Struggle For Control

Alex woke up rather stiff on Saturday morning, but
was happy nonetheless. After changing
Julia – which took longer than usual – she brought her into the living room and
sat down. “O.K., I think Mommy’s done
moving for the day.” Though she
couldn’t understand what was said, Julia giggled at her mother.

Karen then walked in, a cup of coffee in her hand
and a smile on her face. “So, I didn’t
want to ask last night, since you went to bed early and all, but, um, what’s
the deal with Mort?”

“What deal?” Alex asked, trying to “keep her
cool.”

“Someone you wrecked into was making puppy dog eyes
at you all through dinner and you mirrored them.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I’ve only seen you like that once before.”

Alex looked at Julia. “I know, Karen. I have no
idea what I’m thinking right now.”

“Well, let’s see, he’s cute, charming, apparently a
gentlemen considering all he did for you yesterday…”

Alex smiled.
“Seems like he’s shy for the most part, which is just…adorable…”

“So when are you seeing him?”

“Seeing him?
What makes you ask that?”

Karen raised an eyebrow. “C’mon, Alex…”

Alex smiled.
“Tomorrow. Can you watch Julia?”

“Of course I can.
I never thought you’d get out there again.”

Trying to change the subject, Alex asked, “When does
Steven get home from his trip?”

“Monday morning.”
Karen steered the conversation back on track. “I think he’ll be just as happy that you’re seeing someone.”

“Whoa, when did this turn into seeing someone?” Alex
said, a bit defensively. “It’s one
date!”

“One date that could turn into another, right?”

Alex thought for a moment, her cheeks blushing.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> “I guess.
It’s kind of odd though. My
first ‘date’ in such a long time and it winds up being with a best selling
author.”

“Huh?”

Alex laughed, then used her “teaching voice.”style="mso-spacerun: yes"> “Well, you see Karen, there are these things
called books that are filled with…”

Karen cut her sister off. “You are so lucky that you’re hurt right now.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I just didn’t know he was ‘somebody.’”

“I have most of what he’s written.”

“You didn’t say a thing about it last night.”

“No, I guess I didn’t.”

Karen seemed a bit puzzled.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> “Uh, why?”

“I don’t know…he was…a person – he was interesting
on his own, I didn’t want to talk to him like a fan…”

“Um, but you are one, right?” Karen asked, smiling.

Alex huffed a bit, shaking her head.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> “Yeah, but…Karen, you’re doing this on
purpose aren’t you?”

Karen laughed.
“Uh huh, I haven’t been able to fluster you like this since high
school.”

“Well, let me get back into my high school
mentality.” Alex cleared her
throat. “You suck!”style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Both women started laughing.

“O.K., I’m done teasing you, Alex.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> So, what are you gonna wear?”

“I don’t even know where we’re going.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Besides, my clothes are at home, I really
don’t want to move and…”

“My closet then.
Come on.”

“He’s not coming until tomorrow,” Alex insisted.

“So? I
haven’t got to dress you up for a date in ages. Humor me?”

Alex gave up and sighed. “All right.”