Chapter Fourteen
MATT
After the disaster dates and shared dessert the other night, Alex and I went back to her apartment and ended up watching Netflix. Well, at least until we both fell asleep, cuddled up on her sofa.
There’s something about her sofa that causes us to fall asleep quickly.
When we woke up the following day, she seemed shocked once again that it had happened a second time.
While our relationship has grown substantially, and she knows I’m not going to hurt her, there’s still a part of Alex that has her guard up.
I’m happy that she sees me for who I am, and I hope she can let someone else into her life.
Of all people, Alex deserves to be happy.
Now, I’m walking up the three flights of stairs to her door to pick her up for her fundraiser event at the women’s shelter tonight. I have no idea what’s in store, but something tells me it’s going to be somewhat chaotic.
Reaching her door, I knock gently and wait, checking my watch to see I’m five minutes early.
I grin at hearing the melancholy sounds of James Arthur’s latest album coming from inside her apartment.
The handle clicks, and the door opens slightly as Alex peers through with a bright smile on her face.
Her hair’s in a high ponytail, and she’s wearing ripped jeans and a black Ramones shirt.
She has a choker tied around her neck—a simple black band with a heart hanging from it.
Alex is total rocker-chic, and to be honest, she’s damn hot.
Pursing my lips, I look her up and down and grin as she opens her door fully. She takes a step back, gesturing for me to come inside. I continue to stare before she furrows her brows, looks down at her outfit, and sighs. “What? Do I look like shit?”
“No, it’s just you look different from what I’m used to. At the gallery, you wear business clothes, and on the date, you were all dressed up. This rocker glam is totally new.”
“You don’t like it?”
“Just the opposite. I’m thinking how much this looks like the real you.
Like I’m actually seeing you for the first time right now.
” Before I can think it through, I lean in and press a soft kiss on her cheek.
The gesture feels natural, almost instinctive, but the moment my lips brush her skin, I realize what I’ve done.
Her cheeks flush instantly, and she stares at me wide-eyed. “Uh… what was that?” she asks, her voice a mix of surprise and something else I can’t quite place.
I step back, my face heating as I fumble for words. “I, ah… it just felt like the right thing to do,” I mumble, rubbing the back of my neck, my confidence evaporating.
Alex blinks a few times, her lips parting as if to speak, but then she looks away, biting back a shy smile. The air between instantly charges, heavy with something unspoken, and I can’t tell if I’ve just made things better or infinitely more complicated.
The album clicks over to play the song titled “All My Love,” and I smile to myself as she chews on her bottom lip and lets out a small chuckle.
“Well, this is more me. This is pretty much Alex on a platter right here.”
“Actually, I think you should be more you, more often,” I say honestly.
“Thanks. Okay, I’ll grab my shit, and we can go?” She walks over, turns off the music, and grabs her bag, then comes back to me with a bright smile. “Let’s head out, hey?”
I grab the door for her, leading Alex out of her apartment before we head down the stairs toward my car—my prized possession. A Lucid Air Sapphire, painted in that striking sapphire color. Insane performance, sex appeal, all the latest tech. Very me.
This car is personal. It’s like showing someone a piece of who I am that not many people get to see. This car isn’t just a ride—it’s my sanctuary, my escape—and letting Alex near it feels significant in a way I can’t quite put into words.
Scott and Dwayne are waiting as usual, but this time, instead of following us in their own car, Scott’s in the driver’s seat of my Sapphire.
It’s a rare thing to let someone else take the wheel, but I figure it’s worth it.
This way, I can focus entirely on hanging out with Alex rather than splitting my attention between her and the road.
As I slide into the rear passenger seat next to her, I can’t help but feel a twinge of unease—like handing over control of my prized possession is another step in letting someone into my world.
“Good evening,” Alex greets as we slide into the back of the leather-lined car.
“Evening,” they reply in unison, looking at me with a nod.
“So you told Tillie about tonight?” Alex asks as the car takes off at high speed, the engine purring.
It’s not the thunder of a V8. It’s sleeker, a futuristic growl that starts as a whisper and climbs into a scream.
The kind of sound you feel in your chest more than your ears.
