Chapter Text
Leighton wished the traffic that went through the Lincoln Tunnel would move a little faster. She felt like she had been in the car for an eternity. She couldn’t seem to keep still. Her leg was going up and down at a speed that would impress a cheetah. She was in a sun dress, with a cardigan to ward off the cold of the airconditioned car she was in. It wasn’t too late for her to fake a family emergency, so she didn’t have to do this. She had reminded herself that she wanted this.
She was on her way to meet Alicia’s whole family. She had never done the whole meet the family thing before, but Alicia was different. They had spent as much time together as they could over the summer and when they weren’t with each other they were texting. She had said those three little words many, many times now and she was ready to take the next step.
When her diver finally pulled up to the address, she found that breathing was suddenly hard. The driver looked back at her. He raised an eyebrow at her as if to ask if she was sure this was the right place. He had already double checked when she had gotten in the car.
“Thank you, sir,” said Leighton. She got out of the car, handing the diver a wad of cash for his trouble.
“Do you need me to wait?” asked the driver.
“For the whole weekend? I’m rich but not that rich,” said Leighton. She grabbed her bag out of the car. “Thank you so much for the ride.”
The diver seemed reluctant to drive away. Alicia picked that moment to walk out of her house. She was wearing jean shorts and a baseball tee that did something to Leighton’s heart.
“Leight you made it!” said Alicia. She put flip flops on her feet before running out to great her girlfriend. Leighton pulled her into a hug. She turned back to the driver and dropped the sunglasses on the top of her head down, as if to say fuck off. It must have worked because he pulled away. Leighton turned back to Alicia and leaned over to kiss her.
“Let’s get your stuff up to my room.”
Leighton was greeted by the cutest little boy she had ever seen. He had brown curly hair and a smile that Leighton guessed could get him out of a lot of trouble.
“Hello, you must be Kai. It’s so nice to meet you,” said Leighton.
“Auntie Allie is my best friend, not yours,” said Kai. Leighton looked at Alicia for help.
“Kai, buddy, Leighton, and I are friends in a different way than you and me are. Remember? we talked about this. Can you say something nice to my friend Leighton?” said Alicia.
“You have nice hair,” said Kai. He looked up at Alicia with his bright brown eyes. “Auntie Allie do you want to come play with me?”
“Leight and I need to go upstairs so I can help her unpack. She’s staying with us for the weekend,” said Alicia.
Kai stuck out his tongue at Leighton, then he ran away.
“Does he know we’re dating?” asked Leighton.
“Sure, but he doesn’t understand what that means so I told him that we’re like special friends.” Alicia lead Leighton up the stairs to her room. She was back in the room that she had grown up in. Leighton was excited to see where her girlfriend grew up.
“It figures that a three almost four-year-old is jealous of me.”
“Well, you might steal his best friend.”
Leighton stepped into Alicia’s room. She put her bag on the bed and looked around. It was painted purple. Not a deep purple but a light lavender purple. Alicia had put up posters of different powerful women.
“Nice room,” said Leighton.
“Well, I wasn’t subtle as a teenager.”
“You’re not subtle now. That’s one of the things I love about you.” Leighton sat down on Alicia’s bed pulling Alicia so that she was between her legs. Alicia kissed her. Leighton deepened the kiss. Like every time they kissed Leighton wanted more, but Alicia pulled away.
“We are not fucking in my parents’ house. My door doesn’t have a lock.”
“I wasn’t trying to. I wouldn’t. I wasn’t.”
“I know love. I think we need to stop though. I don’t think you want your first interaction with my dad to be that compromised,” said Alicia.
“I don’t.” The very thought of it made Leighton’s face turn red.
“Okay so this weekend. Tonight, a family dinner with my mom, my dad, my sister, and Kai who you’ve met. Tomorrow Kai’s birthday party. And Sunday we have the day to ourselves.”
“Are you sure that it’s a good idea for me to meet your family on the same weekend as your nephew’s birthday party,” asked Leighton.
“No not at all but it’s too late now. Also, I’m going to your parent’s summer home in two weeks, which might be an even worse idea,” said Alicia.
