab for her.
After she instructed the driver where to take her, Alex switched on her phone to see how many messages she had from Millie. She read one and deleted the rest. Then she listened to her voicemail and was relieved to find only two were from Millie. She didn’t care how sorry Millie thought she was. She wanted her to leave her alone. By the time she arrived at her stop, Alex had thought of more than a dozen ways to take care of Millie, and none of them were pleasant.
Once the driver was paid, Alex got out of the cab and headed into the coffee shop/bakery. She ordered a large specialty blend coffee and a bagel with cream cheese, and then headed over to one of the empty tables by the door. She’d just taken a bite of her bagel when she was greeted with a most unpleasant surprise. Millie opened the door and stepped inside. Grinning like an idiot, she headed straight for Alex’s table.
“Shit!” Alex said under her breath. She set her bagel down on her napkin as she took a quick sip of her coffee.
Glaring at the woman, Alex watched as Millie pulled out a chair across from her and then sat down uninvited.
“Good morning, Alex. It’s so good to see you.”
“I wish I could say the same.”
“Now, don’t be like that.”
“Jesus, I didn’t think you’d take to stalking me.”
“You wouldn’t return any of my messages.”
“I have nothing more to say to you. I’ve moved on. I wish to hell you would.”
“Running away to some place in bumfuck nowhere isn’t moving on.”
“What do you want?” Alex asked, growing impatient.
“I want you to forgive me.”
“That’s never going to happen. We’re never getting back together. What will it take to get you to figure that out?”
“But I miss you,” Millie whined. “There’s no one like you.”
“You should have thought about that before you fucked Trisha.”
“I told you, I was drunk. It was a huge mistake.”
Alex looked at her like she was dimwitted. “I don’t give a shit. Don’t you understand? I don’t even think about you anymore.”
“I don’t believe you. You wouldn’t have left New York if that was true.”
“Believe whatever you want. It’s not going to change how things are.”
“Damn it, Alex. Why do you have to be so fucking stubborn?”
“Why do you have to be such a pain in my ass?”
“Say what you like, but I still love you, Alex. I always have.”
“You only love yourself. You’re pissed that you can’t have me anymore. Don’t even try to tell me otherwise.”
“That’s unfair.”
“Millie, you’re wasting your time and mine.” Alex stood. She grabbed her coffee and her bagel, intent on leaving. “And you’ve ruined my breakfast.”
Before Alex could move past her, Millie stood and grabbed Alex’s arm, nearly making her drop her bagel. Millie flinched when Alex tensed.
“Careful, my dear,” Alex threatened and narrowed her eyes. “You don’t want to provoke me any further than you already have. You’ll be sorry if you do.”
Millie let go of Alex’s arm and held up her hands in resignation.
Alex moved forward, and was about to open the door to leave when Millie said, “I’ll see you later.” Alex stopped but didn’t look at her. “You knew I was going to be at the shoot, didn’t you?”
Turning, Alex shot her a dirty look. Unaffected, Millie wore a smug smile.
Her appetite gone, Alex tossed her bagel into the trash and reached for the door. As she stepped out onto the sidewalk, she was careful to avoid the people walking by. She was pissed and needed to figure out how to let off some steam before she headed back to the hotel. She walked several blocks before she signaled for a cab. At least Millie had the good sense to not follow her.
* * * *
Chandler was eating breakfast when the door opened and Alex stepped inside the suite. She picked up the remote and muted the television.
“Where were you?” She sensed something was off with Alex. “I woke up and you were gone. I tried to call you and you didn’t answer.”
Alex seemed perplexed. She reached inside her pants pocket and took out her phone. After a quick glance at it, she looked Chandler in the eye. “I’m sorry. I must not have heard it. It was kind of noisy where I was at. I got up early and I didn’t want to disturb you, so I went out for coffee. It’s a shop I used to frequent when I lived here. I know I should have left you a message. I wasn’t thinking.”
Moving closer, Alex leaned down to give her a kiss. Chandler expected it to be brief, but it soon became apparent that Alex had other ideas. When she touched her tongue to Chandler’s lips, it didn’t take much coaxing to get her to deepen the kiss. Everything slipped away as she wished they could spend the day in bed.
As they pulled apart, Chandler said, “Well, I guess I’ll forgive you this time. Are you hungry?”
“Mm, famished.” Alex hummed.
Chandler gave a light slap to her hip. “I’m talking about food.”
“For that too.”
“Come on, you need more than coffee. Sit down and help me with my breakfast.”
Alex moved around the table and took a seat in the chair closest to Chandler. She reached over and poured herself a cup of coffee. “So, what do you have here?” She eyed her plate of food.
“Ham and cheese omelet, country potatoes, croissants, and fruit.”
Alex picked up a fork to cut a piece of Chandler’s omelet and took a taste.
“Mm, it’s good. But I think I’ll just have a croissant and some fruit. Sunday is the only day I like a large breakfast.”
