Then Came Alexandra (Southern Love #1) (11 page)

When her shift was over, Martha picked her up and drove her back to the house. “How was work?”

“It was okay.” She looked out the window and remained silent.

“Is it weird being in a hospital again?”

“I guess.” She kept her responses short because she wanted this conversation to end.

Martha eyed her then turned away. “I know something happened, Alex. I wish you would just tell me.”

“I’m not ready.”

“Well, I’m here whenever you are.”

When they walked into the house, Martha handed her the phone. “Abby called.”

Alexandra’s eyes widened. “She did? How did she know I was here?”

“Call her back and find out.” She placed the phone on the table then walked into her room.

Alexandra eyed it for a long time before she picked it up and stepped onto the front porch. She was close with her sister. They were only a year apart, making them inseparable during their youth. They fought over stupid things like most siblings, but they still put each other first. She imagined how the conversation would go. She knew her sister would be pissed that Alexandra just took off without saying a word. She dialed the number and listened to the rings.

“Wow,” Abby said. “You actually called me back.”

“I can’t believe it either.”

Abby was quiet for a moment. “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on? Because Paul and everyone else you’ve ever known is pestering me for your whereabouts.”

“Did you tell them?”

“Alex, you know me better than that.”

“Did you call Mom?”

“No,” she said quickly. “I knew that was the last place you’d go. I’m not stupid.”

Alexandra breathed a sigh of relief.

“Since I’ve been such a great secret keeper, I’d appreciate it if you filled me in.”

“Well, I broke up with Paul.”

“I pieced that together,” she said sarcastically. “Why?”

“I just kept hearing things about him.”

“Like what?”

“He’s been with some other girl. When I asked him about it, he always said nothing really happened, and he was only with her because I wasn’t around.”

Abby paused for a moment. “Paul doesn’t seem like the cheating type.”

“Well, he didn’t love me.”

“That’s not what he told me when he came over here.”

Alexandra sighed. “If he does, it’s only because he can’t have me anymore.”

“I’m just shocked that happened.”

“Stop taking his side,” Alexandra snapped.

“I’m not! You told me you were in love with this guy then you dump him so suddenly.”

“It wasn’t sudden.”

“Well, he seems sincere with his apologies.”

Alexandra said nothing.

“So, what’s going on in Georgia?”

“I’m going back to school.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Are you seriously just going to abandon your nursing career? You’ve wanted to be one since you were, like, two.”

“I’m not good at it.”

Abby sighed. “Alexandra, it was a mistake. Let it go.”

“Let’s talk about something else.”

“Fine,” Abbey snapped. “How long are you staying?”

“Permanently.”

“What? I don’t think so.”

“I am,” Alexandra said. “I’m not going back to New York.”

“So you are just going to run away from all your problems?”

“I’m not running away. I’m starting over.”

“Same thing,” Abby said.

“Nothing you say will change my mind.”

“You’ve always been the stubborn sister.”

“I have to uphold my reputation,” Alexandra said with a smile.

Abby moved the phone to the other ear. “Have you made any friends or have you been living in a dark corner like usual?”

“I’m going through a hard time. Maybe you should save the jokes.”

She laughed. “Never.”

“I’ve met a few people. Everyone here is really nice.”

“How’s Martha?”

“Her back is thrown out. I’ve been taking care of the cotton.”

“What?” Abby said with a laugh. “You’re working in the fields? Wow. I never thought you’d do that.”

“Well, I’m not alone. Blaise does most of the work. He’s teaching me.”

“Who’s Blaise?”

The question immediately made her feel lightheaded. “A friend,” she said quietly.

“I recognize that tone,” Abby said. “He’s so not a friend. Spill it.”

“You can’t tell anyone.”

“Seriously? When have I ever blabbed your secrets? We’re best friends for a reason.”

“Well, I like him—a lot.”

“You and Paul
just
broke up.”

“Officially,” Alexandra snapped. “But that relationship has been over for a while. It ended the moment he betrayed me.”

“I think you’re wrong about that.”

“It’s my relationship,” Alexandra said. “I know it pretty well.”

“Anyway, what’s going on with Blaise?”