“Oh, it definitely is.”
***
Dinner that night went all right. Leighton was blown away by how un-toxic Alicia’s family was. Her parents didn’t double speak insults at each other, and her sister didn’t seem the type to cheat on her partner with her sister’s roommate. Unlike her family, this family seemed to have fun with each other. And they treated Kai as if he was an actual human being and not just a trophy to display like she always felt her mother did to her.
“So, Leighton what are you majoring in?” asked Tony. His expression was stern. But Alicia had warned her that was just his face.
“Well, I haven’t decided yet between theatrical math and applied math.”
“And what do you plan on using that for?” asked Tony.
“I don’t know yet. But there are plenty of opportunities. Every large company needs a mathematician.”
“Don’t worry dear, Alicia also has no idea what she wants to do with her political science major and women’s studies minor,” said Carlotta.
“Oh, Alicia is very resourceful and driven she’ll figure something out,” said Leighton.
“Oh, of that I’m sure,” said Carlotta.
“So, Leighton what are you doing this summer?” asked Tony.
“I’m interning at a company owned by a friend of a friend. My father thought it would look good on my resume or whatever.”
“Are you learning anything?” asked Tony.
“I’m learning that I should say no to my dad more often,” said Leighton.
Alicia’s mom and dad looked at each other. They looked a little concerned and also confused. Even Alicia who had more of an idea what Leighton was talking about because she knew what Leighton was doing, looked like she was unsure exactly what she meant by that.
“I guess what I’m saying I actually got a different internship that would let me use my math skills, but my father thought this internship would look more prestigious,” said Leighton.
“I’m sure your father just wants what’s best for you,” said Carlotta.
“I’m sure he does. He means well,” said Leighton.
Alicia took her hand under the table and squeezed. Leighton to looked at her as if to say, ‘please change the subject.’ Alicia seemed to understand because she changed the topic to the guest list for the birthday party. Leighton smiled at her.
***
It turned out that a four-year-old’s birthday party was equal parts torture and cute. Kai had five friends and three kids who were there because it would be unfair not to not invite them. And all of the kids came with parents who seemed to think that a child’s birthday celebration was an appropriate time to drink copious amounts of alcohol. Somehow the only two adults that remain fully sober were Leighton and Alicia.
Nine hyper four-year-olds were more than a handful but it turned out that Alicia had been a camp counselor and she seemed to be able to control them with her mind. She became the game master and Leighton became her sidekick.
“Green light!” yelled Alicia. She turned around so that her back was to all of the kids and Leighton. Leighton started to move toward her girlfriend. The kids started to run. Leighton new it was in good form for her not to win every game, but she wanted it to look believable when she lost. She moved faster.
“Red light.” Leighton almost fell over she stopped so fast.
In the end Kai won Red Light, Green Light and Alicia won the coolest aunt award. Much later when everyone had gone home Leighton and Alicia were in the kitchen with Joy who was holding a sleepy Kai. Leighton was weirdly happy and tired as well.
“Well, I think that well,” said Leighton. Alicia rested her head on Leighton’s shoulder.
“Yes, thanks to you two,” said Joy.
“We had so much fun,” said Alicia.
“Well, I better get this guy home for bed,” said Joy.
“Good night. Love you both,” said Alicia. She hugged Joy goodbye and kissed Kai on the top of his head.
“You know it’s kinda sexy watching you with all of those kids.” Leighton moved closer to Alicia. Alicia stepped up onto her tiptoes and kissed Leighton.
“Leight I love you,” said Alicia.
“I love you too.”
“We should probably get upstairs,” said Alicia.
“I thought you said your room doesn’t have a lock,” said Leighton.
“It does have heavy items we can move in front of the door.”
Leighton smiled. She took Alicia’s hand and pulled her up the stairs. Once instead the pair of them chose a desk chair to put against the door. Alicia set down on the bed. She looked like she was ready to rip Leighton’s clothes off. Leighton came over and stood between her legs. She leaned down and kissed Alicia. Leighton’s hands slipped underneath her shirt. Alicia moved so that she could help her take her shirt off. Leighton took advantage of having more access to Alicia’s skin and moved her hands to cup Alicia’s breast.
