29. Alexis
Alexis blushed.
She hadn’t planned on revealing her relationship with Levi to Theo so soon. She knew they had a rivalry, and even though she wasn’t sure of its origin, she worried this development would make their bond even more volatile.
Theo fixed her with a gaze. ‘So… I ask you out for dinner, but you went to see Levi instead?’
Levi stared between both Theo and Alexis, his eyes wide. ‘Wait, what?’
‘What would your boyfriend say if he knew you were alone with another guy in his…’ He trailed off as he made the connection. ‘No.’
‘You asked Alexis out for dinner?’ Levi asked.
‘She turned me down, so you have nothing to worry about,’ he said dismissively. He faced Alexis again. ‘But you chose him over me?’
Alexis’ face felt even hotter. ‘It’s not a competition.’
‘Well, no, but you could have told me. And you were even going to invite him on our date?’
Levi furrowed his brow at Alexis. ‘What is he talking about?’
Alexis wrung her hands together. ‘It’s not important. Theo, Levi and I are together. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but it only just happened. And Levi, nothing is going on between me and Theo.’ She looked at Theo and tried to act natural. ‘What brings you here?’
It took Theo a moment to catch up, but he finally responded, looking at Levi. ‘I ran into Elias, and he said you’re getting sued?’
‘What the hell is wrong with my brother?’ Levi muttered.
‘I don’t think he meant to say anything, and I’m sure he’s not going around telling the world, but I happened to see him at the gym, and we got talking.’
‘Firstly, we don’t have the kind of relationship where I tell you all my work dramas. And secondly, it’s not what it sounds like, but I can’t go into detail right now.’
‘Have you got a good lawyer?’
Levi glanced at Alexis. ‘Potentially.’
‘Who?’
Alexis figured there was no use hiding her background from Theo now that Levi and Elias knew. ‘It’s a woman I know called Valentina Armstrong.’
‘Wait. You know Valentina Armstrong?’
Alexis frowned at him. ‘You say that as if you know her too.’
‘Everybody knows Valentina. But in my case, we dated for a few months last year. We didn’t last long because apparently I was just a plaything to her.’
‘Aren’t you way younger than her?’
‘Age means nothing, Alexis. But anyway, how do you know her?’
‘I…’ She sighed. ‘I used to be a lawyer at my dad’s law firm. His assistant is friends with Valentina’s.’
Theo’s face lit up. ‘Ah. I had wondered if the Jack Hall you asked me to call was related to you.’
Levi cut in. ‘Hang on. Why did you ask Theo to call your dad?’
‘To check his schedule so I could go to the house and get Valentina’s number.’
Theo grinned. ‘If I had known that’s what you were after, I could have saved you the trip. Interesting. So, you’re a lawyer.’
‘Ex lawyer.’
‘I knew you were a smart cookie. And now it makes me want you even more. Are you sure you don’t prefer me to this guy?’ He flicked a thumb in Levi’s direction.
Levi punched Theo in the arm. ‘Hey. You can’t say stuff like that in my own home.’
‘Either way, that’s very cool you have a law background. If you ever go back, let me know, and I’ll sign up as your client.’
She raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you often require legal advice?’
‘When you have lots of money, legal trouble just seems to follow you.’
Alexis wondered if that was true.
Levi cleared his throat. ‘So… you came all this way to my place, why? To gloat about me being sued?’
‘Not gloat. Provide emotional support.’
‘I don’t need any emotional support.’
‘Fine. I know when I’m not wanted. But Alexis, you still owe me a favour.’
Alexis silently groaned. She knew Levi wasn’t going to take that well.
‘I can’t go on a date with you.’ And then she had a thought. ‘But if you feel like a road trip with me and Levi, I’ll invite my friend Sarah too.’
Levi looked at her, alarmed. ‘What are you doing right now?’
Alexis didn’t actually know, but she figured if Theo saw her with Levi for a few hours, he might finally see their genuine connection and leave her alone. And he might even get along with Sarah, although she wasn’t completely sure about that. Sarah had eclectic taste, and Alexis could never tell who she found attractive. Sarah had also recently mentioned she was seeing someone.
‘Deal. When do we leave?’
Alexis sighed. ‘I’d like to go ASAP, but we should probably be sensible and wait a few days.’
Levi seemed to approve of the delay, but he still wasn’t completely appeased. Probably because he’d have to endure a road trip with Theo.
‘What are you going to do about Tofu?’ he asked.
‘Uh, I guess if we leave early in the day, we can be back before Evelyn calls?’
‘Tofu will be fine,’ Theo said. ‘My mother spoils that cat, but it never got the message it should be acting like the rare breed it is.’