“Nothing, really. We’ve just been spending time together.” She felt the smile stretch her face. “He’s selfless, compassionate, and funny. And his body—yowza.”

“Does he got a brother?”

Alexandra laughed. “He does, but he doesn’t sound all that great.”

“If he’s beautiful, I don’t care.”

Alexandra rolled her eyes. “He kissed me on the forehead the other day.”

“Steamy.”

“Shut up, Abby.”

“What?” she said with a laugh. “You’re acting like this is eighth grade.”

“I like sensitive guys like that,” Alexandra said. “His first thought wasn’t trying to get between my legs. Those are hard to find.”

“Because they don’t exist. I’m sure this guy is a pervert just like the rest.”

“Well, he doesn’t act like that around me and that’s what matters.”

“Because Aunt Martha would shoot his head off.”

They both laughed. “She totally would,” Alexandra said.

“Then she would feed his body to the dogs.”

Alexandra laughed again. “I miss you, sis.”

“I miss you too,” she said gently. “I should come out and visit. Since you aren’t coming back and all.”

“Aunt Martha and I would love that.”

“Are you working?”

“Well, Blaise gave me a job as a secretary. I do his finances and bookkeeping. I work from home.”

“Wait, what does he do?”

“He owns his own cotton company.”

“Is this guy loaded?”

Alexandra didn’t see why that mattered. “According to his salary he is.”

“This guy sounds perfect.”

Alexandra rolled her eyes. “I don’t care about his money.”

“Sure…”

“And I work at the hospital as a tech. It’s just a part time gig.”

“Is that making you more comfortable about returning to nursing?”

“Not really,” Alexandra said. “A patient had the wrong IV, and when I told the charge nurse, she fired the nurse taking care of the patient.”

“What’s the big deal about the wrong IV?”

“It’s a
big
deal. He was getting penicillin, which he was allergic to, and he should have been getting saline.”

“And you caught that?”

“Yeah.”

“Alex, that’s proof you’re a good nurse,” Abby said. “Don’t let your past ruin your life.”

“I’m not talking about this.”

She sighed. “You can be so annoying sometimes.”

“Well, we are related.”

Abby laughed.

“Anything new with you?”

“Nothing compared to you,” she said. “But Mom will find out eventually. You may as well be proactive about it.”

“I’ll enjoy the peace while I can.”

Abby yawned. “Well, I talk to you later. I’m tired.”

“Okay.”

“And turn on your cell phone so I can text you.”

“But then other people will call me.”

“Fine, I’ll call the house phone.”

“Thanks.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too, Abby.”

She hung up and the line went dead. Alexandra dropped the phone into her lap and stared across the field, watching the night become darker. Distant headlights would pass every few minutes, the travelers disappearing just as quickly as a shooting star. Alexandra rocked the chair back and forth, holding her knees to her chest. The night passed without incident. She thought about her life and where it was going. The destination was unclear, but she couldn’t deter from the path. This was the direction she chose. She had to keep going.

16

“How about this?” Hannah pulled out a dress that was so short it looked like a shirt.

Alexandra eyed it apprehensively. “Where’s the rest of it?”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re so gorgeous. I just want to dress you up.”

“Then we should find something that might fit,” Alexandra said.

Lana laughed. “How about this one?” It was a sundress made of silk.

“Isn’t this a field party?” Alexandra asked.

“Yeah,” Lana said.

“So, wouldn’t jeans be better?”

“Girls wear dresses,” Lana said. “You would stick out if you didn’t.”

“Oh okay…” Alexandra searched through the dresses until she found one that was navy blue. And it was long enough to reach her knees. “I like this one.”

Lana shrugged. “It’s a little long.”

Alexandra laughed. “Well, I want to sit down.”

“Try it on,” Hannah said.

Alexandra walked into the fitting room and tried it on. It was a halter top that fit her waist snugly. It squeezed her thighs, but it was loose enough to move around in. When she came out, they both clapped.

“It’s cute,” Lana said. “I approve.”

“It makes your boobs look good,” Hannah said.

“Uh, thanks.”

Gabe came from the other side of the store and nodded his head in approval. He winked. “I like it.”

