Page 32 of Cat's Outta the Bag

When I step through the bedroom door, though, she's fast asleep. She looks so peaceful. I don't even consider waking her up; I just move about the apartment, shutting things down before crawling into bed next to her and pulling her close. She makes a few soft sleep noises before settling into my arms. My heart squeezes in my chest; this woman is everything to me, and I'm starting to think that forever with her will never be enough.

Chapter 25

Alexis

The next few weeks pass by quickly. Full of sex, I love you’s, and attempts at dates where the paparazzi don't find us. We're winning at about 60/40 with them at the moment.

Tonight, though, we’re going to a party.

After a string of shootings, two with police officers involved, I'm ready for some time when I can turn my brain off. The whole hospital has been on edge. Shootings are traumatic enough for staff to treat, but add in officer-involved shootings where it's unclear if the violence was justified, and the hospital becomes a powder keg of differing opinions. Most of us know that police violence against people of color is disproportionate, but there's always one or two staff who still staunchly believe the police are always justified. This can lead to horrible tension and, on some occasions, shouting matches in breakrooms or hallways. I even had to send two male nurses to opposite sides of the hospital this week because they were about to throw punches in the middle of the cafeteria.

So yeah, this week has been incredibly difficult.

The party tonight is black and white themed. When I asked Jason why the hell this sounded like a party out of high school or college, he shrugged and said, "Mitch is kind of immature. He only throws themed parties, but his house in Malibu is amazing, and it's almost always a blast. So, people put up with it. We'll have fun, I promise."

This will be my first official “Hollywood” party, so I’m a little nervous. But with the theme, I feel like I can pull something together with what I have in my closet and not feel out of place. Jason said, and I quote, “I’ll want to rip off anything you wear anyway, so buying anything new would be pointless.” Honestly, his caveman side is off the charts sometimes.

At least the media frenzy over us has died down. We actually have Jason's ex to thank for that, sadly enough. She disappeared shortly after their very public breakup. She'd been caught in public more than once with other men, and when Jason confronted her, it dissolved into a shouting match on the sidewalk. A few days ago, it was leaked that she was currently at a recovery center for alcohol abuse. Jason and I had a long talk when the news broke. He felt so guilty for not seeing how much she was struggling and failing to help her. I only did a few rotations in psych during med school, so I couldn't give him much insight beyond that it wasn't his fault. Sure, he could have pushed harder when it was clear she was unhappy, but ultimately, people need to be ready to receive help for it to have a lasting effect. I can tell that didn't completely assuage his guilt, though, and every once in a while, I've caught him staring off at something, and I know he's running through their relationship, trying to pick apart every sign he missed.

I suggested he see a therapist, which made him defensive. We talked about my therapy journey and how much it has helped me cope with my job and the demands of being a medical professional frequently dealing with life and death situations. It wasn’t an easy conversation, but he came down from “absolutely not” to “I'll think about it.” Which is all I can ask for, really.

But for now, I’m headed to my favorite brunch place to see my girls.

“DETAILS! I need details now.” Nique is holding my hand from across the table, staring daggers straight into my eyes. Even though I’ve seen all three of them often at work, I’ve shared very little. Mostly because I don’t love personal talk in the workplace, but also because I was still enjoying the honeymoon phase of our relationship.

"I know what kind of details you want, Kiki, but I will not be sharing those. I will say, though, that I am never unsatisfied." I pause for dramatic effect, "and neither is he!" I wink, causing all three to dissolve into hooting and exaggerated fainting. God, these girls are the best.

“Ok, ok, ok!” Allison throws her arms out, trying to regain control. “Kiki asked the wrong question. The real question is: have you both said the L-word yet? Because those photos from that charity auction and that date you guys had last week? Woowee, the L-word was practically pouring out of your eyes!" She smiles at me, hopefully bouncing in her seat. Of the three of my friends, she is the most romantic. You would think that after separating from her husband last year, she would be disillusioned by romantic love. But if you ask her, she'll maintain that love is always possible if you're willing to be open to it.

I bite my lip, trying not to smile too hard. I feel like all I do lately is smile when I think about Jason.

"Not that it is truly any of your business, but yes, we're serious and saying 'I love you.'" We all sigh collectively.

"Oh, Lex, we're so happy for you! When can we hang out with him again as a group? I feel like last time, it just dissolved into an interrogation. Now that you're official, we should get to know him as friends." Tristan nudges me with her shoulder just as the server reaches our table with our food.

We're silent for the next few minutes, filling our faces with the best brunch in our neighborhood. Hell, maybe even in the city.

Once we've eaten at least half of our food, I follow up on Tristan's request. "He would love to have a group hang with you three, he keeps asking, actually. He leaves tomorrow for two weeks of filming on location before they wrap. He gets home the day before my parents descend, so we will both need a break from them at some point." All three snicker; they know my mom well and know exactly how much she'll drive me up the wall.

"But, enough about me. I want to hear what you three have been up to lately. I feel like we haven't had enough time to talk recently, and when we do, it's always about Jason and me."

By the time we head out to go about our days, the serving staff is practically shoving us out.

***

A few hours later, Jason and I are in his car, headed to the party. He has one hand on the wheel, and the other holds my hand. I love that he just adopted my quiet time routine without question. I even think he likes it a bit.

Tonight, he's dressed in dark wash jeans; they aren't quite black, but they work, and a black dress shirt. I'm in a pair of white jeans and a silky cream tank. I have a black bralette on too that made Jason's eyes nearly fall out of his head. His obsession with my boobs is almost comical at this point.

When we finally enter the party, and I have a chance to see the guests, I let go of the rest of my anxiety over my outfit. Jason was right, people are dressed nicely but on theme, and in nothing that screams, "I paid a thousand dollars for these jeans." When he sees me scanning the crowd, he pulls me in close and pops a kiss against my temple. "See, babe? I told you; you'd be the hottest one here tonight." I just roll my eyes. I don't know about that, but I know that it's true, at least in Jason's eyes.

We meet Mitch and a litany of other guests. Jason was right; Mitch is immature, but in the class clown kind of way that makes him endearing. I don't think I've seen him sit down once, moving through the crowd constantly, checking in, and catching up. Nearly two hours in, and I feel like I've met everyone I've ever wanted to meet in Hollywood. A few times, Jason has had to pinch me to snap me out of my awe. It would be embarrassing if anyone were anything but friendly and gracious about it.

I’m stuffing a mini crab cake into my mouth when I feel it. The familiar gush that every menstruating person knows. Blood completely drains from my face, and I nearly choke on the food I'm swallowing.

No, no, no, no, no!

My hand latches onto Jason's forearm, tugging urgently. He looks down and then does a double-take once he sees my expression. "Babe, what's wrong? Is the crab no good?"

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