Off The Record

Part 2: New Beginings

We walk to the cafe together, it's only about 2 minutes away.
"So, uh, other than the coffee incident, how have you been?" I asked Alex. I'm sure he's been happy, how could you not be if you're Alex Turner.
"I've been alright, doing a lot of writing actually." He replied. Something in his voice sounded sad. Almost like he lost something and never found it. Wow that sounded very cliche, I'm very sorry.
"Oh and how's Taylor? I'm sure you're spending a lot more time with her now since your tour is over." I said. I never got good vibes from Taylor, she always seemed a little off; of course I only met her once. I'm good at picking up vibes of people, maybe that's just the journalist in me.
He looked at me for a second then looked down at the concrete. "I wouldn't know" he said with a twinge of sadness.
"What you you mean?" I asked.
"Well we got into a huge fight, and well" he said "she left me." Alex said while looking down. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. He lifted one to his mouth and lit it.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Alex. You to seemed very connected and in love." I said while looking at him. He looked worn down, almost like he'd given up. "But I'm sure there's someone better than her out there" I continued. We reached the coffee shop. Alex threw his cigarette down and stepped on it with the toe of his shoe.
"I'm sure you're right, Marilyn." He said as he opened the door for me.
Alex is single, I can't wrap my mind around the idea. He dates such beautiful women. Oh as if he'd ever like me. I'm nothing compared to them. But there's that small glimpse of hope in the back of my mind that someway, somehow we could be together. No. Stop it. We need to be professional. We can't, cannot, date.
"What did you have before, you know before I spilled it all over you." I asked Alex.
He looked at me, " I told you it was fine. I can get it." He said with a smile.
"Are you sure, I feel pretty bad." I replied. I still can't believe I did that. My awkward life always throws curve balls. I wake up and I wonder what awkward encounter will I have today?
"Marilyn. Trust me, it's completely okay." Alex said while smiling at me.
Oh that smile could end all wars and his eyes could... no stop it! I can't like him like that. Plus he just ended his relationship with Taylor. But he's adorable, it wouldn't hurt to just have coffee with him.
We walk up to the counter and order, he wouldn't let me pay either. We take our coffees and sit down outside at a table.
"Just don't spill this one on me." Alex said with a smile.
I laughed, "well I can't make any promises."