A Twist of Fate (12 page)

“That’s
actually true” James agreed kissing his wife’s hand tenderly.

“Lexi, don’t
read too much into what these guys are saying, they’ve been
drinking,” she chided.

“I have had two
beers Han, hardly drinking... why don’t you tell Lexi about the
time you were in the school play and you forged a note requiring a
late night rehearsal so you and James could have some quality time?
That’s a good story,” Alex snorted.

Hannah laughed,
“Nothing to tell... it never happened.”

“Sure it did...
James borrowed my old Charger.” Troy toasted James from across the
table as the others tried stifling their laughter.

“Remember that
time in 9th grade when she put a note on our Math Class door saying
the class had been moved to the library and Mrs Watson spent the
whole period trying to locate the class?” James volunteered.

Alex laughed.
“I was making out under the desk with that cheerleader... what was
her name?” he asked James.

“Amy” they said
at the same time, both men erupting into laughter.

“Ok,
Ok...that’s enough... I’m sure Lexi doesn’t want to relieve our
youth,” Hannah smiled.

“Oh I don’t
mind,” I assured.

“She was a wild
card, everyone loved her... the jocks, the nerds, the computer
geeks... She had mass appeal. I don’t think I ever met anyone who
had a bad word to say about her.” Alex reached over to touch
Hannah’s shoulder. It was heart warming to see the love they’d had
for one another. “I could see why James here had to have her but
then they got married and they both got boring.” Alex bellowed.

James gave him
the finger and Hannah stuck her tongue out. “Someday you’ll get
married, Alex... you’ll see.” James warned.

“Yeah I doubt
that,” Alex boasted.

“What about you
Lexi? Any significant other??” Hannah asked warmly.

“Nope, I’m not
the marrying type either I’m afraid”

“Never say
never,” winked Hannah.

“Yeah people
see Elvis all the time,” Troy interjected. The room exploded with
laughter.

Alex’s finger
lazily trailed down my shoulder. “God you’re sexy,” he mumbled into
my neck, still out of breath from our marathon three-hour
session.

“Not so bad
yourself.” I smiled, my eyes flashing over his washboard abs that
still glistened with sweat.

After dinner
and saying my farewells to the band, James had escorted me to the
car. The driver took me home where I collected my keys and drove
right back. I snuck into the hotel service entrance where Alex was
waiting for me. He was right... He wasn’t done with me.

“Ok, so now, we
talk.” I steadied myself. Alex groaned loudly.

“You talk too
much, has anyone ever told you that?” he laughed.

“That was the
deal remember? I come back to your room if we discussed my
parameters,” I reminded him.

“Ok!” he
mocked, “Your parameters.” I threw a pillow at him. “Can we include
no beating above the neck in your “parameters”? I’ve got a show in
two days” He laughed.

“You’re an
ass!” I laughed.

“Yeah, but you
like that, don’t you?” he smouldered. His eyes locked on mine,
igniting my desire.

“And here I was
thinking I was the fiend,” I smirked.

“Oh, you are.”
He paused “I’m just trying to keep up.” His wicked grin
widened.

“Seriously, I
like you Alex... and the sex is amazing... but we have to work
together. So either we work it out or we walk away because I’m not
going to throw my career away for a man, no matter who he is.” I
sat up in bed to face him, his gaze had become serious.

“So how do we
make this work Lex? Cause I’m not sure I can give you up.” There
was no hint of humour in his voice.

“Well for
starters, let’s call this what it is, it’s sex. We barely know each
other and we aren’t having a relationship. I know that and you know
that.” Alex nodded his head before I continued. “The truth is, I’m
not interested in dating; it doesn’t suit me right now. I don’t
want to deal with all the bullshit that comes with it; I have no
room for that in my life. What I want is sex without the
complications, without the drama and jealousy and preferably with
you.” My level and unemotional tone surprised even myself.

“Well… I can
agree to that, but what does that mean exactly?” he questioned.

