Chapter 23 Alex
ALEX
Isat at the table and watched the sway of Eleanor's hips as she made her way over to the theater to pick up Ava.
I was so close to asking her out, but I didn't want to push her.
There is so much on her plate, and I get that, but it is becoming increasingly clear to me that my feelings are real.
And I can't help but think she might just feel the same way.
"Look at the love-sick look on your face. You two just need to fuck and get it over with."
My head snapped over to Belle, who was just grinning at me. I shook my head in mock disapproval, but she wasn't wrong.
"So she's trying out for the Reapers. Did she tell you that?" Belle asked as she started to wipe down the tables.
Nodded as I got up and put my mug in the bus bin before I followed behind her putting the chairs up.
"I like the two of you together," Bella said as she gave me a genuine smile.
"I'm beginning to like the thought it is too."
"Just be careful with her," Belle said as she went back behind the counter.
"Because of what happened with her husband."
"No.. well, yes . . . but mostly because of her mother."
This was new. While I should probably hear about it from her, I was curious.
"I won't say much, I'll just say the cleaning agency I work for sends me to her house three days a week. Her mom is . . . a lot."
I nodded, unsure of what else to do.
"But I'm happy for you. I think she and Ava will fit right in with the Reaper family."
I tried to bite back the smile that spread across my face, but there was no hiding it. I ran my hand through my brown hair, just looking for something to do with my hands.
"Hey, how's your dad doing?" I asked as I continued to help Belle with closing duties.
A sigh from deep within her emerged. The playful smile she'd been giving me was gone.
"He's getting settled in. He hated it at first . . . he still would rather be home. But it's for the best," she said, like she was trying to convince herself.
"It is for the best," I said as I put my hand over hers.
Her dad had been struggling with dementia for a couple of years, but over the past couple months, it progressed, and Belle had to put him in an assisted living center.
This was hard for her. Being estranged from my parents was hard, but watching a parent you love and who adores you slowly slip away had to be hard.
"Well, I'm going to get out of here," I said before I crossed behind the counter to give her a hug. "If you need anything, you know we are all here for you."
"I know. It's the only thing that keeps me going, but we're good. Just some growing pains."
"Okay," I said as I patted her arm. "I'll see you soon."
As I made my way to my car, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Eleanor - So it looks like our kids are having a movie night tomorrow.
I knew the smile that was spread across my face was goofy, but I couldn't seem to help it where she was concerned. While it wasn't my night to be with Leo, if Eleanor was going to be there, I would be there.
Alex - Oh, really?
Eleanor - Yep. I met Becca at pick up, and we got ambushed.
Alex - lol. Yeah, that happens.
Eleanor - but . . . it looks like we are both child-free for the evening.
My heart stopped as I walked up to my car.
I was excited for a simple movie night with the kids . . . but a night with just her.
Alex - I'll pick you up at 7
Eleanor - See you then.
I'm pretty sure I floated on a cloud the whole way home, and I don't think the cheesy grin left my face once. I'd forgotten how fun all of this could be.
Now I just needed to figure out a good date for Eleanor.