“Get on your back,” said Leighton.
“Take off your shirt.”
Leighton pulled off her shirt. Then she moved into a better position so that she could warship Alicia’s body. She kissed Alicia on the lips before moving down to her neck. Alicia moaned. Leighton stopped kissing her.
“We need to be quiet. Can you be quiet?”
Alicia just nodded. Then she set up just enough so she could peck Leighton on the check. Leighton moved down. She licked her lips. She moved the fabric of Alicia’s bra. She knew how much Alicia loved Leighton’s mouth on her nipples. She moved her hand down to the zipper of Alicia’s shorts.
Much, much later they were both more than satisfied, still very much naked wrapped around each other. Alicia kissed Leighton’s cheek.
“I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to see this room the same way,” said Alicia.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to look at your parents’ face in the morning.”
“It’s so too soon to talk about my parents.”
“Okay what are we doing tomorrow?”
“I’m showing you all of my favorite parts of Newark.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Hey! Newark is a beautiful city,” said Alicia.
“I’m sure I’ll love whatever it is you want to show me.”
***
There is nobody home by the time they wake up. Leighton was glad that she didn’t have to look at either of Alicia’s parents in the eye in the morning. They shower and take their time getting out the door so that they can go to Alicia’s favorite brunch spot. It just the type of Sunday morning that Leighton has always dreamed of having. She can’t help but think about twenty years from now waking up with Alicia and going out to brunch.
“Do you think your parents like me?”
“Sure. Of course, they like you.”
“It’s just hard to tell with your father,” said Leighton.
“Oh, that’s just his face. He’ll warm up to you.”
“So, he doesn’t like me?”
“He doesn’t like anyone at first. Mom will talk him into liking you.” She said it with so much confidence that Leighton found herself believing her.
“And Joy?”
“Oh, Joy will want to spend a lot more time grilling you before she passes judgment but you’re off to a strong start,” said Alicia.
“That is not comforting.”
When their food comes Leighton understands why this was Alicia’s favorite place to eat breakfast. It was as if the chef wanted them to be full for the rest of the day, and every bite was heavenly. The food was simple, fresh, and tasty and that was all it needed to be.
“This is so good,” said Leighton.
“I know, right?”
After brunch Alicia took Leighton to Branch Brook Park. It was a nice park, but NYC had many nice parks. Leighton however decided not to say that. Alicia was showing her places from her childhood and telling her stories of her life. She wanted to see the place that little baby Alicia got chased by squirrels after she ran out of nuts to feed them. They walked by the place that Alicia had fallen into the pond trying to get the perfect selfie. Leighton loved her tour of the city. It made her feel closer to her.
They went out to dinner at a hole in the wall that served only two things. The sandwiches were so good that Leighton moaned loudly when she took her first bite. After dinner Alicia offered to drive Leighton home to Manhattan. Leighton was not ready to say goodbye yet, so she accepted the ride.
“Are you sure it’s not too far. I can order a driver.”
“I don’t mind. Plus, I’m not sure that your diver wants to come back to Newark,” said Alicia.
“Yeah. Probably not.” Leighton kissed Alicia. She wanted this weekend to last forever. In the back of her mind, a thought was forming that was still too scary to really think about in any detail, she thought that maybe she was ready to live with this woman full time. Her freshman roommates were in a weird spot anyway maybe it was time to move in with her girlfriend.
***
Alicia and Joy were out to dinner on the Thursday before she was supposed to leave to go to Martha’s Vineyard. Joy had left Kai with their parents so she could have some adult time with her baby sister. They were five years apart. They were about two glasses of wine into their night. While Alicia wasn’t exactly a heavy weight when it came to drinking, she certainly had more tolerance than a mom of a newly four-year-old boy. Joy was at a point of drunkenness that left her super honest.
“So, you are about to spend the weekend with a bunch of rich fools?” asked Joy.
“Yes, because I fucking love my girlfriend.”
“Are you sure that you love her that much? Didn’t she break your heart?”
