Page 13 of One Wild Ride

“We’re in an alley,” Tiffany said.

“That asshole.”

The door slammed behind us and I noticed we were standing next to a dumpster beside the building we were just in.

How am I supposed to paint Alex’s bedroom if I can’t even get into his place?

“I’m going back in there and tell that man exactly who I am and that Alex is going to be very upset that he prevented me from meeting him.”

I realized I sounded terrible but I was mad. At the very least he could call Alex to make sure I could go up. That lazy guard couldn’t even do that.

“Aria, no, I don’t think that’s—”

I threw my arms in the air. “He’s going to be very sorry he messed with Aria Dixon. Very sorry. When I’m through with him, I’ll—”

The door that we just came through swung open. A police officer stood in the middle of the doorframe and stared at us.

“Are you two ladies lost?” The tall, lanky officer who seemed too young to hold a badge stepped out into the alleyway and right behind him was the security guard twat.

“Oh, no, Officer, we were just leaving,” Tiffany said as she grabbed my arm trying to pull me away but I was having none of that.

“Yes, we are lost. And when we asked this guard how to find our way, he led us to this alleyway. Seems a little bit suspicious to me.” I tugged my arm away from Tiffany and folded my arms, firming my stance.

“Is that so?” the officer said as he pushed his hat back.

I narrowed my eyes, glancing at the officer and then at the security guard. “Are you two related?”

“Yes,” they answered at the same time.

Now I’ll never get into see Alex.

“Mr. Hawthorne has no visitors scheduled for today. The only way to see Mr. Hawthorne is with a scheduled visit, unless you are his mother.” The guard leaned forward as to inspect us closer. “And neither of you two ladies look like his mother.” The guard leaned back against the doorframe.

“But I am his mother.” A deep feminine voice came from behind the security guard causing him to jump.

He turned and nodded his head profusely. “Yes, Mrs. Hawthorne. Forgive me, I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s all right, Mitch. I can vouch for these ladies. I’ll take them to see my son.”

I smirked at the officer and guard as I passed them, walking back into the building. That was nice of Alex’s mom to help us out. He must have told her about me. Maybe she had seen my paintings and wanted to be in on the design. While it’s his room, I think a feminine perspective might be helpful.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne. I’m Aria Dixon,” I said as I followed her past the elevators behind the guard desk to another door.

“I know who both of you are,” Mrs. Hawthorne said.

My eyes widened as I turned my head to Tiffany. I understand how Mrs. Hawthorne would know who I was, but how would she know Tiffany?

Tiffany appeared as confused as me.

When we entered the other room, I noticed an elevator. It seemed to know Mrs. Hawthorne was coming as it opened as she drew near. The doors started to close so Tiffany and I picked up our pace to hop inside. The door nearly closed on Tiffany’s red scarf, but she yanked it away in time.

As the lift began to move, I held my hand out to Mrs. Hawthorne. “It’s so lovely to meet you.”

She turned her head toward me and I noticed her eyes at once. So much like her son’s but with age they seemed to darken to a worn iron. There was an air of polish about her, but with a little too much shine. Her high cheekbones held unusually tight, blemish free skin. Even her beautiful raven hair, that glistened in the florescent light of the elevator, appeared so perfectly coiffed into a French twist I had to stare at her roots to make sure it wasn’t a wig.

There was a familiarity about Mrs. Hawthorne. I couldn’t imagine she came to any of the bars I tended. Perhaps I saw her at an art show once.

She scrutinized me with precision before producing the tiniest smile and turning back to face the metal doors.

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