Since leaving the apartment for the office, the day had been nauseatingly dreadful. Alex was certain each secret had been divulged and both her budding romantic interest and her younger sibling would forever disgust her for her treachery. She’d tried multiple times to contact Bishop, yet the phone went straight to voicemail and Tyson wasn’t answering. This wasn’t her; she wasn’t a manipulative or conniving wretch. She was a woman who made innocently ignorant mistakes that landed her in love.
Her anxiety had her hands frigid, her fingers wrapped around her stirring-wheel as she raced home from Dr. Jones’ office.
Pulling into the apartment complex, the anxiety had reached a level of unmanageability—creating a dizzying vertigo. She found herself nauseated and on the verge of tears. There was no denying the loss of Bishop’s smile would be devastating, but losing the constant companionship of her baby brother had her heart pulsating in her ears and fingertips.
As she exited the vehicle and walked to the apartment door, she nearly lost her breath at the sound of guys boisterously laughing from her home. Bishop was there, and he certainly didn’t sound angry.
As she cautiously opened the door she found her brother sporting her sports bra and a bright green wig from several Halloweens before. Bishop appeared delighted as Tyson modeled the ridiculous ensemble, complete with his orange trunks, snow boots, and the blatant purple scar on his chest. Alex hadn’t a clue what the hell to think as she entered the odd scenario.
“Um…hi, guys.”
“Hey beautiful!” A smiling Bishop rushed to her, planting a large kiss on her lips, providing instant tension relief she could actually feel.
As they separated, she instantly wrapped her hands around his core, pulling him into her as she rested her head between his pecks. “Is…is everything okay?”
“Yeah. It’s great.”
“You didn’t answer your phone. I tried to call—”
“Oh shit. My bad, Alex. My phone overheated while we were swimming and I forgot to turn it back on.”
“Oh. So today…today went okay? You guys just…just hung out and played baseball. Went to the pool here and—”
“Nah we went to my place to swim. Him and Mom hit it off.”
“What?” Her heartrate began galloping once more.
“Alex. What the hell? I put on this sexy shit and you don’t even give me a second glance?” Tyson approached making a duck face and posing preposterously.
“Oh my god, Ty. You look hideous. Why didn’t you answer my calls?”
“My bad, Sis. My phone’s in my room.”
The explanation offered all she could hope for at this point…a momentary reprieve.
“You seem really tense, Alex.” Bishop smiled down at her as she looked up to him. The fact that he was even speaking to her was bewildering considering she was sure she’d been shunned at this point. She hugged him tighter, thankful for every second she had in his embrace.
She then turned her attention to her idiotic brother. He was shirtless, this meant that they would have had to have discussed his transplant at some point. This she was certain. Regardless, he was smiling at her too. She walked to him and hugged him as well.
“What are you doing tonight, Ty?”
“Hopefully Becca.”
“Tyson!”
“You asked.”
“You’re just…crazy. But I love you, Ty.”
“Love you too. You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good.”
“Well good. Do you wanna borrow my green weave for your date tonight?”
“Date?” Alex turned to Bishop. She’d been so affected by the idea of disownment that she’d failed to notice he was dressed sharply in pressed khaki shorts and a polo shirt, his hair was gelled a combed meticulously. “Oh, you look adorable.”
Removing her shoes, she looked toward the clock. “I’m not sure what we’ve got planned but just give me a few minutes to get ready, okay?”
“However long you need.”
Nearly thirty minutes later, Alex exited the bathroom to the guy’s laughter once more. She sported a yellow sundress and high-heel shoes. Bishops gaze appeared glued to her, his jaw agape until his pupils wondered in the direction of her feet.
“Oh. You might want some shoes you can um…walk briskly in.” He stood and stepped toward her. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. But I’m kind of concerned with this brisk walk talk.”
“Trust me, I am too after I annihilated my ankle.”
***
Bishop
As the car crawled toward the shadowed destination at the end of the tree lined blacktop, Bishop looked toward his curious date. Her eyes held a fanciful excitement.