Alexandra blushed at his compliment. She didn’t realize he was going to offer his opinion as well. “I’ll get it, then.”

“Good,” Hannah said. “Because it’s a winner.”

She bought the dress with her first paycheck from Blaise, and they walked to Lana’s truck in the parking lot. They drove Alexandra back to her house in the country, and when they pulled up to her house, everyone got out. Alexandra wasn’t sure what they were doing. She didn’t want to be rude and ask.

They went into the house and saw Martha sitting on the couch.

“I didn’t realize we were having company,” she said with a smile.

“Hey, Martha,” Lana said. “We’re going to help Alexandra get ready for the party.”

Alexandra didn’t think she needed help but she didn’t say anything.

Martha stood and approached Gabe. “A new face.”

He shook her hand. “I’m Gabe. Alex and I have a class together.”

“Wow, she can make friends on her own,” Martha said.

Alexandra rolled her eyes.

“Thank you for making her get out of the house. She can be so serious,” Martha said.

“No problem,” Hannah said. “We love Alex.”

They walked into her room then started doing her hair. Alexandra couldn’t help but wonder if they were in high school. Gabe sat on the bed and played a game on his phone, clearly bored.

When Hannah tried to apply pounds of makeup to Alexandra’s face, Alexandra waved it away. “I don’t like wearing a lot of makeup. It makes my face feel heavy.”

“Oh come on,” Hannah said, pouting her lips.

“Just a little foundation and eyeliner,” Alexandra said firmly.

“Fine.” She applied the makeup while Lana curled her hair, making it large and wavy. Her hair had never been so big.

“You like it?” Lana asked.

Alexandra didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “It’s great.” It didn’t look bad, but it wasn’t how she’d do her hair. Now she hoped Blaise wouldn’t be there to see her.

Gabe put his phone away and looked at her. “I think you look hot.”

“Uh, thanks…”

“Looks like we’re ready,” Lana said. “Let’s go by the house then we’ll leave.”

Alexandra nodded. Now she was nervous. She didn’t like parties. They weren’t right for her. When she told Blaise she was going, he didn’t seem too excited about it. She could tell he wasn’t the kind of guy that went to parties either. He probably judged her a little bit.

After they went by the houses, they went to the cornfield in the middle of nowhere. The cars were piled along the side of the road but people were nowhere in sight.

“Where is it?” Alexandra asked.

“In the center,” Lana explained. “That way cops can’t see us.”

“Oh,” Alexandra said.

They walked through the stalks until they reached the center. There was a wide expanse that was full of canned bonfires, ice chests, smoke, and people. Lots of people. Music was playing loudly, everyone was chatting to one another. Couples lurked in the shadows, kissing passionately. Alexandra had never been to a party like this. It was a culture shock.

The girls immediately started talking to people they recognized. Alexandra remained quiet, pretending to be interested. She felt the stares from the guys that passed her by. She caught Gabe looking at her a few times. He always turned away quickly like he hadn’t been staring at her legs.

She decided to take a break and grab a beer from an ice chest. She dug inside until she pulled out a can.

“Are you the new girl?”

Alexandra looked up and saw a tall man stare her down. “Uh, I think so.”

He nodded. “How are you liking it?” His hands were in his pockets but he was leaning close to her, his breath falling on her skin.

“It’s nice,” she said simply.

“Where are you from?”

“New York.”

“Wow,” he said. “So you’re a city girl?”

“I guess.” She shrugged. She wanted to get out of this conversation. The guy wasn’t giving off a good vibe. He seemed a little drunk, slurring some of his words.

“Alexandra.”

She turned and saw Blaise appear beside her. “Hi,” she said excitedly, so happy to see him.

He smiled at her. “How are you?”

“Good. How are you?”

He nodded. “I’m really well.” He turned to the guy. “Excuse us.” He touched her elbow then steered her away.

She breathed a sigh of relief as they walked away. “Thank you so much.”

He chuckled. “I won’t let anyone bother you, Alexandra.” He stopped walking and turned to her, staring at her. She didn’t feel uncomfortable with the look. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Her cheeks turned red.

“It’s a nice color on you.”

“Lana and Hannah helped me pick it out.”