“It means we
are friends who have sex and if you want to date, date... If you
want to screw other women, then do so. Just be honest with me, tell
me if this doesn’t suit you or you are with someone else, and use
protection - ALWAYS. In turn I will do the same, though I have
already told you I won’t be dating. However when we are together,
it’s just you and me, no third parties - I won’t share you. You
don’t need to ask my permission to see other people and I don’t
need yours.” I paused trying to read his expression.

“So we are
“fuck buddies” then?” The smile returned to his lips.

“Yes, if that’s
what you want to call it.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Also no
one can know, not the band, not our friends, not the press. This
has to be our secret arrangement. No public displays of affection,
no public rendezvous’ - nothing. As far as everyone knows, we are
friends. I work with you. This is stretching the ethical boundaries
even for me and I have worked too hard to establish myself and my
reputation to be reduced to tabloid fodder.”

“Anything
else?” he questioned.

“Yeah... No
sleep overs. I don’t do that. We don’t need to pretend it’s
something that it’s not, it’s the easiest way to blur the lines,” I
warned. “What about you? You have anything you don’t like doing?” I
inquired.

“Yeah, I don’t
do phone calls.” He confessed, “I hate it. I’m happy to text you or
email you and we can see each other anytime you want but I HATE
talking on the phone. Do you know how many girls I have pissed off
in the past because I didn’t call them? I always tell them upfront
that I probably won’t call, yet they are always angry when I don’t”
he scoffed.

“Agreed! No
calls” I smiled.

“Now, if you
are done running that pretty little mouth of yours, I think we can
put it to better use.” He snickered as his thumb teased down my
lower lip. I laughed at his audacity; he really was a male version
of me, possibly just a little vainer. “Oh, that’s funny Alexandra?”
His head cocked to one side.

“Uggghhhhhh
don’t call me that, I hate it!” I snarled.

“Ooooh...Does
it make you mad?” his eyes were hooded and menacing.

“Yes it does
actually... So don’t call me that!” I snapped back.

“I like you
mad, you are so feisty. Tell me does anyone call you Alex?” His
mood shifted to playful.

“Why? You want
to scream out your own name while you fuck me? Conceited much?” I
giggled.

“Baby, I’m
lucky I remember my
own
name when I fuck you,” he snorted
unable to contain his laughter.

I liked that I
had that effect on him; it made my eyes sparkle with satisfaction.
I was in the driver seat; this is where I wanted to be. I
reluctantly kissed his pouting lips and got out of bed.

“Not yet.” He
sulked, grabbing my waist and pulled me back towards him.

“Yes, yet.” I
affirmed. “You guys have shows soon, remember? You are the one who
pointed that out to me. You need to get your beauty sleep. We
wouldn’t want all your groupies being disappointed when you show up
looking like shit. Besides, we have a lot riding on this. You guys
need to go out and be on fire. There are a lot of critics that
think the accident is going put James off. We know that’s not the
case, but it needs to be perfect.” I marvelled at how easily I
slipped into my business persona. No one could ever accuse me of
not being good at my job.

I finished
dressing, much to his disappointment, and slipped out of his room
unnoticed. I hadn’t even made it to my car when my phone
buzzed.

- Got any plans for
Saturday night? Rumor is a hot band is in town Alex xx

- Already going, can’t
wait... they are awesome Lexi xx

- The guitarist will
probably be mediocre; he has been kept up late by some wanton sex
fiend. Chances are he’ll look like shit or so he’s been told
:-P

- The guitarist is
phenomenal and don’t blame the sex fiend, I’m sure he was more than
willing. PS If I get him alone I totally plan on blowing his
mind.

- :-o Lucky him.
Although not sure he’ll be able to play given this knowledge.

- I’m sure HE could
play with one hand tied behind his back

- I’m sure HE would
like to test that theory

- I’m sure if HE
doesn’t get some sleep soon his publicist is going to have a
conniption. I hear she is a crazy bitch.