“You’ve really never been down here before, Alex?”
“Nope. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been in this area of town.”
“It’s a little rough if you look at it that way but there’s good stuff down here.”
Nearing an open gate, Bishop reached for Alex’s hand, she eagerly accepted.
“Good stuff? Are…we’re not…we’re not eating down here are we?”
Bishop chuckled. “Nope. We’re feeding. And walking. And petting and just…I dunno…just dishing out some love.”
“What?”
Bishop was certain it would make sense as the Honda approached the moderately sized, aged brick building boasting the ‘Second Chance for Chance’ sign. But she appeared at a loss.
“What is this place, Bishop?”
“It’s an animal shelter. It’s the animal shelter. It’s no-kill and all the animals are walked daily by dedicated volunteers.” Bishop put the car in park and turned to Alex.
“Badass. I’m assuming you’re the most dedicated volunteer they have?”
Bishop smiled and shook his head. “Nope. I wanna show you something.”
Walking up the cobblestone to the front of the building was a deafening experience as they were met with boisterous barking from large pens—all clean and adorned with pans of fresh water.
As they reached the heavy front door, Bishop held it open as Alex entered the building. The smell of animals was present, but not in a bad way. It smelled of cedar chips and dog food.
Hand-in-hand, Bishop walked Alex to a large bulletin board near an office door. On the board was an eight by ten inch color print picture of none other than his favorite person in the world, surrounded by seven dogs of various sizes—Nathan Holloway. Below the picture was a small epitaph and several folded notes tacked to the board. It was his own shrine.
“Nate was the most dedicated volunteer. Every week, twice a week…sometimes more.”
Alex stared at the board in silence, her mouth open and her eyes glistening. “He was…he was beautiful, Bishop.”
“Yeah, he was quite the ladies’ man.”
“I mean he had a beautiful soul. He seems so kind.”
“Bishop!” A portly, elderly African American woman approached, her arms extended.
“Edna! You’re still here?”
She rushed to him, hugging him tightly. “You know me, Bishop, I can’t leave this place.”
“Alex, I’d like you to meet Dr. Malicoat. She’s the best veterinarian on earth.”
“Please, call me Edna.” Rather than extend a hand to shake Alex’s, Edna hugged her as well.
“Just what the hell are you two doin’ out here today? You here to walk some pooches?”
“You know it.” Bishop smiled largely and walked toward a tall coatrack with several leashes of various sizes.
“Thank heavens. I have three more neuters to do before I can help with walking and Beth is stuck in class and Derick’s practice ran late.”
“Well, we’re here.” Bishop grabbed several leashes and turned to Alex. “Is that cool?”
“Totally. This is awesome.”
Two small, long-haired mixed breeds and a friendly, spotted Australian shepherd were leashed and led from the building down a worn and haggard path, clad with thick vegetation and a canopy of trees hanging above. Alex led the smaller dogs and Bishop led the larger one as they continued through the low-hanging limbs and thick muggy air.
They were soon walking parallel to a stream of clear water. The trees were numerous and ivy had all but taken the path.
“Bishop,” Alex pulled back on the leashes, allowing the animals to drink from the soft-flowing water, “it’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” He stepped closer to her, pushing her hair from the side of her face as his canine companion watched curiously. As their lips met, Bishop noticed he couldn’t contain his smile while he kissed her. His lips curled so that it made the lip-locking nearly awkward.
“What the…is something funny, Bishop?” Alex pulled away slightly.
“Nah, not at all. You make me feel…good again. I feel good when I’m with you.”
“Me too.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it. My mind was thinking the worst today, Alex.”
“What? Why?” Alex seemed frantic as she stepped back a step further.
“You never told your brother about me. Tyson said you literally tell him everything and even he was surprised I hadn’t been mentioned. I was worried maybe you thought we weren’t a good idea.”
“What? Oh my god, Bishop, no. We’re a beautiful idea.” Her arms wrapping around his waist provided a solid, comforting feeling he couldn’t get enough of. She was complete comfort. Her scent, her smile, her mannerisms were all comforting.