“Well, we broke each other’s hearts,” said Alicia. She stared down at her wine glass thoughtfully for a moment. Now that Leighton was out of the closet in a real way, the one reason why they broke up was no longer a thing. Sure, there were other obstacles like different backgrounds, but they were navigating them the best they could. Meeting parents and spending the weekend with them was a starting place.
“I just don’t know Allie. She’s not even from the same world as we are. Her understanding of how the world works is fundamentally different from ours.”
“I know that. But she makes me feel happy, and loved, and safe. And when I’m with I feel like myself in a way that is deep and real.”
Joy looked at her critically. She always had a way of seeing into Alicia’s heart. She knew her better than practically anyone else.
“If she makes you happy than I’ll get on board. I can certainly see the appeal.”
“Thank you.”
“I want you to be happy Allie.”
“I want that for you too. I love you,” said Alicia. She took a bite of dessert. And then she said something that had been on her mind a lot lately, but she hadn’t been able to say out loud to anyone. “I think I want to ask her to move in with me.”
“That’s a big step.”
“I know. But I really love her, and I think we might be ready.”
“Oh, Allie I’m so happy for you.”
***
It turned out that Leighton’s family got to the Vineyard via helicopter. Or at least they did when they wanted to impress or intimidate people. Alicia didn’t know which of those two categories she fell into. She tried to ask Leighton, but she wasn’t forthcoming. Alicia just chalked it up to be both. And it worked because she was both intimidated and impressed by the helicopter ride. It was beautiful to see the land and ocean from high up but not as high as a commercial airplane. But it also seemed that the helicopter could fall out of the sky at any moment.
“Why couldn’t we just take a boat?” They had just landed, and Alicia could still feel the adrenaline from the flight.
“Because this is so much quicker. Come on our car is waiting,” said Leighton. She grabbed Alicia’s hand and pulled het to the black SUV waiting for them on the helipad.
“What about our bags?”
“Your in rich people land right now don’t worry about anything. It will all be taken care of.”
“It feels wrong,” mumbled Alicia.
“Just pretend you’re on an alien planet.”
It turned out to be good advice. Being with Leighton in this weird vacation spot for the wealthy was like, if not a different planet, at least a different country. When they got back to Murray’s beach house it turned out that Leighton’s mom had set up a guest cottage for Alicia. Before she could go with Leighton to her room, Alicia’s bags were hustled off and she was forced to follow. The cottage had its own bathroom that was bigger than the studio apartment that Alicia had rented last school year. Leighton had her own room in the main house, so it seemed unnecessary.
“Do you need help unpacking?” asked a maid. Alicia looked at the duffle bag she had brought. There wasn’t much to help unpack and she didn’t want some stranger – no matter how nice they were – touching her things.
“No thank you. But can you show me where Leighton’s room is?” asked Alicia.
“Miss Leighton doesn’t like people in her room.”
“I know but she’ll like me,” said Alicia. The maid looked at her as if to say, your funeral, but she led the way into the main house and to Leighton’s huge room. The maid looked like she was about to knock when the door opened.
“There you are,” said Leighton before pulling Alicia into the room so fast that Alicia only had time to see the surprised face of the maid before the door shut behind her.
“I told my mom that we were going to share my room but apparently she didn’t listen to me.”
“That’s okay.” Alicia made sure the door was locked before leaning up against it and pulling Leighton in for a kiss. She had been over at the penthouse before, but nobody but Leighton was home, this felt riskier, and the extra risk made things thrilling.
Leighton pulled away from Alicia. She pulled her shirt off and then her shorts came off leaving her in just her matching lacy underwear. Alicia felt like her brain was going to short-circuit.
“Are you sure?” asked Alicia.
“Yes.”
“You should get on the bed.”
Alicia is woken up by a frantic Leighton. She looked at the clock. She must have been asleep for almost an hour. Leighton was showered and dressed in an outfit that was all white. And while she looked hot Alicia was scared by the intensity of the wakeup shake.
“What is going on? is the house on fire?”
“No! you have thirty minutes to get ready for the crab boil.”
“I don’t know what any of that means.”
