Alexander won.
Wow.
He let that sink in for a little while.
Confettis flew over their heads as Red was called by the emcee to come up to the stage. A large check was handed to him with a $3,000-figure written on it. Alexander shrugged apologetically at Red for landing second place, instead of the first one she so badly wanted.
He felt guilty for her but if the prize is not for them, then no use in complaining about it. Alexander didn't want to be a sore loser and Red shouldn't also be the same. He regarded Red carefully as she waved at the audience, waving happily and blowing kisses like some starlet.
"You're embarrassing me, Red." Alexander's lips touched the shell of her ear and she stepped back, creating distance.
She narrowed her eyes at him and continued what she was doing, completely ignoring him.
How dare she ignore him?
"I'm sorry about losing first place. " Alexander continued,"---or maybe I'm not hot enough like you said. Well, I'm glad you think highly of me. I think the problem lies in your work, Red." He teased her as he smothered a grin, managing to look as contrite as possible."Oops. Sorry, again. I didn't mean to insult your work."
Alexander can't help but let that final jab hang in the air. Did he push her too far?
'Playing as an insensitive asshole as she thought he was' was a bit funny sometimes. What was wrong with living up to her expectations?
She wasn't the only person in this world who can throw insults and sarcasm all rolled into one like she was some ninja with her daggers. Alexander smirked.
He thought she would throw a tantrum right then and there but what she did surprise the hell out of him, instead, she patted his arm and graced him her most charming smile. Alexander basked in its glory, it was as rare as a phoenix.
"Congratulations! You did well. We deserve second place. " She said as if the rank didn't matter. As if her consistent sergeant drills for him to aim higher was nothing. "It's okay. " She whispered at him conspiratorially. "You can't possibly beat that guy who won first place when it comes to sex appeal."
"You told me I was hot!" Alexander said hotly.
"Well, someone is hotter." She motioned at the guy who got first place as if it's the truth. She nodded her head at the long-haired rastaman who was clutching his 5, 000 dollar check beside them like it was his lifeline.
Did she just insult him?
As if she already expected that he would lose from that Bob Marley wanna-be.
Now, Alexander was confused. And bothered. Yeah, why didn't he get first place? Alexander compared their bodies in his thoughts and he realized he was better than him. He was well-endowed. Alexander was big everywhere.
Hot and sudden bubbles of anger from nowhere boiled inside him as he and Red left the stage, moved down a flight of stairs, and navigated through the crowd of well-wishers and some new fans.
The awarding ceremony for the winners has finished. Finally.
From the corner of my eye, Alexander saw Andre stood up from the judges' table and waved at him to come over. He let out a long string of curses in his head.
It's time to explain.
Well, Alexander should ask him why he didn't get first place.
Of course, he deserved to get it!