“Bishop…please know that no matter what happens, I would never intentionally hurt you. You’re the best idea.”
As their lips met once more, he felt he wanted more of her. His hand slid under the back of her hair—he pressed her into his kiss.
Lost in the excitement, Bishop was suddenly yanked away from Alex by his leashed friend as the dog went in pursuit of some small furry creature. Thankfully Bishop was able to contain the dog, but Alex was unable to contain her laughter.
“Ha. Hilarious. Dumbass dog.” Bishop smiled as he leaned down to pet the dog on the head.
“You wanna get these guys back, Bishop?”
“I do.”
The walk back was brisk as the dogs basically dragged the duo to the final destination. Once there, Bishop and Alex fed, brushed and loved on their new friends for at least an hour before leaving. The idea of a watching a movie at the theater was trumped the second Alex learned Bishop’s mother was out the house.
The couple made it back to Bishop’s house, and Alex claimed to want a tour of the home’s grand library.
They now stood surrounded by grand, dark-wood shelving and books from the marble flooring to the ceiling. Bishop watched Alex trace the hardbacks with her fingers, reading some of the titles aloud.
“They’re not all medical…I’m impressed, Bishop.”
“My parents love fiction.”
“Who doesn’t?”
Bishop walked behind her, purposefully breathing hot breath on her neck. “I do.”
“What’s your favorite genre, Mr. Holloway?” She slowly turned to him.
“I’m not particularly picky as long as there’s a happy ending.”
“That sounds dirty, Bishop.”
“It can be…depending on the genre.” He moved closer, smiling.
“I’m scared, Bishop.”
“Of?”
“Happily never after.”
“What are you talking about? We’re a match, Alex. I literally love every second I’m with. It’s like fate.”
As he took her hand, her gaze shied from his.
“What if I rushed fate, Bishop? What if…what if everything was going to work out as it should have but I rushed it?”
“That doesn’t make sense to me, Alex.”
Softly, his thumb and index finger raised her chin so her eyes were level with his.
“Yeah…I know, Bishop.”
Sensing her despair, he pulled her to him, looking down into her eyes. “What do you feel like reading tonight?” His question was asked in a goofy whisper, but had her blushing just the same.
As she worked her hands into his front pockets she kissed his cheek. “Something hot.”
Instantly he hoisted her into his arms and headed to his father’s large oak wood desk. Gently, he sat her atop of it as their lips met once more. Her legs dangled over the side as he stood in between.
“I want you, Alex.” Bishop’s gaze met hers, her eyes wide with excitement, her pulse racing under the glistening skin of her throat.
“Okay.”
With her permission, Bishop began inching the yellow dress up over her hips and waist until she was free. With nothing behind her on the desk, He gently pushed her backward and climbed atop her, passionately kissing her lips, then further down to her chin, chest—kissing the tops of either of her ample breasts, tone stomach, and then his tongue was wriggling its way under her panty line while his hands worked their way under the cups of her bra.
Seconds later she was free of her undergarments, and he was tasting her, listening to her hastened breath and soft moans until she was pulling him up to her. She pulled his shirt off over his head and threw it to the floor. As he reached for his belt, his hands were slapped away. Alex’s fingers worked feverishly—unzipping his shorts.
She stood to meet him, kissing his glistened lips. He watched excitedly as the top of her head came into view as Alex went to her knees. Within a few seconds, he was kicking free his shorts and boxers, and then he was in ecstasy as she took him into her warm mouth. Bishop’s head went backward in complete pleasure as he stared toward the ceiling. Swallowing hard, he glanced down to her. “Stand up.”
She immediately did, grabbing his excitement as he eased her back on the desk.
She lay back slightly, guiding him into her as he embraced her, gently laying her back the rest of the way. Cupping her breasts from above her as their gazes met, he rocked into her. It wasn’t slow, it wasn’t rushed; it was perfectly paced. Their eyes remained fixated on each other’s as the temperature rose. Bishop felt sweat tracing its way down his spine.
