He took the wheels and drove her back to her place, which was about twenty minutes drive since the roads were free of cars. Armani slept soundly next to him. When he pulled up by her house, her mother, June, was at the door, her hands covering her mouth as she ran up to the car.
"Oh my," her mother touched Armani's cheek. Her hand was trembling when she pulled back. "Is she okay? I couldn't reach any of you. I was so worried!"
"Must be connectivity issues, sorry about that," Alexander walked around to the passenger's door. "She's fine. Just had way too much to drink."
"Well, where was she?" June asked.
"I have no idea," Alexander tried to wake up Armani, but she didn't move. He placed her hands around his shoulder and hauled her out of the car.
June led the way into the vintage house, one that had been passed on for generations and stood like a proud and fashionable grandmother, with walls weathered with time but still maintaining its charm. The exterior had intricate detailing, adorned with ornate carvings, arched windows, and a front porch decorated with climbing ivy and fragrant blooms.
Alexander made his way up the spiraling staircase, Armani getting heavier with each step. Finally, when he got to the top landing, he headed to her door, which June quickly opened for him to step in. A cocktail of perfumes whizzed past him, and he settled Armani on the bed.
"Let me go get her tea, she'd need it for the hangover," June rushed out. As Alexander was about to step out, he heard Armani's faint calling of his name.
He walked back over to her sleeping frame. She still had her eyes closed, but her mouth moved.
"I wanted to train myself to drink better, it was a game," she smiled. "And what I had to do to keep drinking was to picture something that made you angry."
She yawned. He pulled the blanket over her body, and she gripped onto his shirt before he could move away.
"All I had to do was picture you," she whispered. "You make my blood boil, Alex. You do. But I still keep coming back, don't I? I'm a stupid, stupid fool."
Alexander kissed her forehead. "You're an amazing person, Armani. Don't forget that."
But Armani had long gone to sleep. He left her room and headed down the stairs, following the trail of sounds to the kitchen. There, in the space about seven times his kitchen, June was tossing herbs into a mug. On the stove, the kettle whistled, and June rushed to it.
"How's Bettie?" She asked about his grandmother. "I should go visit. I've just been all over the place."
"She's fine," Alexander watched her pour the water into the mug. "I'll be visiting her next week, I'll tell her you asked after her."
she tightened the sash of her silk robe. "She's not been home in a while," June looked out the door. "When she got back, I pestered her to come home, she said she'd be out drinking with friends. I didn't know where, didn't want to disturb you to look for her…"
"It's okay," Alexander moved to her and wrapped a hand around her. "June, she's fine. And you can call me if you're worried next time."
June sighed. Her grey hair was scattered all over the place, which made her look like she had undergone an electric shock rather than turning all night with worry about her only daughter.
"I won't be helping her if I'm always calling you to the rescue," June moved away from him. She took a spoon and stirred the herbs in the mug. "You know how she feels about you."
"She's my friend," Alexander said.
"Not to her," June gave him a sad smile. "I'm hoping she gets over you and move on, but even I am not allowed to talk about you with her. Would you like some tea?"
"I actually have to run," Alexander said. "Next time. I'll call Armani in the morning."
"Thank you, Alex," June said.
Alexander took a cab back to his house. He was thankful he was able to save the meeting by preventing Armani from barging into it, and several text messages from Liam lay in wait for him. Alexander replied with an apology and a promise to call once he was back to his place.
It took him thirty minutes to get back. He thanked Otis for his help and went off to his penthouse. He needed to call it a night already. When he opened his door, he was surprised to see Selena sitting in the living room. She was still dressed in his sweatpants and shirt, and she rose, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Where have you been?" She asked.
"I had to take care of something," Alexander said and sat.
Selena did the same. "It's Armani, isn't it?" Alexander looked at her and said nothing. "Fine, none of my business anyway. I wanted to leave, but I had to make sure you were okay and I was hoping to have my dress before I do. I didn't want to check around for it since it's your house."
"I'll get it for you," Alexander said. The gown was damp, and he had to bag it up for her to carry along.
"Thanks," Selena said.
"I could've sent it," he said.
"I have a feeling it might send the wrong message to my house," Selena laughed. "Might get my mother all excited that a guy is sending back my clothes. I'd check the stores to see whatever one is open to get a change of clothes. My mother would ask an endless list of questions if she sees me all claded in a man's cloth".
Alexander smiled. "That reminds me. How could I forget? How was the meeting?"
Selena was already at the exit door, and her eyes twinkled when she looked at him.
"How else would it go with Selena Tequila taking the wheels?"