Page 55 of State of Grace

“Yeah, but I’m sorry she’s that way with you.”

“I’m used to it.”

“Why don’t you fire her?” It seemed like the easiest solution to Alexis.

“Because that would be a lawsuit in the works. ‘Actress fires agent who is also her ex-girlfriend’? Not that Salem would do that but still. Kinda shitty thing to do considering she’s the best agent I’ve ever had.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s fair.”

“I’m sorry.” Blake pitched the bridge of her nose as she let out a sigh. “I shouldn’t have taken the phone call when we were together. It could have waited.”

“No, no, it’s ok.” Alexis rambled off the words quickly before forcing herself to take a breath. “You can tell me what she said, and I won’t freak out.”

“Lex...” Her blue eyes met Alexis’s.

“I’m just saying.”

“Salem knows I’m here.” The words took out whatever air had made its way into Alexis’s lungs. They discussed little of Blake’s life leading up to her coming to the Cove, and for all Alexis knew, Blake could up and leave the next day without warning, which was why she hadn’t wanted to give her and Blake a shot. And why she was currently on the verge of freaking out. Again.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” Blake stood and crossed her arms as she leaned onto the support beam across from Alexis. “She’s the only one that knows, so I’m not worried about anyone else finding out. I’m more worried about ignoring her phone calls and her showing up here out of the blue than anything.”

“So, she wants you to go back, huh?”

“She said it would help with negotiations for the show if I showed I was committed to it and not gallivanting around the country.” Blake sighed and shrugged. “Her words, not mine.”

“So…are you going?”

“No.” A firm shake of the head.

“But, the show...”

“Will be fine. Besides, I like it where I am, and I like whatever is happening between us.” Blake closed the space between them and ran her hands into Alexis’s hair as she kissed her. Instead of kissing her back, Alexis pulled back slightly and let her arms fall back to her side. “Lex, come on.”

“I feel there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“There’s not.” Her voice rose an octave and her eyebrows went higher.

“Ok.” Alexis held up her hands in surrender. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” Blake covered her face with her hands briefly before placing her hands on Alexis’s shoulder. “I am sorry for taking the call here. Today was supposed to be a fun day with you, me, and Harper, and I’ve ruined that.”

“You didn’t ruin it.”

“Your face says otherwise.”

“My face is worried that the very thing I told you I was scared about two days ago is going to come to fruition, and I don’t know how to handle that.”

“Nothing is happening right now, you hear me?” Blake framed her face with her hands as her blue eyes seemed to plead for Alexis to understand. “I told Salem I wasn’t coming back until she had a contract ready for me to sign, and I don’t see that happening. The show’s over; Salem just hasn’t accepted that yet.”

“Ok.”

“And as for the other scripts, I’m not interested in doing anything right now. Salem knows that. She’s doing her job and letting me know when someone sends me a script to read.” Blake kissed her once more. “So, please, stop freaking out, and let’s enjoy our day.”

Alexis wanted to believe her. She did.

She didn’t know if her damaged heart would let her, though.

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