The Dark Society

20

 Alex and Karen arranged a meeting at a familiar spot: the London Wine Bar. They hadn't seen each other since the reading, so an impromptu reunion felt warranted. Moreover, Karen sounded distressed again and wanted to talk.

"I hope you saved some," he joked, noting a half-empty wine bottle on the table.

Karen turned away. A gesture Alex didn't enjoy seeing in this situation. Still, their friendship suffered, and he hoped to make amends.

"Are you all right?" he asked, taking a seat.

Before he knew it, she grasped his hand.

"No, I thought everything would work out, but I was wrong."

Alex relaxed.

"I'm sorry I've been distant, but it's difficult to remain neutral."

Karen shifted in the seat.

"I don't blame you, and I'm glad you're here."

Alex smiled and touched her cheek.

"I'll always be here. Besides, you have a way of making me feel sorry."

Karen reached for the bottle.

"I suppose you feel terrible."

She'd ordered a special blend, knowing Alex was a connoisseur. On another note, it was an opportunity to explore other interests.

"I assume Luis is dating Sabrina?"

Alex remained expressionless.

"No, not that I'm aware of."

Karen's eyes widened, knowing Alex was covering. But she remained composed while placing a glass on the table.

"You underestimate my intelligence. Besides, I don't care if he's seeing her."

Alex finished a drink, unmoved by Karen's attitude or questioning. Though she was grieving, and this wasn't the place for intimate conversation.

Karen presented a credit card.

"Handle the bill and meet me outside."

"Is she all right?" the bartender asked, watching Karen's unsteady walk.

Alex retrieved the card.

"Yeah, a bit upset—boyfriend problems."

The bartender nodded as Alex went to Karen's side and led her outside. Unfortunately, his parents had dealt with her anger before, so going home wasn't viable. Nevertheless, another conflict was brewing, and managing it would be challenging. Hence, he suggested a secluded area that he and Luis often visited.

Headlights pierced the foggy darkness as Alex arranged a blanket. They remained steady despite the amount of alcohol. But there was obvious tension, and he needed to address Karen's earlier behavior.

"You're still in love with Luis, aren't you?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

Karen sighed and adjusted.

"I can't deny it. I thought I'd moved on, but I was wrong."

She wanted to reconcile, but Luis had shown no signs of forgiveness. So, she adopted a more guarded attitude to his continued coldness. However, Alex understood more than she realized.

"I know what you mean."

"How could you?" she questioned.

He smiled.

"Trust me, I do."

The revelation caught Karen off guard. Because if Alex had feelings for someone, she'd know. All the same, she remained mindful of his situation.

"What are you going to do?"

Karen shrugged and reached for the bottle.

"What can I do? You can't force someone to love you, and if friendship is all they offer, accept it and move on."

Alex stood impressed by Karen's honesty, but he still didn't trust her.