Page 19 of Verses Of Us

WINDOW SHOPPING

Alexis

Alexiswatchedeverysecondof her five-hour shift at the corner store tick by. The moment the clock hit two-fifty-nine, she was ready and waiting with her punch card. After dumping her blue vest into her locker, she ran out, saying a quick goodbye to her co-workers, then headed to Julie’s house.

“So, you’re here for dinner and a movie?” Julie asked, handing Alexis a magenta-coloured shirt with short sleeves and a scooped neck.

Alexis worked her lip, tugging on the hem of her high-waisted jean skirt, worried it wasn’t long enough. “Yes, and if I’m out late, I’ll call my mom and tell her I’m sleeping at your place.”

“Ifyou’re out late?” Julie raised her eyebrows, sliding the leopard scrunchy off her wrist and tying her hair into a messy ponytail.

“Don’t go there,” Alexis warned with a smile.

“Whatever happens, and I really hopesomethinghappens…” Julie reached up to the top shelf of her closet and pulled out a shoe-box. She handed Alexis a shiny black packet. “Take this with you.”

“Oh, my god…” Alexis stared at the condom wrapper in her palm, unsure what to do with it.

“Better safe than sorry,” Julie shrugged.

“Why do you have this?”

“Bradley left it behind.”

“I didn’t know you two had…” Alexis was too stunned to laugh.

“Eww, no!” Julie snapped and made a gagging noise. “He brought it here once, assuming we would need it, but we never did, so… I figured it might come in handy one day.”

Alexis inspected the wrapper, her mouth twisting.

“Don’t worry, it’s not expired,” Julie reassured her with a pat on the shoulder. “You don’t have to use it.”

“I know that.” Blood rushed to her face, but Alexis didn’t dare look up.

“But I’ll sleep better knowing you have it with you. Just in case.”

Julie applied some lip gloss in the mirror and Alexis sank onto her bed.

“Am I crazy doing this?” she asked.

Julie glanced at her in the reflection and smacked her lips together. “Absolutely. But does that mean you shouldn’t? Hell no.”

They left the house, walking to the corner together.

“Have fun. Be safe.” Julie tucked a strand of Alexis’ hair behind her ear, then they hugged. “Please don’t get murdered.”

Alexis shook her head, laughing, and waved goodbye as she got on the bus. But the minute Julie was out of sight, a wave of doubt smacked right into her.

Insecurities followed Alexis with every step she took, but a spike of adrenaline for what she was heading toward had her feeling buoyant. The afternoon heat had settled into the sidewalks and buildings, reflecting onto her, so that by the time she reached the Ritz-Carlton, sweat covered her skin. She paused at the door, fanning her shirt, hoping she hadn’t drenched through the back.

The lobby was quiet. She approached the reception desk; her nerves a complete mess.

“Hi, um, I’m here to see Ci—” She stopped, her throat tight. “Paul David Hewson?”

“Name?”

“Um… Alexis.”

The woman smiled, but her deep brown eyes told a different story. She dialed the room, her steely glare stuck to Alexis.

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