Now What?
by Darlene

Part 4

As she had feared, Alexis was miserable on her date. At first, she was able to put Sonny out of her mind for a while. Charles was a nice man who, in different circumstances, would have been an enjoyable person to know.

But I wish you were someone else. I can't help it – I wish you were Sonny. I would give anything if he were here right now, smiling at me with those adorable dimples . . .

"Alexis. Alexis. Earth to Alexis!" Charles tapped Alexis on the top of her hand.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was thinking about a case. I guess I'm just not good company tonight. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

"I wouldn't say that. I'm having a nice time. I'm glad you asked me out."

I'm not.

"Let's skip dessert. Why don't we go back to my place, Alexis? I have a great view that I think you'll love."

Sonny's view is better, I bet you a million dollars.

"Oh, I don't know if I'm up for it. Maybe anoth –"

"I won't take no for an answer. C'mon, let's go."

Alexis didn't put up much of a fight. She allowed herself to be guided out of the restaurant and put in the passenger's side of his brand new Mercedes. However, when they started to drive towards his home, Alexis put her foot down. She really did not want to go to Charles' house to see his "view."

"Charles, I hope you don't think less of me, but I really don't want to go to your house. I have a big day planned tomorrow and I would rather you just took me home."

"OK, Alexis. I'm certainly not going to force you to come with me. Of course I'll take you home."

Thank goodness. I just want to go to sleep and try to put Mr. Dimples out of my head. Trying not to think about him is making my head hurt – plus it's not working. Look, I'm thinking about him right now! Stop it, Alexis!

"Alexis?"

"Yes, Sonny? I – I mean, Charles?" Omygod! I said Sonny instead of Charles! What must he think of me?

"We're here. Would you like me to go with you upstairs?"

"No thank you. I'll be just fine. Thanks for an enjoyable evening." Alexis got out of the car, thankful that Charles had not mentioned her slip-of-the-tongue. She didn't even give Charles a chance to get out and open the door for her, she was in such a hurry to be away from him.

"OK. Goodnight." Charles rolled his window back up and sped off. Alexis hesitated before getting in the elevator. You know what? I don't want to go up to an empty apartment. I want to pretend I've had a long evening out. I want Johnny to think I have a life. I am going to stay out until at least 3:00, even though it's only 10:00 right now. Ok, but where are you going to go, Alexis, darling? I know, I'll just drive around town. I haven't done that in a long time. If I remember right, I have a full tank of gas. Let me see, where are my keys?

Alexis found her keys at the bottom of her purse. She grabbed them and walked over to her Lexis. She got in and immediately opened the sunroof. She wanted to feel the wind in her hair tonight. She backed the car out of her parking space and drove out of the parking garage, headed west.

***

Sonny was being driven slowly insane by the ticking of the clock. Time was moving so slowly now that he had decided to see Alexis whenever it was she came home. Every half hour or so, he would go out and talk to Johnny, asking him if Alexis had come yet or not. He was becoming more and more nervous about what he would do and say when he saw Alexis.

What am I going to say to her? I don't even now if she wants to hear any of what I want to say. How will she take it? Will this cost me my best friend? I'll just die if it does.

Sonny looked at his watch. 2:55 a.m. and she still wasn't home yet? Where can she be? Look, dummy, she's probably been out dancing all night and now she's in bed with that creep. I hate that guy! I wish I were he right now. Just thinking about what he may be doing to her body made him groan aloud. He shifted uncomfortably on the couch where he was sitting. Come home, Alexis. Don't make me wait any longer, please!

***

Alexis parked her car. She felt exhilarated. The drive with the sunroof open had really cleared her head and made her feel more alive than she had in a long time. Of course, her thoughts had often flown to Sonny, she couldn't help herself. But still, she felt better than if she had just gone to bed after her sorry date with Charles.

Alexis stepped into the elevator. I wish I could see Sonny right now, this minute. Oh, get a grip, Alexis. You're the last person Sonny would want to see right now, in the middle of the night.

Sonny's hearing was tuned into every sound around him. He had left the door ajar again so he would be aware exactly when (and if) Alexis came home. Johnny had agreed to tell him when Alexis arrived, but Sonny was determined that he wouldn't have to be told – he would know.

Suddenly, Sonny heard the sound of the elevator opening. His gut clenched, thinking about what he was about to do. It could effectively end his relationship with Alexis, which would devastate him. He knew he couldn't live without that woman in his life.

Wait a few minutes, Sonny. Don't pounce on her in the hallway. Oh, god, what if Charles is with her? I never thought about that! Oh, please let her be alone. Please, please . . .

He heard Alexis say something to Johnny and then enter her apartment and close the door. Immediately, Sonny went into the hall to ask if Alexis had come home alone if she were with someone. Thankfully, Johnny answered that she was alone.

Sonny was relieved. He waited a minute or so before knocking on her door. He held his breath until she opened the door.

Alexis was startled to hear a knock at her door this time of the night. She assumed it must be Johnny so she forgot to check the peephole. When she opened the door, there stood Sonny.

"Sonny? What in the world are you doing at my door this time of night? I have a guest." No, I don't, but I want you to think so.

"No, you don't. I asked Johnny." Why did you lie to me just now? Man, I want to kiss you. You look fantastic. Your cheeks are flushed and your eyes are shining. What have you just been doing? I hope not what I think. Oh please, not with him.

"Why are you checking up on me with Johnny? It's really none of your business."

I want to kiss you. "Alexis, are you going to invite me in or not? Never mind." He pushed passed her and entered her apartment.

"What the hell gives you the right to come storming over here in the middle of the night uninvited?" I wish you'd kiss me.

"I have been waiting all night for you to come home. I have something important to discuss with you." Like, will you be mine forever?

Alexis didn't give him a chance to discuss anything. She started yelling at him.

"Sonny, get out! Right now! I am so not in the mood for you right now." I have got to protect my heart. I have to get you out of here before I do something I just know I'll regret. Like grab you and kiss you until I can't breathe. "Just leave me alone!"

Sonny was startled. He had never seen Alexis so irritated with him. He began to have second thoughts about approaching her, at least tonight. Can't you see I want to change our relationship? Why are you acting like this when I came over here to confess my new feelings for you? His thoughts took over everything and he didn't hear what Alexis was saying to him.

" . . . so please just leave. I'll see you tomorrow, if you insist."

The last thing Sonny wanted to do was leave without saying what he had come to say. But Alexis didn't exactly seem receptive to him right now either. So, he decided that, yes, he would see her tomorrow. At least I'll have something to look forward to.

"OK, Alexis, we'll discuss this tomorrow. I'm sorry to have upset you so much."

Thank god you're leaving before I lose control. I hate losing control and I am about to. Leave quickly, please.

"Goodnight, Alexis." I love you.

"Goodnight, Sonny." I love you.

After she shut the door, Alexis leaned her back on the door. Girl, you are in serious trouble. How in the world are you ever going to get over him?

Sonny walked back into his apartment, dejected. He poured himself a drink and walked over to the window. As he looked upon the dark city, he thought about what to do next. Alexis, this night wasn't supposed to end this way -- it should have ended in your bed. I wonder if you ever ordered those satin sheets that you said you would -- what I wouldn't have given to find out tonight. All right, Sonnyboy, now what?