Her face was perfect. Her nostrils flared slightly and she gently bit her bottom lip. Her nipples hardened between the slight pinch of his fingertips. The only time her gaze fell from his was when she glanced southward.
He felt amazing within her and was now completely convinced they truly were a perfect match.
Knowing the house was empty allowed for louder antics as they both vocalized their pleasure.
Minutes later their mutual climax was imminent. She rose from the desk to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as their experience came to a climactic end. Her chin rested beneath his clavicle as they recovered their breath.
Bishop turned slightly—kissing her ear as sweat traced its way down her neck. His arms wrapped tightly around her, he then kissed her atop her head. “You’re amazing…that was amazing.”
When she didn’t immediately respond, he gently pulled from her and raised her face to his.
“You okay, Alex?”
“I’m good. I’m great actually.”
He brought his lips to hers—their bodies still as one—and kissed her once more. “You want some cheesecake? It’s chocolate cheesecake. It’s awesome.”
“Are you kidding me? Of course.”
In the kitchen, dressed yet bordering disheveled, they leaned over the center island, laughing and taking small bites of a half-eaten cake from the box.
“So…I need you to be completely honest with me, Alex.”
Alex’s eyes widened as she sat her fork down and stood straight. “Okay.”
“Was I…was it okay? It’s been a while.”
Instantly she was smiling and reaching for the fork. “It was fantastic. And trust me, it’s been more than a while here too.”
The loose strands of hair falling freely over her eye were too tempting to leave unviolated. Bishop reached across the island, cradling her face in hand while pushing the hair behind her ear with the other. “I’m falling for you. I…I know that sounds crazy but I’m falling for you.”
Her face in his hand was drained all expression. Nothing was said in return as she turned from him.
“Okay then. Too soon I guess—”
“Me too.” Her interruption was blurted and harsh-sounding. “I’m falling for you too, Bishop.”
She walked from him to the glass doors overlooking the pool.
“Are you okay, Alex?”
He walked up behind her, glimpsing a tear as it etched its way down her smooth cheek.
“Alex…we could have waited. I didn’t mean to rush you.”
“It’s not that, Bishop.”
Silence ensued as they looked toward the flowerbed at the east end of the pool, filled with beautiful colors under the light from the back patio.
“Then what is it, Alex…you know you can literally tell me anything.”
“Your flowers are beautiful.”
“Ha…nice subject change. My mom loves flowers.”
“So did mine…but not ones you could plant.” She turned to him, resting her head into his chest.
“Flowers that you can’t plant? Huh?”
“My mother loved wild flowers. She liked the weeds on the side of the old roads.”
“So…let’s go get her some.”
“What?” She lifted her head from his chest—her gaze falling on his.
“Let’s go get your mother some flowers.”
“I…Bishop I don’t know about that. I have no clue where to even look for wild flowers.”
“Neither do I but I’ll be with you. Come on…can you imagine the look on your brother’s face when he sees her gravesite covered in wild flowers.”
“That would make him so happy.”
“Let’s go to the garden shed and grab some shovels and buckets.”
“You’re serious, Bishop? You seriously want to do this tonight?”
“What? Stroll down dirt roads with my beautiful girl and pick weeds in the moonlight? How can I say no to that?”
Her gaze remained steady on his and boasted a haunting ache that had Bishop wanting to cradle her—to protect her, but he had no clue from what; he had no clue what had her so shedding tears and she didn’t appear open to talking about it. For now he could only remain supportive.
“Okay. Let’s go get my mother some weeds.” Her smile was soft, but clearly appreciative.
Shovels, buckets, pots, and a half a bag of potting soil loaded in the car, they pulled from the driveway without a clue as to where they were going.
Bishop’s home neared the outskirts of the suburban area and was surrounded by acreage and scattered houses, many of which resembled miniature castles. The majority of the roads leading out of town appeared moderately well maintained. Nearly ten minutes later they were approaching a dirt road on the left. Bishop slowed the vehicle as Alex stared cautiously.
“Bishop…this looks creepy.”
