Aubrey went to couple of strip clubs but instead of having fun, he sat and sulked. Drunker and higher than ever. Whenever Noah or Ryan would try to get his attention or cheer him up, he rejected them. Any opportunity of random sex he could have, rejected. He was cold. He wasn't this low emotionally since his robbery. Sometimes late at night when no one else was in or up at the mansion, he would sit in Alex's Bugatti because the interior was intentionally scented after her. He would sit in her car and drink. After every sip he would hear her laughter, or imagine her blushing. A lot of things not accepted in other girls was some of the most eccentric and valued traits of Alexandra and her leaving was like snatching a table cloth from under a stack of glass dishes. He hated the burning feeling in his chest and it wasn't from the liquor. Alexandra spent a few days on AJ's couch. Accompanied by him. It didn't mean anything to her. She felt wrong for being with him though. It was dumb and made her look shady. After almost a week of being with AJ, Alexandra finally got some clarity and realized she should go. When she got into her Range to go to a hotel, she got a call from a Toronto phone number. It wasn't Aubrey's number.
Noah: Hey, Alex. This is Noah. Look, I know we're not the closest but I really need to talk to you. Meet me at Marvin's Room at 2:30.
Alexandra: Umm. Ok.
He hung up. It was 1:45. Alexandra had an appointment to buy a Penthouse from W Hollywood at 5. She went to the only 7-Eleven in California and bought a big gulp slurpee then drove a few minutes down to her store to check in. Marina was at the front desk setting up the iMac optimized cash registers. Nicole had told her about what happened between Alexandra and Aubrey.
Marina: Hey, how you feeling?
Alexandra took off her shades and rolled her eyes.
Alexandra: Like I'll never get my life together the way I want it to be.
Marina felt bad for Alexandra. Everyone felt bad for her because it was like she was trapped in her own bad decisions and indecisiveness. The store was coming together more and more every day and the harder Alexandra worked at it, the more she thought she was getting over Aubrey. When she would go home to AJ, it was just something to do. She didn't think she had much of a connection with him. Their relationship was just drawn out attraction. It was superficial. He looked really good on her arm at events and she was a model. One of the hottest models out right now. When it was 2, Alexandra drove to the recording studio to meet Noah. When she walked in the room, he was the only one there. She sat beside him slowly.
Noah: Hi.
Alexandra: Hey.
Noah (Messing with the soundboard): Look I know me and the rest of the guys don't interact with you that much but, we really like you. You were perfect for Aubs.
Alexandra (Holding her bag): But what about his ex? The parties? The girls?
Noah: When's the last time you've seen him at a party without you? You can't help what interviewers ask. And besides, she's overrated as fuck. She's not as beautiful as you in more than one way, she doesn't make him feel the way you do. And nobody gives a fuck about her.
Alexandra: But...
Noah (Looking at her): Believe it or not, you give Aubrey back something that no friend from back home, mother or ex girlfriend slut can give to him.
Alexandra: What?
Noah: Normality. You're a celebrity and you treat him and your relationship like you're that Toronto girl he's always been dreaming of. You give him clarity. You make the close unit that we have, click. Your affection and his support is what keeps him going. Do you really think a response to a question in a magazine is worth throwing you all away?
