Page 53 of State of Grace

“Was it only kissing?” Sophia arched an eyebrow.

“Duh.” Alexis rolled her eyes at her. “I’m not a sex-on-the-first-date type of person.”

“You’re also not a kiss-someone-you-barely-know person, and yet, here we are.” With a sweeping hand, Sophia motioned around her dramatically. “What happened?”

“I told her I was concerned about us being together because I didn’t want her in Harper’s life if she wasn’t going to be in Harper’s life, you know?”

“I do.”

“And she said that we could take our time and see what there was between us and go from there. She said we didn’t have to tell Harper anything right now until we figured it out.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“Blake knows that Harper is the most important thing in my life.”

“Good.”

“And she respects that.”

“Also good.”

“Can you string together a few more words for me, please, Soph?”

In an un-Sophia-like move, she took her time responding. She took a few bites of her salad and slowly chewed as she nodded several times. Across the table, Alexis nervously tapped her fingers on the picnic table. The faster her fingers drummed, the slower Sophia chewed, and finally, Alexis had enough.

“Soph, come on. What are you thinking?”

“I’m savoring this moment.”

“Ok,” Alexis held out the word longer than necessary as she narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“Well, for one, you’ve never dated anyone while we’ve been friends, so this is all very new and amusing for me.” Tossing her fork into the to-go bowl, she placed it into the reusable bag they’d used to carry the food to the table. “And two, it’s nice to see you so happy, and I don’t want that adorable smile to ever be off your face.”

“Aww, Soph.” Alexis pushed herself up from the bench seat and walked around the other side to sit beside Sophia. She wrapped her arms around Sophia’s bare shoulders and squeezed. “You’re such a softie underneath your tough exterior.”

“Tell anyone my secret, and I will hurt you.”

“No, you won’t.” Blowing her a kiss, Alexis turned her attention to Harper, who was playing in the sandpit. She had her green bucket and yellow shovel and was building what Alexis could only assume was a castle from a big pile of sand. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing?”

“Hmm?”

“I mean, Harper and I are fine. It’s not like we need someone else in our lives.”

“You may not need someone in your life, but it’s ok to want someone in your life.” Sophia nodded as she took a sip of her drink. “You’re strong, Lex, and I know you never want to admit that you need someone, but this could be great for you. I don’t know Blake that well – and that will need to change if she’s going to be in your life – but I saw her with Harper the other night, and they looked so natural together, and I see the way you light up when you talk about her.”

“She and Harper were super cute the other night, weren’t they?’

“Like right now.” Sophia jutted her chin toward Harper as Alexis followed her gaze. She’d texted Blake earlier to meet them at the park, and apparently, she’d arrived before their set time and was pushing Harper on the swing. They were both laughing, and it made Alexis’s heart happy. “I’ll let you three hang out.”

“No, stay.” Alexis put her hand on Sophia’s arm. “You can hang out with us.”

“You three enjoy your day. I’ll have Nonna and Harper time later while you and Emily are at work.” Standing up from the table, Sophia embraced Alexis, quickly placing a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

“Bye.” As Sophia headed back toward the parking lot, Alexis made her way across the park to where Harper was swinging high in the air. Blake noticed her first and winked at her as she grabbed the swing and brought it to a stop. She was wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt and jeans, which Alexis had entirely accepted was her style, and had her long dark brown hair down. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Mommy, did you see how high Blake made me swing?”

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