right person, wrong time. | alex turner & kat stratford

12

"It's good, right?"

Alex nodded with his mouth full. He had managed to scarf down half of his burrito in the few minutes after we were served. He looked absolutely adorable with his cheeks ballooned with food, and his eyes sparkling with innocence.

I'd taken him and Matt to my favourite taqueria in the city. It was my family's go-to place to eat out for special events; birthdays, graduations, you name it. Mexican just our all-time favourite cuisine, and I knew I had to share with Alex.

He swallowed his bite. "It's good. But not quite as good as you," he said cheekily.

"Al, we're not in high school anymore." I stuck my tongue at him flirtatiously in response.

"Hello? Did you forget I was here? I'm practically third-wheeling."

We both turned to Matt, who appeared perplexed. Alex sarcastically patted him on his shoulder.

"Mate, you'll be fine. Just a couple more months till you can see your wife again."

I quickly put down the taco that I was eating and looked at Matt.

"Wife? But wouldn't you bring her with you then," I said, slightly taken aback.

"Right. But she's pregnant. The doctors advised Breana not to travel around much, like we're doing here. But the tour's supposed to end a couple months before the due date, so that's good."

"Oh! Congrats to you guys then."

Matt grinned. "Thank you."

The waitress walked up to our table, handed us our bills, and placed down payment terminal machine.

"Whenever you're ready," she smiled.

I was about to pull out my card when Alex grabbed my arm.

"Let me," he said.

"Alex, stop! You've already done too much. This is my treat for you both," I insisted.

The waitress nervously fidgeted with her nametag as we were disputing.

"I'll give you guys a moment," she said meekly, then stepped away.

                                    •••

I reminisced how earlier that day I was preparing to head home so that I could pickup some clean clothes that would sustain me during my time with Alex. Instead, as soon I exited the bedroom and set foot into the living area, there sat a huge cardboard box. 'FOR KAT,' it said, labelled in black Sharpie. Inside were various types of clothing, all folded neatly atop one another. The clothes were not designer but were completely my style; I was into the late 90s riot grrrl subculture, and these choices seemed to completely reflect that. I was shocked and taken aback until I heard Matt speak softly in the background.

"Kat. Alex picked them out for you." God, what did I ever do to deserve such a perfect man.

                                 
                                     •••

I skipped outside of the restaurant in victory. I just had successfully paid for Matt and Alex's meals.

"The power of feminism!" I blared happily, meters ahead of them.

"Fuck off," Alex said jokingly. Matt let out a chuckle in response.

I scurried back over to Alex and grabbed his hand. He wrapped an arm around my waist and planted a kiss on my forehead.

"C'mon guys, really?" said Matt, visibly annoyed. "Other than the fact the both of you are making me feel sick and single, there could be paps around here."

"This place is too sketchy to have paparazzi," I answered.

Alex gently let go of me. "You're too hard to resist, babe. But unfortunately Matt's right. Paps are everywhere, and they could often be hiding."

I pouted at him sadly. "Fine."

"The tour bus is still parked near the venue, right Al? I need to grab a couple of things to bring back to the flat," Matt uttered to Alex.

"No worries, Matthew. Actually, I'll tag along as well and bring Kat. She hasn't met the rest of the band yet," Alex responded. "The lads should still be in there rehearsing."

"Not a bad idea. I feel like they'd enjoy her company based on what you've gushed about her consistently."

"Oh, stop it, you."

"Guys. You're talking as if I'm not here," I interrupted their banter.

"Sorry, love. Let's all go and take a cab back to the venue so we can avoid the paps." Alex then lowered his voice. "And then I can touch you as much as I want."

"Wait till we get back to the hotel, you freak," I snarked back at him.

Matt pretended to gag.

"Oh Matthew, stop it with your immaturity," Alex groaned.

"Sorry, mate. This is the only way to keep your sanity when you're third-wheeling."

Alex sighed and rolled his eyes, then he shifted his focus towards me. "If you think Matt's a handful, just wait till you meet Jamie and Nick."