“I’m sure we’ll be shot at if we get caught trespassing.”
“Surely not. I don’t even see a sign.”
Pulling down the road they were instantly surrounded by overarching vegetation, tickling the sides and roof of the car. The darkened surroundings and narrow road reminded Bishop of some haunted hallway. There were no flowers in sight.
“Bishop. I’m not seeing any—oh my gosh! Look, Bishop!”
As the right side of the road cleared, the headlights revealed the opening to a field. Dancing in the beams were slender green stems adorned with hardy purple flowers atop each one. As Bishop slowed and repositioned the lights to face the field, it appeared the pasture was clad with them. He looked to see Alex’s face sporting a look of shock.
“Wow. Alex, I think we hit the jackpot.”
“We did, Bishop. They’re blazing stars. My mother loved these. Purple was her favorite color.”
“Let’s get to it then.”
With the running car parked in the road—its lights guiding their efforts, Bishop and Alex made their way across the soft ditch to the unleveled field. The moon was shy—hiding behind long and semitransparent clouds. The wind was but a mild breeze and the night was serenaded by an orchestra of birds and insects from the woodlands surrounding the dim lit field.
Shovels and buckets in hand, they calmly took in the surroundings prior to the excavation.
“This is so beautiful. It’s so natural and untouched.”
“You’re so beautiful, Alex. That shovel in your hand is hot.”
“Ha. You should see me change a tire.”
“How many of these bad boys are we getting?”
Alex reached to the base of one of the wild flowers and attempted to pull it up. “We’ll have to do some digging. We’ll dig until we don’t want to dig anymore I guess.” Alex then gently placed the spade near one of the plants and pressed it down with her foot. She pried the handle back, producing a plant free of the confining earth. “Bucket please.” After shaking the loose soil free she placed it in one of the buckets as Bishop followed her actions.
“You know, Alex…I hear gardening can be therapeutic.”
Her smile in the moonlight nearly halted his efforts. The thoughts of their encounter in the library sat heavy on the forefront of his memory.
“Yeah, well a lot of things are therapeutic.”
“Agreed.”
With nine plants in their buckets, Alex wiped her forehead. “I think this should do it.”
“Let’s load up.”
“Thank you, Bishop.”
The air around them stood still as they gravitated closer to one another.
“Thank you, Alex.”
“For what?”
“You have no idea, do you?”
“Huh?”
Her confused expression assured him she was truly clueless as to how much she’d geared him toward the path of mending. “You…you make me wanna wake up every morning again. I wanna be happy again and start…I dunno…start legitimately planning my future and thinking about things I’d just said to hell with. I feel good with you.”
He’d hoped his proclamation would light her face; rather, it brought tears to her eyes—fat tears he could plainly see in the moonlight as they streaked her face. “I didn’t mean to make you cry—”
“It’s perfect…you’re perfect and tonight has been perfect. I want you to be happy no matter what happens because that’s what you deserve. But I need tonight. Tonight has to stay perfect.”
“What? Alex, tonight is yours but I promise you there’ll be more if you want them. I’m all yours if you want me. I mean that. I’m in, one hundred percent.”
With this, her few tears became a downpour. Bishop rushed to her as she cradled her face in her hands. He wrapped his arms around her as concern coursed through him. “Alex, what is going on? Are you in some kind of trouble or…just talk to me…please.”
“Bishop…I know how hard it is to forgive people that shit on me. I can’t expect anyone else to forgive me and…and…”
Her soft sobs trailed as her head rested into his chest.
“Alex, it takes too much to hold a grudge. I wasn’t there and I didn’t know your mom but maybe you can forgive her now. She’s gone. There’s nothing wrong with letting that animosity go with her. I’m sure you can conjure up some good memories to hold on to. Even if you can’t forget the bad ones, it’s okay to let your guard down and let go of the resentment.”
She looked toward him—her eyes showcasing a deep pain as she wrapped her arms around him. “I don’t know what to do, Bishop.”
Kissing her on top of her head, he rubbed her back gently while he embraced her. “Let’s go plant some flowers.”