Page 40 of Awaiting
“I don’t know what it is about her… I’ve never had this problem before.”
“You’ve never had feelings for anyone like Bexley before,” Alice suggested.
“I had feelings for you.”
“You had a crush,” Alice said, smiling. “Is what you feel for Bexley just a crush?”
“No, it’s far from it.” She turned her head to Alice. “I watched her take control of that classroom yesterday, and my God, Alice, she’s so smart.”
“She’s brilliant, yes.”
“The students were writing down every single word she said. They were enamored. I was, too. No, I was transfixed by her.Ithought about being a speech therapist for a minute.”
Alice laughed and said, “Bexley loves what she does more than just about anything.”
“She’s too good for me.”
“I’d imagine she’s thinking the same thing about you.”
“I don’t have an advanced degree, and I’m definitely not at the top of any field.”
“You’re a Princess that will one day become Queen, Alex. Bex and I are Americans. We didn’t grow up with a monarchy. It’s such a foreign concept to us, but even we know enough to realize that Princesses are kind of at the top of the social status. Well, Kings and Queens are maybe at the top.”
“I’m still just a person, Alice.”
“So is she, which means you both have your own insecurities and doubts, just like the rest of us. Don’t you remember the advice you gave Nora about me? You told her not to be stupid, and she finally kissed me, Alex. You need to be honest with Bex if you actually expect anything to happen.”
“Do you happen to know if she’s talked to her ex-girlfriend since she’s been here?”
“Holly? No. She told me Holly emailed her, though.”
“Did she tell you what she’s going to do about that email?”
“She messaged her back that they needed to talk. That’s all I know. And even if Ididknow more, you wouldn’t get it out of me. You’re both my friends. I’m not going to spy for you, Alex.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” Alex replied.
“Nora and I are going to St.Rais to visit Elizabeth and Palmer. You and Bex are invited.”
“No way,” Alex said.
“You love the hot springs. We’re staying at their cabins up there.”
“I’m not going on some weird triple date when I haven’t even asked her out yet, apparently.”
“It’s not a triple date.”
“It’s two married couples and two single women.”
“Yes, and no one is saying those two single women need to like each other, be on a date, or otherwise even acknowledge each other’s existence. It’s just a short trip. It’s the only time Elizabeth and Palmer can do it before they go to spend time in the States visiting Palmer’s family.”
“I don’t know, Alice.” She took a deep breath.
“You’re going. Decision made,” Alice stated, patting Alex on the knee again. “Think of it as a chance to see how thingscouldgo. The springs are romantic, and you can use it as a chance to feel Bexley out.”
“I’d rather be feeling herup,” Alex joked.
“That’s an option, too, I guess.” Alice laughed.