Thirty-Nine

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
– Joseph Campbell

“I told you he’d be good,” Lucy whispered through Alex’s phone. “And sex releases endorphins and happy hormones—it’s way better for you than jogging! So, how do you feel?”

Alex propped herself up in the once-crisp bed sheets. “Okay, but…odd.”

“Odd? You just said last night was totally uninhibited.”

“It was. But…” She yanked her fingers through her tangled hair. “…it’s so real now. I’m naked in his bed, waiting for him to return from the shops to make me breakfast.”

“Ooh, you lucky bitch.”

“What? Breakfast in bed?”

“Yeah. Love. It. Harry makes me brekkie every weekend. Maybe it’s a posh boy thing?” A smile raised Lucy’s voice. “Either that, or I have him perfectly trained.”

Alex giggled. “Tarq insisted on making me Belgian waffles. I’ve never had a guy make me breakfast in bed before.”

“I like that Tarquin didn’t have anything in. Nothing on hand for breakfast proves that he wasn’t expecting to sleep with you.”

“He didn’t have condoms, either.”

“Fuck. Lex, you didn’t—”

“Lucy, chill. I had some in my clutch, left over from New Year’s.” She pulled the duvet tighter. “But that’s why it’s awkward. We’ve crossed that line, and there’s no going back. He’s been inside me—I have intimate knowledge of his knob! That changes a friendship into something else.”

Lucy laughed. “It does! You regretting it?”

“No. I wanted him last night. My God, Lucy…he can kiss. But this morning, it feels like…I don’t know, like there’s something missing.”

“Oh, Lex…”

“I know Tarq cares for me—a lot. I don’t doubt that for a second, and I really like him.” She stared at a skateboard deck, painted with graffiti-style scenes of London, mounted on the wall. Tarquin had been speechless when Alex gave it to him last week. “We always have fun. I feel safe, appreciated, but sleeping together…I miss feeling that magical something.”

“Okay, wait a minute. So, you didn’t orgasm—?”

“I didn’t say that! I mean…being in love with the person. Sex without love, for me, is…strange. It’s like having hot chocolate but there’s no marshmallows. I want marshmallows. I need marshmallows. Hot chocolate goes from good to out of this world.”

Lucy muffled her laugh. “Sorry…don’t want to wake Harry. Sex and love don’t have to be a package deal, you know? Lex, this is all new to you, right? You might fall in love with him. It’s not uncommon, you know, to develop feelings after you’ve shagged someone.”

Alex shrugged. “I guess I’ll have to sleep with him again to figure that one out.”

“Well, it’s only quarter to seven. Have fun figuring that one out before he leaves for work!” Lucy snickered. “I’m glad you’re okay, though. I was worried I pushed you into something you weren’t ready for.”

“I was ready. I wouldn’t have condoms in my purse if I wasn’t…I’m moving on—literally.”

“Literally?”

“New York called last night.”

“No shit!?”

“They want to meet me. Lucy, Thirteen might actually be happening over there.”

“Fucking amazing! Lex on Broadway!” Lucy whooped. “Oh…! Haribo, sorry.” Her voice strayed from her phone. “Lex is headed for Broadway!”

Harry mumbled a raspy congrats in the background.

“Not Broadway, Lucy. Off-Broadway.”

“But hang on…how long will you be gone?” Lucy sounded worried.

“Don’t know yet—depends. If they actually go ahead with it, a few weeks, maybe?”

“But…what about all the buzz from last night, the theatre interest—can everything here wait?”

“I’ve been asking myself the same question. I hope it can. New York is…well, it’s New York! I have to try.”

“That’s true.” Lucy’s voice still carried a hint of sadness.

“Maybe you and Harry could come over? We could finish the graphic novel, get our synopsis and pitch ready. You’re overdue for a holiday—”

“Fuck, yeah! We’re going to New York, Harry…” Lucy’s voice trailed off.

“Hi, Lex.” Harry laughed, stealing Lucy’s phone. “Don’t mind Ms. Hardy. She’s doing a happy dance around the bedroom. Let me call Dad, see if you can stay in his place in the West Village. As far as I know, he’s not heading Stateside this summer.”

“Oh, my God, Harry! That would be amazing! I would be in the middle of everything.”

“No sweat. So…I couldn’t help overhearing…you and Tarq, eh?”

“Yeah…is it weird?”

“No! Tarq hit the jackpot. You, on the other hand…”

“Harry!”

“I jest. I’m happy for you both.”

“I mean, we only decided this morning to start dating…it’s not like we’re professing our love to each other yet…”

“One step at a time, Lex.”

“So, New York…can you come?”

“We could definitely fly over for a week. I could take some meetings while I’m there, and Tarq can show us his favourite haunts. I think we might be in for several all-nighters if his war stories are to be believed.”

Alex laughed. “Prepare yourself, Harry. What happens in New York, stays in New York.”

Tarquin peeked around the doorjamb, a worried expression creasing his brow. “Harry knows?”

“Yep. The secret is out, and he’s fine with it.”

Tarquin’s face warmed up into a wide grin, waking up his dimples. He sauntered into the room and sprawled across the duvet, his lips diving for Alex’s neck.

“Harry, I’ve gotta go.” She bit her lip. “Breakfast is ready. Tell Lucy I’ll call later?”

His voice left the phone. “Lucy, Lex says she’ll speak later.” He chuckled. “Lucy gave me a thumbs-up and…”

Lucy’s voice mumbled something in the background.

“She said ‘good luck with your marshmallow experiment.’ Yeah, I don’t even want to know what that means…” Harry laughed.

Alex stifled a giggle as Tarquin kissed her ear. “Bye, Harry.” She dropped the phone in the covers.

Tarquin skimmed a finger across her cheek. “Fancy some homemade waffles, real maple syrup, strawberries—” He leaned in for a peck, but Alex tugged him closer, slipping her tongue between his lips. He smiled into their kiss. “Someone’s hungry, but not for waffles…”

“Did you get the whipped cream?”

“I did. Also, condoms.”

“Call your assistant—Mr. Balfour’s going to be late this morning.”