- Yeah, I’ve heard
that too

- FUCK YOU!!! Good
night- Lexi xx

- Yes please and
often! Night- Alex xx

I tried to
stifle my stupid grin as I threw my phone into my car. I loved our
playful banter; he was so animated and light-hearted, not at all
what I expected from his cool persona. I liked this side of Alex,
I’m sure it was a side not many people were privileged to see.

~~~~~~

I woke up to
the amazing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the low hum of the
television. I glanced over at my clock. 8:30am. SHIT! I must have
slept through my alarm! I leapt from my bed and ran to the kitchen.
Matt was standing up against the breakfast bar, leisurely reading
the paper. He was fully dressed in a of pair black and white
pinstripe tailored pants with a matching vest, crisp white shirt
and toped off with a plain black tie. His neatly folded jacket
rested on the bar stool beside him. He could have easily been a
1920s Gangster and he wore the look impeccably. He took a sip from
his coffee as he greeted me. “Good morning sleepy head,” he
smiled.

“Why didn’t you
wake me?” I asked urgently.

“You got in
late, thought you could use the extra shut eye.” He explained
before taking another sip of his coffee “Relax...you got plenty of
time. Team meeting is at 10, Kate won’t be in till then” he
reassured me. “Go get ready. I’ll make you some toast and you can
eat in the car,” he ordered.

“Yes, Mum.” I
teased and head off into the bathroom.

The steam and
spray enveloped me, soothing my aching muscles. I smiled as the
memory of last night came flooding back. Sexually Alex and I were
so compatible, every position or suggestion I offered he met with
willing excitement and enthusiasm. He was exceptionally fit, with
amazing endurance. His strong, able body was ready and willing to
please mine. It had been a while since I’d had a lover who
satisfied me the way he (repeatedly) did last night. I didn’t feel
like I had to hold back with Alex, nor did he make me feel like a
freak. It was pure and primal - we needed each other, unwilling to
rest until we’d both had our fill.

I stepped out
of the shower and dressed quickly, throwing on a grey fitted shift
dress and sweeping my hair into a ponytail. I put on some make up
and slipped on my shoes, sliding on my charcoal blazer as I walked
out my bedroom door. As promised, Matt stood with toast in hand
waiting beside our front door.

The day
progressed slowly. I decided to spend my lunch hour shopping. Emma
was coming over for dinner so I needed to go buy groceries and I
wanted to buy a new outfit for Power Station’s first show, which
was tomorrow night.

“Want some
company?” Matt asked as I grabbed my handbag.

“Sure, if you
can be bothered. You going to be home for dinner?” I
questioned.

“No, I’m taking
Anna to the movies tonight, I’ll be home... late,” he grinned.

We walked out
the door and down Chapel street; the many stores and boutiques
promising to deliver a plethora of choices for my discerning
fashion palate.

“Oh, sleeping
with the enemy. I’ve underestimated you Mr. Burns,” I smirked. His
smile betrayed his intentions.

“Are you ok
with it Lexi? Anna and I, I mean?” He asked while we browsed the
racks of Top Shop.

“Of course! I
want you to be happy.” I sighed as I surveyed a pair of sequined
black hot pants. “But if she breaks your heart, I’ll kick her
ass!”

“Looks like I
might have to do a little ass kicking of my own if you’re planning
on buying those shorts,” he winked.

“I want
something edgy for the concert.”

“Not sure Kate
will be pleased with your choice of attire,” he smiled.

“No, the press
call is at sound check, the concert is on my own time.” I
reassured.

“Well, then I
guess hot pants it is.” He gestured to the sales assistant that we
were ready to make a purchase. I picked a few other items with her
assistance to finish off my look. I couldn’t wait to show it
off!

We quickly
raced through the supermarket to grab my groceries and dashed into
a cafe to get some take away sandwiches, which we ate on the way
back to the office. I stowed my groceries in the staff fridge and
went back to my desk.

My usual day to
day tasks didn’t interest me as much anymore. I craved the
excitement that working with James and the boys offered me; I
wasn’t sure how I was going to return to reality after they left. I
hadn’t given it much thought. I knew that they were eventually
going and Alex would leave with them. My mood darkened at the
thought.

“Hey can you
take my shopping home?” I asked Matt as I handed him my keys. The
workday was done but I wanted to stop by and see Mike on the way
home.

“Sure, where
are you going?” he asked.

“I want to go
to the hospital, see how Mike is doing. It’s been a couple of days
since I checked in. I’ll grab a cab.” I explained as I loaded Matt
up with my purchases.