‘Okay, it’s settled. But just remember Theo, this is instead of you cashing in some weird random favour down the track.’
‘Fine,’ he said, pouting. He headed for the door. ‘I’ll leave now under protest. But keep me posted on the details of the trip.’
‘Bye, Theo,’ Levi said, shooing him out.
Once he was gone, Levi turned to her. ‘Why didn’t you tell me he asked you out?’
‘It only happened just before I went to my dad’s house. I didn’t have time.’
‘Okay, but please be open with me from now on. I have enough drama with my family. I couldn’t bear to have any with you too.’
She walked over and cupped his chin with her hands. ‘I promise to tell you everything from here on in.’
She reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He pulled her face closer, and she closed her eyes. She almost sank back into the moment from earlier, but she knew she had to go upstairs before Evelyn called.
She reluctantly pulled away. ‘I can’t believe a cat is ruining my love life.’
Levi chuckled. ‘Tell me about it. I can’t wait until the six months are up and you don’t turn into a pumpkin every night at 7pm.’
She kissed him on the nose and backed toward the door.
‘I’ll see you again soon.’
He watched her the entire time, and she almost changed her mind, wanting to grab his hand and drag him into the bedroom.
But she didn’t. There would be plenty of time for that later.
Levi convincedAlexis to wait until the weekend before they left so he didn’t have to cancel any of his appointments at work. But Sarah had to call in sick since her schedule was often quite busy on Saturday mornings.
‘I don’t want to get you in any trouble on my account,’ Alexis said when she met her in the lobby.
‘Pfft. I haven’t had a day off in forever, and to be honest, my boss is starting to annoy me. I’m thinking I might open my own salon next year.’
‘That would be amazing. If you need any help, let me know.’
‘You can assist me with anything that requires a legal contract—like when I sign the lease or hire staff.’
‘Deal. Thanks again for coming at short notice.’
‘It’s a trip to Byron Bay. As if I would say no.’
Alexis had decided it would be best to drop Sarah and Theo off in Byron Bay before they went in search of Tamra. Even though Sarah was her best friend, she didn’t want to tell her she’d started looking for her mother just yet.
‘You mentioned you were seeing someone. How’s that going?’
Sarah grimaced. ‘Bleugh. Don’t ask. The guy still lived with his mother, and he insisted she hang out with us every time I went to his place. I couldn’t do it.’
Alexis laughed. ‘That doesn’t sound awkward at all.’
Levi joined them. He was carrying a cardboard tray with three drinks and handed one to her and one to Sarah.
‘You didn’t get one for Theo?’ Alexis teased.
‘Nope. The guy tried to steal?—’
Alexis nudged him. She was kind of hoping Sarah and Theo would hit it off, and she didn’t think that would happen if Sarah thought she was second choice.
Levi seemed to get the picture. ‘—steal my parking space downstairs,’ he finished lamely.
‘Wouldn’t Evelyn’s penthouse have at least one allocated space?’ Sarah asked. ‘And Alexis doesn’t have a car. Why couldn’t he use Evelyn’s?’
‘My thoughts exactly,’ Levi said. ‘He seems to like annoying me for no reason.’
‘It sounds pretty immature to me.’
‘Who’s immature?’ Theo strode into the lobby, looking every bit the model he was. He wore a pair of white pants and a very complicated-looking black shirt that no one but Theo would be able to pull off.
Sarah’s mouth fell open.
‘Theo, this is my friend Sarah,’ Alexis said.
Theo gave her his patented flirty smile, but Alexis was disappointed to see he wasn’t immediately smitten. She was hoping it would be love at first sight so Levi wouldn’t feel threatened.
‘It’s great to meet you.’ He turned to Levi. ‘Are we taking your car?’
‘That was the plan. Is that okay?’
‘I suppose. I’d normally ask to sit in the front, but I suppose I should offer it to Alexis.’
Alexis looked at Sarah to see what she wanted. They’d known each other for so long, they could have entire conversations with just their eyes. Sarah very much wanted to sit with Theo, so Alexis nodded.
‘Thank you, Theo. I’ll take you up on your generous offer.’
They made their way down to the basement and got in Levi’s Jaguar.
She glanced back and noted Theo’s obliviousness to his road trip buddy. Hopefully that would change soon.
She then turned to Levi, who shot her a quick smile before focusing on the road.
She’d almost forgotten about the purpose of today’s trip, but it suddenly hit her.
She was potentially going to find out where her mother was.
But as they drove out to the highway, she relaxed slightly. She was here with three people who cared about her.
She could handle anything life was about to throw at her.