Chapter 26 - Alex

Alex watched Jordan maneuver his Jeep's steering wheel through the streets of Los Angeles with his left hand. Despite her saying she was fine, he kept his right hand wrapped around hers, refusing to let go. The trip back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas was difficult. Alex sat alone at the back of the charter plane for most of the flight. Rubin played video games, Jordan and Vince made security plans for upcoming appearances; and Derek and Zee sat at the front, whispering and laughing together.

Now, Alex sat quietly looking out the Jeep's window, as Jordan drove them to her apartment. He kissed the back of her hand and held it over his chest.

"Are you hungry?" Jordan asked, giving her a quick glance.

"No. I'm fine." She responded. When Jordan raised his eyebrows in disbelief, she gave him a small smile. "I promise, I don't need anything."

"See, that's how I know you're not OK. What happened today was a really big deal. You can talk to me about it, babe."

Alex turned back to the window. Jordan was attentive, thoughtful, generous and affectionate. She wished her mother could see him for who he was and how good he was to her, instead of another trifling Hollywood player.

"Jordan?"

"Yeah?"

"What happened with those other women you dated? You know Trisha Garcia, Cassandra Scott and whoever else? Kitchen Kitty said they never saw you dating anyone, before me...but my mom had this long list of past relationships. Why didn't things work out?"

"Well first of all, the story about you and me probably wouldn't have gotten out if it weren't for the park and family leaks your mother orchestrated. Otherwise, dating is difficult -- period. Add Hollywood into the mix and dating is damn near impossible. Not seeing that person on a regular basis, being followed by paps when you want to be alone...and let's not get started on cheating rumors. There's probably a dozen reasons why things didn't work out with them. I can assure you one of the biggest reasons is I didn't love them like I'm in love with you, Alex. I know it sounds cliche, but you're different."

Alex remained quiet thinking about Jordan's response and her heart felt less heavy. The more she reflected on the events of the day and her mother's recent actions, the more she realized her mother had been acting a bit irrationally for months, prior to the Young Hollywood party. Her mother wasn't evil, she was just stuck. Alex may have been too young to remember, but she didn't recall ever seeing her mother cry over her father's passing. As much as she hating losing her mom as a manager, perhaps this was a much-needed break for Pamila. She needed time to deal with the loss of a husband, friend, and soulmate; instead of using Alex to fill the void.

"Babe, you're gonna have to move into a more secure spot. The paps are out of control at these gates. I'll swing around to the service exit." As they rounded the block towards the underground back entrance, Alex started a mental to-do list.

"I'm going to need a new manager," Alex said aloud.

"I can make some calls," Jordan offered.

"Thank you, but I'll be fine. I need to do this on my own. You just make sure you're ready for the Best Kept Secret premiere and party."

Jordan parked in an empty space in the building's garage. "I'm ready. Darcy dropped my dry cleaning off, yesterday, so, I'm gonna look extra clean."

"Darcy picks up your dry cleaning now? How did she get into your place while we were in Vegas?" Alex inquired feeling slightly jealous. She didn't want to pick up Jordan's dry cleaning, but she didn't want Darcy doing it, either--especially if it meant Darcy got a key to his place.

"Chad is back-up security at my property when Vince is out of town, with me. I gave him a head's up that Darcy was cool. Besides, she actually does stuff for everyone. She offered, so I accepted. If you want, she'll probably pick up your dry cleaning too. She loves you."

In a falsetto, Jordan mocked Darcy's excitement over meeting Alex, "Oh my gosh! You're even more beautiful in person!" Alex rolled her eyes and the two headed inside for the night.