“It means you are about to experience my family for the first time. No offence but you are not ready.”
She was going to make a joke, but she sensed that this was really important to Leighton based on the frantic nature of her movements. Whatever a crab boil was, it was important to Leighton that things went well. Alicia got out of bed.
“What do I need to do to be ready?” asked Alicia.
“You need to take a shower and then umm wear whatever I tell you too.”
“Whatever you tell me to wear?”
“Yes. Just this one time. Different planet. Remember?”
“Okay! Okay!”
It turned out that a crab boil was when rich people got together on the beach and pretended that they were poor while catering staff buzzed about them like flies. Also, it was a good thing that Alicia had let Leighton dress her because every single person on the beach was wearing white expect for the staff who were in black. She even didn’t totally hate the white dress that she was wearing even though it wasn’t her style.
“So, you’re dating Leighton?” asked Nico.
He had come up behind her and now was standing right next to her. He was in a crisp white linen sport’s jacket and white trousers, a pale blue shirt that had about two buttons too many unbuttoned. Even she could tell that the man was hot.
“Yes, I am. I think it’s going well,” said Alicia.
“Leight has never brought anyone home before. Now I know why.”
Alicia turned so that she was facing Nico head on. She could tell that something was bothering him.
“Look I’m happy for Leight. I’m happy she finally came out of the closet, but I think you giving her an ultimatum, kinda sucked,” said Nico.
“I didn’t give her an ultimatum.”
“You broke up with her because she wouldn’t come out of the closet. That sounds like an ultimatum to me,” said Nico.
“I didn’t break up with her because she wouldn’t come out of the closet, I broke up with her because I didn’t want to go back into the closet. I set a boundary not an ultimatum.”
“I’m not sure I entirely get the difference.”
“A boundary is about the person setting it and what they are comfortable with. An ultimatum is about the other person’s behavior.”
“What is going on here?” asked Leighton. She pulled Alicia so that her back was pressed up against Leighton’s front. Leighton’s arms wrapped around her.
“Nothing, we’re just talking,” said Alicia.
“I’m just doing my brotherly duty. Alicia here passed. Plus, she is like really good at keg-stands.” He started to walk. As he walked away, he turned around and said, “don’t hurt her.”
“I’m sorry about my dumb bother.”
“Don’t be. He cares about you, it’s cute.”
“You know you look cute in that dress, but um it’s not your style. Maybe I can help you get out of it?” asked Leighton. Alicia tunned around and kissed Leighton. It was a chaste kiss because she didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable with all of the people around.
“I think that’s a great idea. What is up with all the white clothing?”
“It’s almost Labor Day. No white after Labor Day. So, we throw this party to give people one last occasion to wear white.”
Alicia pushed Leighton up against the door. She started to kiss her. She couldn’t ever get enough of kissing Leighton. Every time they did this it felt so good. It felt hot, and exciting, and also like love and care and communication. Alicia stuck her knee between her legs. Leighton moaned.
“I need you to fuck me.”
“Right here? or can we make it to the bed?” asked Alicia. She was willing to do either.
They don’t make it to the bed. Alicia fucks Leighton right up against the door. It is quick, dirty, and good. Alicia doesn’t take off the dress that she doesn’t like wearing and it doesn’t matter. They end up on the rug that is on the floor at the foot of Leighton’s bed with Alicia sitting behind Leighton. Leighton was idly playing with her fingers.
“You know, maybe we should move in together,” said Leighton.
“What?” asked Alicia.
Leighton dropped Alicia’s hand, and moved so that she was facing Alicia. She looked like she was about to panic. Alicia took her hand, but Leighton pulled away.
“Oh my god was I too soon? did I mess something up?” asked Leighton.
“Leight. No, I’m just disappointed because I was going to ask you to move in with me at the end of this weekend.”
“You were?” asked Leighton.
“Yes. I just think we are ready. Like I want to wake up with you. I want our space. I want to fuck you in a space that isn’t own by our parents and then go to sleep next to you and not have to rush out in the morning to change so I can get to class on time because all of my stuff is already there,” said Alicia.
“So, we’re moving in together?”