“Well, I’ve always liked starting my day with a good breakfast. I tend to get more work done then.”
As Alex was reaching for a croissant, she cocked her head to the side and asked, “Are you sure that you want to come to the shoot with me today? You might have more fun exploring the city instead. Go to one of the museums, take a tour.”
“No, I want to come with you. I want to see you work.”
“I don’t know how exciting it will be for you.”
“I think it will be more fun hanging out with you than wandering around the city all by myself. I have been to New York before. Seen the museums, done a few of the tours.”
“I didn’t want you to feel like you had to come with me.”
“I’ve been looking forward to it all week.” She took a minute to study Alex. “Unless you don’t want me to come?” She wondered if something was wrong. Alex had been acting strange off and on since they’d arrived in New York. If there was, it didn’t appear as if she was going to admit it.
“No, I’d like you there.”
“Good.” Chandler felt relieved. “Besides, I’ll have my laptop with me if I get bored. Which I doubt will happen.”
Alex stood and avoided her gaze. “I’d better get in the shower and change. We don’t have much time before the car comes for us.”
The response was abrupt. It left Chandler staring after Alex as she disappeared inside the bathroom.
Chapter 12
The elevator ride to the studio floor was quiet and filled with tension. Alex had intended for this day to be a fun experience to share with Chandler. The way Millie was behaving, she worried how today was going to end. She wished she could have talked Chandler into doing something els
e while she worked, but she’d been stubborn. All she could do was make the best of things and hope Millie didn’t try anything.
As soon as the elevator doors slid open, a short, middle-aged Puerto Rican woman with a Bluetooth headset and a handheld computer pad greeted them.
“Alex. Good, you’re here.” The woman was a bundle of nervous energy. She seemed to be jet propelled by a gallon of caffeine. “Roger told me to bring you directly to him before getting started.”
“Is something wrong?” Alex asked.
“No, only a few last minute changes. You know, the typical chaos.” She indicated for Alex and Chandler to follow her. “Two of the damn interns called in sick today, so I’m short-handed. I don’t believe for a minute they’re sick. They’ll wish they were when I see them next. I’m good at coming up with unpleasant tasks.”
Alex grinned as she pictured it.
“I made certain that all of your equipment is accounted for and all set up.”
“Thank you, Anna. I do appreciate it.”
“And who is this?” Anna asked, peering up at Chandler.
“This is Chandler.”
“Hello,” she said. Anna gave a slight nod of acknowledgement.
“And this is Anna,” Alex told Chandler. “Roger’s number one assistant, and terrorizer of young interns.”
“Someone has to keep this place running smoothly.” Anna sported an arrogant grin.
As they maneuvered past harried people making last minute preparations, Alex spotted Roger. Even among the other models, he stood out. He was a tall, exotic-looking African American in his mid-fifties, although he looked to be in his forties. His head was shaved bald except for about a quarter inch of growth on top. Dressed in a designer suit and tie, his tailor-made clothing accentuated his muscular physique.
“Is that Roger?” Chandler asked Alex.
“Yes, that’s Roger.”
“He’s beautiful. I thought he was one of the models when I first noticed him.”
“He was a model at one time,” Anna told her.
“Do I need to be worried?” Alex teased.
Chandler blushed and shook her head.
When Roger noticed them approaching, a huge smile filled his face. He ended his phone call and snuck a look at Chandler as he headed toward Alex.
“Alex. I’ve sure missed you.” Roger hugged her. “It seems like forever since I last saw you.”
“Stop exaggerating. It hasn’t been that long.”
“This place isn’t the same without you.” Roger released Alex and took a step backward. “So, who is this lovely young lady?”
“This is Chandler.”
He extended his hand. “I’m Roger.”
Chandler accepted his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Roger.”
“So you’re the one who’s stolen Alex’s heart.” He took the opportunity to check her out.
She squirmed and turned her head toward Alex. “Well—”
“Don’t tease her, or I’ll pack up my gear and leave.”
“You’d never do that to me.”
“Don’t be so sure.” She tried to maintain her serious look, but ended up failing when he laughed. She missed their easy banter.
“Well, I definitely approve.”
“I’m so relieved.” Her reply was filled with sarcasm.
Appearing to ignore her comment, Roger focused on Chandler. “I got you and Alex tickets to Wicked for tomorrow evening. I hope that’s all right?”
Alex looked to Chandler, eager to witness her reaction.
“Yes.” Chandler beamed with excitement. “I’ve been wanting to see it, but I never seemed to make the time.”
“I have another surprise for you as well. Anna’s going to take you to see Philip. He’s going to outfit you with the perfect dress and shoes for your big date tomorrow night. It’s all been arranged by Alex.”
“Thank you. That’s very nice of both of you.”
“It’s nothing.” Roger turned to Anna and gave her a look which communicated a silent request. She nodded and smiled.
“Come on, Cinderella,” Anna said to Chandler.
