Chapter 11

Thanksgiving came and went, soon everyone had the Christmas spirit. I had been alone for a while now and I was starting to feel the effects of loneliness. We were about two weeks before Christmas when Cassie made her second phone call to me. From the sound of her voice, I instantly knew something was wrong.

“Hey Chris, I uh ... I wanted to talk with you before I come home for the holidays. I don’t know quite how to say this ... um, well I sorta met someone up at school and we have been out a few times. I know, I should have called you before now, but I really didn’t know how to tell you. I’m ... I’m sorry Chris.” she said softly.

“Don’t worry about it Cassie, it’s not like we had made any real plans going forward. I love being around you, but I understand ... You don’t have to be sorry.” I replied, my stomach in knots.

“That’s really sweet of you to say but ... well, I wanted you to know that he is coming home with me over the holidays. I just have to break it to my parents now.” she sighed.

“Oh ... well, it’s ok. I keep out of the way.” I replied, not knowing what else to say.

“No Chris, that’s not what I’m asking ... anyway, just wanted to let you know.” she urged.

We hung up and I felt like shit as I sunk into the sofa. I really missed Cassie and enjoyed being around her. Now, I was truly alone for the first time in a long while. For the next week or so, I did nothing but train and work out trying to block everything out. I was in the best shape out my life and had well adapted to both Krav Maga and Muy Thai.

I was in the gym one evening working out because I overslept and missed my early morning routine. I was at the bench press machine working alone when I notice two young women walking towards me.

“Hey Chris, how are you?” one of them asked.

“I am good ... uh, how about you guys.” I replied, moving the weight pin down a few pounds.

“You don’t remember me huh?” she asked, giggling.

“Uh ... I think...” I started.

“I’m Officer Lexie Thomas ... From the day of the fight at Moe’s.” she said, cutting me off.

“Oh yes, I guess I didn’t recognize you without your uniform.’, I said, very embarrassed.

“This is my friend Amy, she’s a cop too.” Lexie advised.

Now, how I was not able to recognize Lexie Thomas was understandable being out of uniform. But from this day on, I would definitely never forget her. Lexie Thomas was adorable to say the least. She was wearing skin-tight yoga pants with a workout shirt on and a spandex bra underneath. She had on pink sneakers with pink socks rolled down. She had an incredible body and it was obvious she was a regular in the gym. She had a tiny waist and a small but rock-hard butt. She had great thigh’s and small but firm breasts from what I could tell.

“Nice to meet you as well, Amy.” I said, reached over and shaking her small hand.

We talked for a few minutes and then the two of them excused themselves and moved over to the main workout area. I finished the rest of my workout and was sitting on the stool next to the squat rack when the two of them walked back over.

“Chris, I am having a party of Christmas Eve at my place. Why don’t you come over for a bit. You can bring someone with you as well.” Amy said with a smile.

“Oh, well ... I don’t know. I mean, I really don’t have anyone to bring.” I admitted, once again embarrassed.

“You’re kidding right?” Amy giggled.

“No, not at all.” I replied, very serious.

“Good, then you can be Lexie’s date ... that way she won’t have to be alone.” Amy instructed.

“Well, I mean ... I guess I could if Lexie is ok with that.” I stuttered.

“Great, give Lexie your cell phone number and she can call you to make arrangements.” Amy advised.

“Uh, I don’t have a cell phone...” I answered.

“Oh God, you’re are too precious Chris.” Amy giggled.

“I have a phone at home...” I started.

“Lexie will get your number and call you...” Amy laughed turning away.

Lexie looked at me and mouthed the words “I’m sorry” letting me know this was not her idea. I just smiled and nodded my head, after all a night out might do me some good. Lexie followed her friend down the stairs and out of sight.

Christmas was on a Monday this year, so Amy’s party would be on a Sunday night. I was just about to head to the gym on the previous Tuesday before Christmas when I saw Cassie’s car pull into her driveway. I quickly stepped back from the kitchen door so she would not see me. As promised Cassie got out accompanied by a guy a few inches taller than she was. She did look in my direction once, but I was hidden from sight. They went to the front door and went in giving me the opportunity to leave for the gym.

