Almost Gone

Getting to know each other

Alex

I had just hit the highway heading back towards downtown when my phone vibrates, it's Blue already? I look down and see her message:

Blue; I'm Home

It hasn't been but 15 minutes. I respond with my talk to text:

Creeper; That was quick

Blue; I live close bye, Good night Creeper ;-)

Her little emoticon actually made me chuckle a sound I hadn't heard in awhile. A sound I know I didn't deserve.

***

The next morning I find myself passed out on my couch with an empty bottle of Jack on the floor and some persistent banging noises. I don't remember much after I got home, I stared at my phone thinking I should check on Claire, I do that a lot but never act on the impulse, last night was no different. I've been doing it less and less lately I still held my guilt close to my chest and I knew she was happy but I can't shake this feeling that something is going to happen.

This morning, or afternoon apparently didn't seem to be much different from any other except for that damn banging. "Alex! Wake your sorry ass up! Alex! Don't make me call your maid! Open the fucking door you..." I get to the door in three large strides and throw the door open.

"What!" Joey jumped back from the door with his arm still raised as if he was now going to punch me in the face. "And how do you have my maids number, wait don't answer that." I hold my hand up effectively silencing him.

"Have you seen this? I am so pissed! This is un-fucking believable. I blame you!" Joey storms through my foyer brandishing a rolled up Entertainment section of the newspaper like a club. "I mean seriously this could..." I throw my hands up in his face again. "Did you bring me coffee?"

" I, what, I, no I didn't bring you coffee! I came..." Joey sputters caught of guard and distracted from his tirade.

"Than either go get me some or shut the fuck up until I have a cup, cause I'm about to rearrange that pretty face of yours."

"What, fuck you man! Your little girl friend's made me the laughing stock of the damn city, look! The papers got a photo of me flat on my back." Joey threw the paper on my lap before crossing his arms and puffing out his chest as if to challenge me. Which would not be a very smart move if he tried, especially this morning.

"Well I don't see how it matters if they have a picture of you with your ass on the ice or the ground other than maybe we need to have the team doctor examine it for magnets." I snatched the paper up and walked back to the kitchen before he could go off again. I get the coffee started and read the article while it percolates. A loud noise rumbles from the depths of my gut and I realize I am laughing, truly laughing. The noise doesn't even affect the wicked headache I'm nursing from my late night after party.

"I don't see what's so funny." Joey was sitting at the bar munching on an apple from my fruit bowl the housekeeper sits out. It's her motherly way of making sure I eat something healthy everyday even if it only one apple.

"Help yourself Joey." I snatch the bowl from him.

"So I hope it was worth it, where is she anyway still sleeping off the famous Holder?"

"Uh, no. And what the hell is a 'Famous Holder' wait I don't want to know that either. I'm glad you were finally put in your place. It was long time coming."

"Yeah whatever man, fuck you. And your avoiding me. Was my embarrassment worth it? How'd it go with the demented little Alice in Wonderland chick anyway?"