“I think we are!” said Alicia.
***
The next morning Alicia woke up feeling happier than she had felt all summer even thought she was in the strange planet rich with people who had a guest cottage instead of a guest room. She reflected that Leighton probably felt just as much out of place at her home as she did here. And it was cool to see this part of Leighton’s life. It added so much to her understanding of her girlfriend.
Alicia wondered what it would be like to meet Leighton’s parents. She hadn’t even seen them the day before even though she was staying at their beach house. She had been so wrapped up in what was going on in her and Leighton’s relationship she had barely left the room that she was in now. She hadn’t even had any carb at the carb boil last night.
“Leighton!” The door opened and in walked Leighton’s mom. Alicia pulled up the blanket so that she was as covered as possible. This was a mortifying way to meet the mother of your girlfriend. Mimi looked like she had been up for hours, and she was dressed in an outfit that looked like it came out of the pages of a fashion magazine.
“Mom! Get out of my room!” Leighton sat bolt upright in bed.
“Leighton it is ten in the morning. You should be out of bed already,” said Mimi.
“Mom what part of get out of my room do you not understand?” asked Leighton.
“Leighton, we have brunch in an hour. Wear something nice.” Mimi left the room. Leighton let out a groan as she fell back onto the bed. Alicia started to laugh. Then Leighton started to laugh.
“We forgot to lock the fucking door,” said Alicia.
“We need to get ready.”
“Are you going to dress me again?”
“What even happened to your clothes?” asked Leighton.
“They were taken to the guest cottage when we got off the fucking helicopter. Then I came here and forgot about them,” said Alicia.
“Go get your clothes and bring here. It’s crazy to have two rooms,” said Leighton.
Alicia ended up showering and changing in her guest room before taking her duffle bag back to Leighton’s room with her. A maid chased after her trying to help. She finally slipped back into Leighton’s room. The maid, Jessica, slipped in after her. She almost looked insulted that Alicia didn’t let her help.
“Miss Leighton tell your friend that I’m here to help,” said Jessica.
“Alicia doesn’t need help she is very strong. And she’s my girlfriend not my friend,” said Leighton.
“Sorry miss Leighton.”
“It’s okay,” said Leighton. Jessica left the room. Leighton turned to Alicia she looked like she wanted to bolt.
“We have to get to brunch with the Babadook,” said Leighton.
Bunch with Leighton’s mother was one of the closest things that Alicia had even gotten to performance art. It was very uncomfortable and unnecessarily long. But on the plus side nobody had any fun at all. At least the food was good. Alicia mostly sat quietly and listened to mother and daughter snipe at each and tried not to stutter when she was asked a question. Alicia’s upbring did not prepared her for these type of mind games. She felt like she needed a translator.
“Leighton dear I’ve hardly seen you all summer you must be so tried from all that work,” said Mimi. You look tired, and I disapprove of you spending so much time in Manhattan.
“The internship is very prestigious and I’m making valuable New York connections,” said Leighton. I hate working there, I just don’t want to spend time with you.
“Surly that internship of yours doesn’t need you in town every weekend,” said Mimi. This time she shot a pointed glance at Alicia that made her want to melt through the floor. It was clear from the second long look that Mrs. Murray knew what Leighton got up to on the weekends and wasn’t exactly pleased.
“Well yeah, but Manhattan is closer to Alicia so she can come visit,” said Leighton.
“And you two are so cute,” said Mimi. Her smile could practically freeze water. I don’t think you are good enough for my daughter it seemed to say.
After brunch Leighton took Alicia to the tennis court to play a match and meet her dad. Alicia found that she wasn’t half bad at tennis. They got there before Mr. Murray and Leighton was able to show Alicia some stuff about how to play tennis. They did the whole thing where Leighton stood behind her to show her how to swing.
“Is this what rich people do all summer?” asked Alicia.
“Yes. We go to parties with dress codes, play tennis, and drink.” It was said without a trace of sarcasm.
“I don’t think your mother likes me very much.”
“She doesn’t like me very much. Anyway, that brunch went about as well as it could have.”
