Sunsets

Chapter 5: Pick up the Pieces

Lexi's POV:
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Saturday Evening - 7:08 pm

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I had just added the last touches to my outfit. Leo said to dress casual and comfortable but comfortable was sweats and a baggy sweatshirt I don't think that's appropriate for a first date..wait is this even a date.

I slipped my feet into my bronze colored gladiator sandals and tied my hair up in high ponytail. I was wearing high waisted washed out blue jean shorts that cut right above mid thigh and a olive green sweatshirt that Lucy always said complimented my pale skin tone perfectly.

7:28 pm

I sat at my kitchen table going through some patient files and highlighting areas I needed to re access. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was 7:30, Leo will be here soon I said to myself before I made my way to the kitchen to fix myself a glass of water.

9:35 pm

Well I guess he isn't coming, what a fool I was. To think I actually believed a guy was showing some interest in me. I turned my kitchen light off and slipped out of my sandals along the way  back to my bedroom.

"Maybe this is you showing me it's not time to move on just yet," I mumbled to myself.

I slipped off my shorts and put on a comfy pair of pajama bottoms before I slipped into bed closing my eyes and wiping the stray tear that made its way down my cheek.

"I miss you," was the last words I said before dozing off into the restless night I was expecting.

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Sunday Morning 6:20.

My morning started off like all my others I brushed my teeth, fixed my hair and changed into my exercise clothes before grabbing my keys and heading for my morning run.

I made it half way through my morning jog when I spotted him on his boat pulling into dock, well at least he had a nice night. I rolled my eyes continuing on my trail.

I got halfway back to my apartment but stopped to buy a cup of 'Mama Grace's' famous coffee. This cafe was the only thing that has not changed since I moved here six years ago and I don't think Mama plans on making it change.

I smiled at the elderly couple sitting by the bay window drinking their own coffees and sharing a strawberry glazed donut.

"Hey Lex, what can I get you," I heard the chirp of Mama's husband Charles.

These two were my only constant thing in my life well except for Lucy.

"Hey Pap, I'd love a grande cappuccino and a donut," I paused before adding, "the powdered sugar one," I smiled at him before handing him the exact change.

Mama made it the time to show her face for the day and I knew then she knew something was up.

"What is wrong dear?" She questioned in her tone that said she wasn't taking nothing for an answer but I still defied that.

"Nothing, I just had a rough night," I said taking the donut and coffee from Charles.

"Now don't lie to me dear you know I can detect bull shit from a mile away," she replied.

"But she never detected mine when I told her I loved her," Charles mumbled loudly to himself causing Grace to playfully slap him across the arm. "I'm joking dear," he said before mouthing to me behind her back, "no I'm not."

I chuckled and told Grace I had to run else I'll be late for my shift which I knew she saw my lie their to because I never worked on a Sunday.

I walked back towards my apartment taking my time enjoying the sea breeze and the beating of the sun on my skin. I smiled at all the families and said hello to a few I passed on the way that were making there way to the beach.

I made my way into my apartment building opting for the stairs over the elevator, I never liked those things and even if I could see out I can't go into one.

Turning down my corridor I reached into my pocket to retrieve my keys when I spotted him standing their with another bouquet of flowers in his hands.

I let out an annoyed puff before saying the obvious thing," you're a day late," I bitterly said before nudging him out the way to unlock my door.

"I'm sorry, I know I said this before and I did not mean to not call and tell you I wasn't coming but something came up and I had to drop what I was doing," he said without stuttering.

With my back to him I rolled my eyes and opened my apartment door. "It's fine, you know I didn't even want to go on this date to begin with and you proved to me something that I didn't even need proven, so thank you," I said turning to face him, "now if you would please leave me alone from now on," I said harshly.

"But," he started.

"No buts okay, I'm tired of people like you thinking that you could snap your fingers and get what you want but if you open your eyes you would realize that you can't always get what we want okay," I rambled out.

Leo looked me dead in the eye,"Can I just come in because your neighbors are staring at us like we are crazy," he said before glancing around.

I peeped my eyes out seeing Mr. and Mrs. McGregor the elderly couple that lives next door staring at us like if we were crazy,nodding for him to come in. I closed the door behind us placing my half drank coffee and donut wrapper down on the side table and he placed the flowers down on my kitchen table before turning to face me.

"My mom isn't well," he started and I instantly regretted everything I told him just now,"and I needed to be there,"he said stepping closer to me.

I looked up at him locking my eyes with his, "I'm sorry, I had a rough night and I don't know what," he cut me off before I could finish taking my hands in his.

"It's okay, I understand, I probably would have acted the same way," he smiled staring down at me, "I'm really sorry I didn't call but if you let me may we forget last night even happened and start over?" he asked hopeful.

I nodded my head slowly smiling up at him, "yes you may."

"Well why don't you go change and meet back out here and we head out and I could show you what that start over really is," he said before adding,"or I could join you in that shower," his eyes lit up mischievously.

"No you may not join but I will be back in like ten minutes," I laughed before prancing into my bedroom to get ready for our do over date.

"Don't rush, I'll be waiting," he yelled after me and I couldn't help but smile.

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Authors note:

Sorry again for this horrendously long wait I hope you enjoyed.