“Have fun.” Alex watched as she dragged Chandler along with her. “Anna mentioned that there are some last minute changes.”
“A few minor ones. Before we go over those, I wanted to warn you that Millie is one of the models we’re using today.” He looked like that was the last thing he wanted to tell her.
“Yeah, I already know. I ran into her this morning, or should I say, she tracked me down. Fortunately, Chandler wasn’t with me.”
“I was afraid of that.”
Alex narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t give her my new number, did you?”
“No, Alex. I would never do that to you.”
“Someone did, and when I find out who it is there’s going to be hell to pay. She’s been non-stop texting and phoning me since we left Boston yesterday. Now I’m going to have to change my number again.”
“You could get her number blocked.”
“It’s easier to get a new number.”
“I’m sorry she’s being a pain in the ass. It wasn’t my decision to use her today.”
“It’s all right, Roger. As long as she behaves, I can be professional about this.”
“Good, because as much as the client wanted you, he wanted to use her as well.”
Alex shook her head. “You’re such a whore, Roger.”
“It’s just business. You know how it is.”
* * * *
Alex was checking over her equipment when she felt someone invading her space. She turned and looked up to find Millie standing next to her.
“Do you need something?” Alex was annoyed by Millie’s presence.
“I thought we already went over that this morning.”
Alex scanned the room, wanting to make certain Chandler hadn’t returned yet.
“Looking for someone?” Millie inquired in a mocking tone. “Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s still playing dress up with Philip. It’s Chandler, isn’t it?”
Trying to keep her temper in check, Alex glared at her. This wasn’t the time or place to lose control. She was glad that most of the other people were involved in what they were doing so that no one was paying attention to them. The music playing in the background also added a limited level of privacy as they spoke to one another.
“She’s sweet, Alex.” Millie tried to bait her.
“I’m not getting into this here with you.”
“Does she know, Alex? Does she know what you really are?” When Alex didn’t respond, Millie said, “No? It can be hard for regular people to accept, can’t it? That could be a problem for you, couldn’t it? Because I’m certain you have no intention of living like ordinary people any more than I do.”
“And you also forget that your abilities are nothing compared to mine,” Alex warned.
“Maybe so, but words can oftentimes do as much damage, or more, than actions. It would be such a shame if your new little romance ran into a few nasty snags. Wouldn’t it?”
“You go near Chandler and I’ll make you sorry.”
“We shall see.” Millie leaned closer to Alex’s face. “Now, won’t we?”
“Get away from me before I have you pulled from today’s shoot. And don’t think I can’t make it happen.”
* * * *
Finished with Philip, Chandler started to head back to the studio. Along the way, she ended up stopping at the restroom. When she’d entered the room, there were two young models primping and gossiping in front of the mirror of the lounge area. They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn’t acknowledge Chandler as she passed by, which was fine with her.
A few minutes later, when Chandler was washing her hands, another model entered the restroom. As soon as the two young women noticed the look directed at them, by the older model, they gathered up their things and left.
While Chandler dried her hands, the woman approached her. When she recogn
ized that it was Alex’s ex-girlfriend, Millie Winters, Chandler froze, paralyzed as the icy rush of panic filled her body. The way Millie looked at her suggested she knew who she was as well. Not wanting to deal with Millie, Chandler looked away and began heading for the door.
Millie stepped in front of Chandler and prevented her from leaving. As she looked her up and down, Millie frowned, as if she disapproved. “You’re Chandler, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” She managed to stand her ground. The woman was more intimidating in person than she looked in her photographs.
“I’m Millie Winters, but you already know that, don’t you?”
Chandler nodded as she maintained eye contact.
“Did Alex tell you about me?”
“No. Not really.”
“No?” Millie tipped her head to the side and appeared confused. “That’s a bit surprising.” She thought a moment. “The internet?”
Chandler didn’t answer.
“Of course. Wanted to know your competition. Smart. I’ve checked you out as well. I must say, you really don’t seem Alex’s type. In fact, I would hazard a guess that she’s the first woman you’ve ever been with. Am I right?”
Chandler stared at her and wished she could figure out how to leave.
“Gay or straight, it is hard to resist Alex’s charms. Although, I must warn you, Alex is a bit of a player. I think the longest relationship she’s ever had was with me, and that was a little over a year.”
“You seem bitter about that.”
“Ouch.” Millie chuckled. “Spunkier than you look.”
“And you’re a bitch.” Chandler narrowed her eyes. She felt cornered and she didn’t like it. Angry emotions churned in her stomach, making her both lightheaded and nauseous at the same time.
“Oh, you have no idea.” Millie laughed, responding as if Chandler had paid her an enormous compliment.
“No, I think I do.”
“I see a bit of Alex has rubbed off on you.” Millie sounded impressed. “But I dare say she hasn’t revealed all her secrets to you yet. I wonder what you’ll do when you know all of her. Will you like what you find out?”
“I don’t see why you care so much about my relationship with Alex unless it’s because she’s with me instead of you.”