This statement made Alicia sad for her girlfriend. She knew that Leighton and her parents didn’t get along. Or at least her and her mother didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of fundamental things. But seeing it so close up made it more real to Alicia. Alicia had always had an uncomplicated relationship with her mother. They talked about most things, and they always actually said what they meant. Alicia wished that Leighton had that too.
“That was best case scenario?”
“Yes. I’m sorry,” said Leighton. She kissed Alicia on the cheek.
“Don’t be sorry,” said Alicia. She kissed Leighton full on the mouth which was when Mr. Murray walked onto the court.
“Are we playing tennis or what?” He was dressed all in white. What was with these rich people and there color-coded clothes? Alicia had heard the phrase ‘no white after Labor Day’ before but she never met people who lived by those rules until now.
Leighton’s father was much more pleasant to be around than her mother. He at least tried to get to know Alicia. He spoke more than the dozen words to her that Mimi had spoken to her. But he still left a bitter taste in her mouth. He voted for people for public office that didn’t believe in Alicia’s right to live an authentic life to her. But she played nice because it was clear that Leighton loved her father.
“Yes! We win!” yelled Leighton.
They had just finished a doubles game. Henry had found a friend from the club to fill out his team. Alicia liked seeing the competitive part of her girlfriend. She found it sexy.
“Should we all get a drink?” asked Henry.
“Yes, that is the only thing in this day that is missing,” said Alicia.
“Yes, yes let’s go to the bar,” said Leighton.
The three of them get seats at a booth. Nobody questions Leighton’s age or Alicia’s. Everyone at the club bar knew who the Murrays were and because Alicia was with them, they didn’t feel the need to question her either. Alicia found it almost intoxicating to be able to walk into a place no question asked.
“What can I get you all?” asked the waitress.
“I want a dirty martini. One that is even dirtier than usual,” said Henry.
“I’ll have a vodka soda,” said Leighton.
“I want a whisky Old Fashioned. Light with the bitters,” said Alicia.
“Yes! Yes, now that’s a cocktail. A proper cocktail. I like a woman wo drinks a proper cocktail,” said Henry.
It was much easier to get through the afternoon with a drink in her hand. She knew there had to be a reason that rich people drank so much. It was so they could tolerate being with each other for more than a few minutes at a time. Whisky really was the key.
***
“What do we think about this apartment?” aske Alicia.
“It’s nice,” said Leighton. She clearly didn’t believe what she had just said. Alicia sighed. She wanted them to move into together but apartment hunting with Leighton was exhausting. They had seen five apartments in one day and were no closer to making up their minds. Leighton always found something she didn’t like.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing!”
“Really? What is it? Is the bathroom too small? Is the molding not good enough?” asked Alicia.
Leighton turned around the room looking at it. She shook her head. “I think we can make it work. At least I won’t to share a bathroom with Travis any more, which really is all that matters,” said Leighton.
“Really?”
“Really.”
“So, this is our place?!” said Alicia.
“Once we sign the lease.”
The had agreed that they would split the rent fifty-fifty even though Leighton had insisted that she was willing to pay more. For Alicia it was a massive upgrade. She would be able to live in an apartment that had a bedroom. She knew that for Leighton it wasn’t a big deal to be able to afford a bedroom but they were both moving in with an SO for the first time so that was something.
“I love you,” said Alicia.
“I love you too.”
Two weeks later found them moving in the last box into their new apartment. They were officially living together. She was going to be able to wake up by next to Leighton and go to bed next to her. They would be able to watch dumb TV together, and cook together, and just be together in each other’s space. The thought sent a shiver up her back.
The last thing they needed to do, to finish setting up the apartment, was to put the bed back together. Alicia had stored most of her things in a storage unit over the summer and among her stuff was an IKEA bed she bought lats year.
“If you do everything thing, I say I think we can get this thing back together in less than an hour,” said Alicia.
“We better be able to because I want to fuck you. I like it when you when you get all bossy,” said Leighton.
“Is that so?” asked Alicia.
“And that screwdriver in your hand, it’s really doing it for me,” said Leighton.
“Well in that case maybe we don’t need a bed,” said Alicia.