London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 50. Daniel

It's time to leave this event. I only have one evening with Alex, and I don't want to spend it celebrating anymore. Tyler and Janine can't wait to be alone themselves, so they won't even notice our quiet escape.

Alex is clearly tired. She is suspiciously quiet and begins to get confused in her thoughts. Although her apparent intoxication has passed, the sediment is still here.

- Dany, will you take me home? I'd kill for a soft pillow and the ability to take a horizontal pose, - she says.

- Any pose you want, darling, - I burst laughing. - I'm going to call a taxi.

- I'll go find Max. I should tell him we're leaving. For sure, he will come with us, - Alex goes deep into the hall in search of the kid.

I walk over to the newlyweds to congratulate them once again and to say that the guests have begun to wane, which means the wedding night is just around the corner.

- Well, guys, it was a great celebration. You did well. Congratulations again, - I hug Tyler and pat him on the back. - Take care of her, she's a treasure. And you, - I hug Janine, - Don't give him a break.

- Thank you, - Janine says. - Have you made up with Alex?

- Almost, - I grin, - we're working really hard on it.

- Hard work makes babies, - Liam says from behind me as he walks up to us.

- Who would say, - I couldn't resist. Liam and the guys look at me in surprise. - as say, spontaneous outbursts of passion in public places often lead to unexpected results.

Tyler and Janine still don't know what we're talking about, but Liam definitely gets it. A blush covers his cheeks, and his eyes instantly rushes to the side. I pat my friend on the shoulder.

- It was damn good to see you. I'll see you after the tour. In the meantime, time to do some personal business, - I say.

- Don't take the old lady too far, or I'll have to take her tonometer, - Liam retorts. That means it's okay. Liam takes my hint, accepts the information and relaxes, knowing that it would stay between us. That's the kind of relationship we have. - Here she is with Max.

Alex hugs Janine, whispers something in her ear, causing the bride to actively nod her head while smiling, says a few words to Tyler, and we leave the event.

--

Max settled freely in the front seat while Alex and I take the back row. She lays her head on my shoulder and sighs noisily.

- I missed you, - she says.

I interlace our hands, stroking her skin with my finger. I kiss the top of her head.

- Me too, every day, - I confess.

Alex looks up at me and puts her hand on my chest.

- Don't ever do that again. There won't be a second chance. No matter how much I love you. Just know this. Either we're on the same team against the world, or against each other. In the second case, "us" just won't exist. - She speaks calmly, exhaling every word from somewhere deep within. They're not easy for her, I can feel it in the trembling that shakes her body.

- I'm sorry, sweetheart. I don't want to fight with you, that's for sure. I realize I'm not ready to lose you. - As I speak, her movements slow down, her breathing evens out. Alex shuts down.

- Mum will forgive you, it's only a matter of time, - Max says, turning back around. - Ooh, Mum's passed out. Just a second.

The kid pulls his mobile phone out of his pocket and takes a picture.

- What's that for? - I ask.

- Are you kidding me? It's a great counterargument in the dispute about my behaviour. Uses once. I'll save it for a special occasion. - Max smirks, and for a few seconds I can clearly see the familiar features of his mother in him.

- Are you planning to stay with us? - He asks as if nothing had happened.

- If Alex doesn't kick me out, - of course I want to stay with her!

- You've got to be kidding me. - He mimicks - One of us will have to carry her home. And probably you.

We stop at her house next to my car, which I prudently drove here before the banquet. Smart move, Dany.

As soon as the car stops, Alex opens his eyes.

- Are we there yet? - She asks, pulling her head away from my shoulder. - I think I fell asleep.

- Don't worry, we've closed the windows so your snoring doesn't wake up London, - Max jokes.

- Come on, silly, - she laughs. I get out of the car and open the door to my woman. She's sleeping on the go, which makes her look so cosy or something. I've seen drunk girls more than once, but Alex is different from them all. I put my arm around her waist and we walk into the house, which I already consider as my own.