Controlled, electric, addictive. It’s the sound of power re-engineered, like a synth riff in the middle of a guitar solo, unexpected, but somehow hotter.
“Of course. Although I didn’t really know what to tell her, other than I’m helping with a fundraiser, seeing as I don’t really know what else we’d be doing there, Little Miss, Keeps-Everything-to-Herself.”
She grins. “Well, I can’t tell you all my secrets now, can I? Where’s the fun in that?”
“Fine, guess I’ll find out when we get there.”
She simply shrugs. “Guess you will.”
The car ride isn’t long, and when we arrive, there’s a swarm of people in front of the shelter. After Scott parks the car, he and Dwayne get out, each moving to open our doors to help us out.
“You ready?” Alex asks.
“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be ready for, Alex,” I reply, and she chuckles.
The first thing I notice is that the street is partitioned off, kind of like a street fair.
As I take in the stalls and people lining the lane, it’s all pretty cool.
People notice me, and their eyes light up, but no one rushes me or starts fangirling.
It’s like they all were expecting to see me here… which I guess is Alex’s doing.
Dwayne and I walk around to Alex and Scott on the sidewalk, and Alex grins at me. “So, Mr. Rock Star, you ready?”
“Ready for what, exactly?” I ask while raising my eyebrow.
She grabs my hand and starts pulling me toward the building marked ‘Rosalie House – Women’s Shelter.
’ The side has a mural painted on it, and I wonder if Alex painted it, but I’m yanked through the doors too quickly to ask.
There are so many women here, and I can’t help but notice most of them look a little worse for wear.
Their clothes are dated or worn, and I can’t stop the frown from forming as I wonder what their stories are.
I guess you never really think about people in these circumstances when you’re not faced with it all the time.
Then it dawns on me.
This was Alex three years ago.
My chest aches, and my stomach flips as I tighten my hand in hers. Alex looks back at me, and she winces, seeming to know what I’m thinking. I already have massive respect for Alex, but now, I’m in awe of her, too.
“Alex, I—”
“It’s okay. I know this place is daunting, but remember, I’m fine now.” She tugs on my hand, pulling me harder as we walk through a hall and into the main room.
The space is alive with energy—people everywhere, banners and streamers draped across the room, creating a festive atmosphere.
It feels like a party in full swing. I take in the makeshift bar and a small table loaded with food, guessing this must be their main hall, likely where the women hold their meetings.
Stripped of tonight’s festivities, I imagine it’s usually a serene space, with its neutral tones and calming, beautiful artwork.
Photographs of happy, smiling women adorn the walls, their joy almost infectious.
I find myself grinning as we weave through the throngs of people toward the back of the room.
I have no idea where we’re headed, but I do my best to keep up, dodging more guests who are laughing, drinking, and savoring the lively atmosphere.
We finally make our way down a hallway and out a back door, stepping into a stunning garden area. It’s like a scene out of a storybook—cozy and inviting. The lawn is dotted with small rugs, where people are seated, chatting, and relaxing, giving the space an intimate, picnic-like charm.
A bonfire flickers in the center, housed in a rustic fire pit, with guests perched on wooden crates around its glow. The vibe is cheerful and laid-back, the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at ease. I can’t help but fall in love with the atmosphere.
As we approach the fire, heads turn toward Alex. Smiles spread across their faces as they greet her warmly, their expressions lighting up with recognition and genuine affection.
“Alex!” they all call out in unison as an older woman rises gracefully from a crate and approaches us.
Her short, silvery-gray hair is styled neatly, framing her face with soft waves that highlight her timeless features.
Fine lines mark her skin, each one telling a story of laughter, wisdom, and life well-lived.
Her sharp green eyes sparkle with warmth and curiosity, contrasting beautifully against her weathered complexion.
She carries herself with an air of quiet confidence, her posture straight and purposeful, yet there’s an undeniable kindness in the way she smiles as she reaches out to greet us.
“Nora, it’s so good to see you again. It’s been way too long,” Alex says, letting me go and leaning in for a hug.
“Sweetheart, a day away from you is too long. But, oh, gosh, look at you! You look amazing. How’s your new job going? I’m so proud of you, by the way. I knew you would end up in a gallery. I told you, you could do it, didn’t I?” She smiles so kindly.