Testing The Waters

Chapter Nine

The tip of my finger taps nervously on the steering wheel of my jeep. I'm currently driving to my playdate with Anna, which unfortunately for my nerves, means I'm also driving towards Alex.

The last few days have been a slow, grating kind of torture, wondering what awaits me. I still can't believe I sent Alex that song, and his response has settled into me like a ticking time-bomb, foreboding my impending doom.

The only thing that lightened my mood was when Joe text me last night. I smile to myself thinking about the conversation.

Joe: So, I have to ask...

Me: ?

Joe: Jason Voorhees?

Me: God, you saw that?

Me: Excuse me while I go flush my head down the toilet.

Joe: Hey, I'm the one who's going to get a hard-on every time I watch Friday the 13th now.

Me: That could get awkward for you.

Joe: Tell me about it.

Joe: So, you're into horror movies?

Me: Obsessed

Joe: There's that new paranormal movie coming out this weekend. Do you want to go see it with me on Friday?

Joe: To clarify, this would 100% be a date. ;)

Me: Well, I was going to blackmail Claire into seeing it with me. She hates horror.

Joe: You're such a good friend.

Me: Right? She doesn't appreciate me nearly enough.

Joe: So is it a date?

Me: It's a date. :)

I still have the same smile on my face when I pull into the Richard's circular driveway and park. I peek up at the glorious monument before me.

I had no idea Alex was so rich. I knew he probably came from money, because the clothing he wears at school exudes wealth, but I never knew just how wealthy he was.

A part of me had always wondered what Alex's home life was like, thinking that maybe a horrible homelife would explain his horrible treatment towards me. Never in a million years would I have guessed that he lived in a place like this with a family that, from what I can tell, is not lacking in love or kindness.

Maybe it really is you.

With little enthusiasm, I drag myself out of my car and up the imperial walkway. When I reach the door, my hand hesitates over the doorbell. This didn't go so well last time. What if Alex answers again?

Before I can push the button, the door opens.

A handsome, middle-aged man is standing there with a warm smile on his face.

"You must be Babbie." He holds out his hand to me. "I'm Henry. Anna & Alex's dad." He got called away on business the first time I was here, so I didn't get to meet him. His hair is a lighter shade of brown then the rest of his family, but his blue eyes shine with an unmistakable kindness.

I take his hand and shake it. "It's nice to meet you." I say, giving him a shy smile. "You have an amazing home."

"Thank you. I'm glad you like my work," he beams, opening the door for me to come in.