I got home that night at about seven o’clock and took a quick shower. I had just turned on the television when I heard a knock at the side door. I got up and walked over to the door to see Cassie out on the carport. I opened the door and invited her in as I always did trying to play like nothing was wrong. She followed me over to the sofa and sat down like the weight of the world was on her shoulders.

“How have you been?” she asked me.

“I’m ok, just doing the same old routine every day. How is school treating you?” I asked.

“It’s ok, I think I have finally caught up.” she admitted.

“That’s great ... glad to hear it.” I said smiling.

“Look, both of my parents are pissed off about this new guy ... I tried to explain to them that we had really made no commitments which each other but they really like you. They have already started giving him the cold shoulder.” she stated.

“I’m sorry to hear that ... want me to talk to them or something?” I asked.

“No, seeing you would probably make it even worst.” she sighed.

We talked for a few minutes more before we wish me well for the holidays and left. It was hard to sit on the other side of the sofa and not reach out for Cassie. But I guess we must just trust our lives to a bigger power sometimes. That is what the priest told me at my mother’s funeral. I was not sure if I believed it but perhaps, he was right.

That Thursday night before Christmas, Lexie Thomas called my house about nine o’clock. I picked up the phone and was pleased to hear her voice. Lexie had a very soothing tone to her voice which made me feel at ease.

“Uh Chris, you were roped into the party thing ... you don’t have to feel obligated at all. I can go alone, I’m used to it.” she offered.

“No, that’s ok ... in fact I have nothing planned at all. It’s just me here since I lost my mother.” I replied.

“Yea, Wilson told me about what happened. I didn’t realize that was your mother. He seems to think those guys you got into it with could be suspects?” she asked.

“Maybe, he’s not sure yet.” I answered.

“Ok, well how do you want to do this ... should I drive or do you want to?” she asked.

“I can drive Lexie, just tell me where and what time to pick you up.” I offered.

She gave me the address and suggested I pick her up about seven o’clock. She also told me to dress casually and that she would be wearing jeans. I agreed and told her I would there on time.

The following day I went to the mall and bought a pair of jeans and a pullover shirt to wear to the party. I already had a pair of black slip-on dress shoes to wear. The shirt was a bit tight, but it was the largest size they had.

The weekend seemed to take forever to arrive, but it was finally Friday night and time to go and pick up Lexie. I drove straight over to the address that Lexie had given me. Because of the marked police unit in the driveway, it was not hard to find. I parked and got out and walked up to the sidewalk to the front door. I rang the bell and within a minute an attractive middle-aged woman answered the door.

“Hi, you’re here for Lexie, right?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am.”. I replied.

“Come on in, I’m Jennifer, Lexie’s mom.” she said smiling.

I followed her down a long hallway and into a large room where an older man and someone about my age were watching a basketball game on tv. I followed Lexie’s mom around the small sofa and to the center of the room.

“Chris, this is my husband Jim and my son, Jeff. Guys, this is Chris, Lexie’s date.” Jennifer explained.

“Jesus son, do you play ball?’, Jim said, standing up and shaking my hand.

“No sir, just work out a lot.” I replied.

“Well, have a seat son ... Lexie is always late.” he laughed.

“Yes sir.” I replied, sitting down.

Less than ten minutes later, Lexie walked into the room and over to where I was sitting. She looked completely different than she did when in uniform. She had on a pair of tight jeans with short high heel boots. She had on a silk blouse with a sheer garment under it. She had on some makeup, but it was not overpowering. Her shoulder length hair framed her face perfectly. She was stunning to say the least.

“Chris, have them two been talking about me?’’, Lexie asked pointing to her dad and brother.

“No not at all...” I replied.

“Don’t start lying to me before our first date Chris...” she giggled.

“Honest, no one said a word.” I replied.

I followed Lexie out of the door and walked her to my mom’s SUV. I opened the door for her and she slid in the passenger’s seat. I walked around and got into the driver’s side and started up the vehicle. I followed Lexie’s direction until we arrived in a small neighborhood that consisted of maybe four streets. We parked on the street and I followed Lexie up to the front door of a two story house. She rang the bell and her friend Amy appeared shortly and let us in.