Chapter 22 Alexis
ALEXIS
I’m just stepping off the treadmill when my phone bings and Finn's name flashes across the screen. I bite my lip to stop the goofy smile I can feel trying to force itself across my face.
Finn:
Hey, your big test is this afternoon, right? Good luck, I know you’ll kill it!
Aww, now I know I'm doing a stupid smile. He is so sweet and I can’t believe he remembered. No one has ever remembered the little things with me. It feels good.
Me:
Yep, in a couple hours. Just finished a run to clear my head, about to hit the shower, then head to the test. Thank you!!!
Walking into the exam room, I'm still smiling like a goob, and I don’t even care. As I pull out a pencil, I ground myself and push Finn from my thoughts. Time to focus; I turn off my phone and get to work.
I let loose a huge sigh of relief as I finish the test and leave the exam room. Turning my phone back on as I start to walk home and do a little happy dance when I find a message waiting for me.
Finn:
Congrats on nailing that exam. How are you going to celebrate?
Me:
How do you know it went well? I could be in a heap on the curb sobbing my eyes out and debating if it’s time to start an OnlyFans page.
Three dots appear instantly, and I'm giddy.
Finn:
First, there was never any doubt you were going to crush that test. Second, don’t you dare create an OF page. I’m in tech and will hack it and shut it down.
A loud laugh barks out of me, causing a few people to stare. Great, I’m the weirdo laughing alone on campus.
Me:
Well I guess we better both hope I passed then. As for celebrating…probably lay on the couch and binge watch Schitt's Creek and drown in ice cream (If I can dredge up the energy to go to the store).
Finn:
You know, I’ve never watched that show.
Me:
WHAT!?! Stop whatever you’re doing right now and watch it. Text me after episode three.
Finn:
Why episode three? How do you know I will even make it through three?
Me:
Because by the end of episode three you will be hooked and already love the characters!
He sends me a picture of the TV in his living room with Schitt’s Creek pulled up. He’s also using the blanket I slept with the night I was there. Biting my lip, I replay that night in my head. Hmm…might need a little stress release before I cozy up on the couch tonight.
After two rounds with my newest toy, I'm just about to crash on the couch when the doorbell rings. I check the peephole, still a little anxious over everything that happened with Jax two weeks ago. There’s a DoorDash person waiting with a bag.
Assuming he’s at the wrong door, I open already addressing him. “Hey, I didn’t order anything.”
“Oh, uh, are you Alexis?”
“Yeesssss?”
“Then this is for you. The order note says, “Skip the store and relax, you earned it! F.” He smiles, holding out a white paper sack.
I thank him and close the door beyond curious, but insanely excited that Finn sent me something.
I open the bag and find a pint of ice cream.
Not a store brand but something that looks like it came from an ice cream parlor.
The label on the top says chocolate raspberry truffle. I groan just reading the name.
Grinning like an idiot again, I grab a spoon and eat straight from the container. Feeling flirty, I snap a photo of myself licking the spoon and looking totally blissed out. I hit send before I talk myself out of it.
Me:
Thanks Finn, it’s perfect!
Three dots appear, then disappear. Then appear and disappear again.
I work my lip between my teeth and start to get anxious after four rounds of texts that don’t ever come through.
Did I go too far? Was it gross instead of sexy?
Fuck, why am I such a hoe bag? Of course he was just being nice, and I basically sent the equivalent of a dick pic to him.
He probably feels gross. The phone rings and it flies out of my hands.
It’s HIM! Picking it up, I press my other hand to my chest and try to slow my racing heart.
“Hi, Finn.” My voice quakes a little, that traitorous bitch.
“Okay, how does the mayor not see that it looks like she's getting it in the ass?”
All my nerves melt away as I laugh. “Right!? Do you love it already?” Tucking the phone against my ear, I hunker down on the couch.
“You were right, it’s great. I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud while watching a show.”
“I knew it! It is impossible for anyone to not love this show. Are you going to watch the next episode now?”
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to.” He pauses and I tamper down my impulse to fill the silence. “Want to watch it together? I mean, together over the phone?”
I press a pillow to my face to stifle the squeal that erupts from me. “Yeah, that would be nice since Marcee is going to be out late, so I’m just here alone.”
We watch two episodes together, periodically commenting on parts and laughing together, but mostly just sitting in companionable silence. After the second episode finishes, I try to hide my yawn, but of course he hears it.
“Well, I should probably get to bed. I have an early morning ahead of me,” he says, his voice sounding almost disappointed at ending the call.
“Yeah, I have an early morning class at the gym too. I'm so ready for spring break. Just six more days of class then a full week off.”
“Any plans? I think Marcee is still going to her mom’s, right?”
“Yeah, she’s leaving Friday night and gets back next Sunday.
My friend from the gym is getting married so we’re having her bachelorette party, but other than that, nothing big planned.
Marcee and I have been toying with the idea of moving for our last year, so I might scout out some places. You know, wild crazy fun.”
“Well, I hope you have fun, and if you need anything, you know how to reach me. Good night, Alexis.” His voice softens, making my heart flutter. What the heck, my heart doesn’t flutter.
“Good night, Finn.” Hanging up is harder than it should be, but as I make my way to my room, I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. This was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time, possibly ever, and I know exactly who to thank for that.