Chapter 36: Chapter 36

"Hey your boyfriend dropped off some flowers for you," Jayden said the second Alexis stepped into the kitchen.

"Ray?" she asked her heart skipping a beat.

"No. Your other boyfriend" at her confused look he explained, "the guy who drove you home the other day?"

Duke "Oh" she murmured her shoulders drooping. Of course, Ray hadn't sent them. How could he? He was in prison, locked up like a criminal and it was almost Christmas. While other people spent their day with family and friends, he would be in prison among criminals. He didn't deserve that. She might be mad at him for not telling her he was married but he didn't deserve to be in that place. She remembered what Jayden said and snapped her head up "Duke is not my boyfriend. He's Ray's partner and just a friend" whatever made him say that? After Duke had dropped her off, he'd insisted on checking up on her to make sure she was fine. He'd called her every day asking how she was and Alexis thought he was being a good friend. He even managed to make her laugh once or twice.

"Tell that to mom. She didn't even let him in."

"What are you talking about? Why wouldn't mom let him in?"

"When he came he wanted to talk to you but mom said you were sleeping and that you weren't feeling well. He asked if he could come by another day. She shut him down by saying that it was the holidays and that he should spend time with his friends and family just like everyone else"

Alexis sat beside him leaning on the kitchen aisle "That doesn't sound like mom"

"It was definitely her. She also happened to mention that when you get better, you'll start planning your wedding so you'll be busy and won't have time for him. Congratulations by the way"

"Who told you I'm getting married?"

"Ray told everyone that he'd proposed. Actually, he told mom and she hasn't shut up about it. I think she already sent out invitations"

She groaned "Oh God. What is wrong with her?"

"She's excited to marry off her only daughter. Don't bust her bubble. When she's happy, dad's happy too which means he's not on my ass about learning how to manage the company"

"Yeah, sure. Be happy at my expense won't you?"

"Always sis," he said grinning then went back to the cake he'd been eating. Sometimes Alexis thought nature had mixed up his gender. He should have been a girl with all the chocolate and cakes he ate. Come to think of it, Jayden was always eating and even though he was working it all out at the gym, the amount of food he consumed wasn't normal. When he finished he turned to her with a serious expression she'd never seen on him.

"I'm glad you're okay Lexi and I know Ray didn't do it but if he had asked me to, I would have helped him kill that bastard."

"Jayden...." Alexis said chocking up.

"I mean it. You're my only sister. Just because you're older than me doesn't mean I can't protect you."

"Come here" she opened her arms and he reluctantly hugged her back. Their age gap might have prevented them from having a closer relationship but she was happy to know she could count on him.

"Am I welcome to this party?" Hayley called out from the door.

"No mom. This is a siblings only party and you're crashing"

"Don't care. Bring it in"

"Nope. No thank you, I'm going to leave before you include me in your gossip and manicure appointments" Jayden entangled himself from her arms, jumping off the stool he was sitting on.

"What? You mean you don't go to the ones I book for you and your father?" Hayley exclaimed throwing an arm around Alexis' shoulder. Jayden turned around frowning.

"Dad has manicures?"

"And pedicures too. I thought for sure he took you with him"

"No, he didn't. No wonder his hands are always so well groomed and soft. I can't believe he never told me. Dad!" he rushed out yelling. Hayley dissolved into a fit of laughter knowing Jayden had earned himself a lecture. JR prided himself in teaching his boys how to grow up and become real men. What he didn't know was that Jayden hated the lectures he gave them because according to him and 'they were outdated' and Gavin barely listened. Kieran was too young to understand anything so he nodded and just agreed with him.

"Really mom, that was harsh"

"Who in their right mind would believe JR would ever agree to a manicure?"

"Jayden?"

"Your brother can be an idiot sometimes," she said while pouring a cup of coffee for herself then settled down beside her. "Why the sad face honey?"

"I'm not sad," Alexis said baring her teeth in what she hoped would pass off as a smile. Judging from her mother's raised eyebrow it was an epic fail.

"Alexis, you can laugh all you want sweetheart but I know something is wrong. I thought seeing Ray would cheer you up"

"You thought wrong"

"What happened?"

Alexis contemplated whether to her the truth or not. She could just say that she wasn't feeling better and run to her bedroom but this was her mother. She'd pry until she found out the truth "I found out yesterday that Ray was married"

Hayley spat out the coffee she'd sipped "What?"

"Gross mom," she said reaching for a kitchen towel to wipe the mess.

"Sorry, I didn't see that coming."

"I didn't either. Imagine my shock. And the girl he married is a total bitch. She approached me and told me to my face that even though he had divorced her she wasn't giving up on him and that I should step aside for them."

"Did you pull her hair out? Please tell me you pulled her out or at least punched her"

"I thought you said violence isn't the answer"

"I did. But in this case, you didn't have to listen to me."

"No. I didn't do anything. I told her to go ahead and take him"

"Alexis...."

"I know it was a really stupid thing to say. But I was so angry with him. He proposed to me mom, knowing that he was married. That he had a wife. How could he?"

"Did you at least listen to his reasons?"

"Is he allowed to have reasons? What could he possibly tell me that would make sense?"

"I don't know. But you should have demanded he tell you why he proposed to you if he was still married."

"You think?"

"Yes, honey. When it comes to relationships, communication is the key. If you don't talk, things get messy and before you know it you're breaking up over a really stupid misunderstanding. Talk and listen. Always listen"

"Even if he's lying?"

"Especially when he's lying. So you can confront him and trap him in his own lies. But that doesn't mean he's a liar. Sometimes men don't talk out of fear. Maybe Ray didn't tell you about his marriage because he was scared of losing you"

"Now you're just making excuses for him. Shouldn't you be on my side?"

"I'm not picking sides because he's also like a son to me so technically you're both my children. But Alexis talk to him first. Listen to what he has to say before you make a decision. Besides I really want to be a grandmother. If you guys break up, it will just mess up my plans"

Alexis ignored the last sentence since she didn't want to open that can of worms. Who knew what her mother's plans involved? "Okay, mom. I'll go see him tomorrow but if I think he's lying to me I'll kick his ass. I don't care if he's in prison"

"That's my baby girl. Now about the wedding....."

"Don't even think about it"

Hayley sighed "But I want to plan it for you. Remember I've been there before and I know what mistakes to avoid and what fabrics to choose. Flowers too"

"This is my chance to be a bridezilla. I want to go around yelling at wedding planners and throwing stuff at them. I've always wanted to do that and you're so not ruining it"

"Poor Shree. I'll tell her to come with her armor or shield or even both"

"Shree? What does she...."

"Alexis, this came for you," JR said striding into the kitchen.

"What is it?"

"I don't know. Open it" he thrust it into her hands. It was a small box wrapped with red silk paper and a white bow. She wondered what it was and who would have sent it. Then she looked at her parents wondering if it would be appropriate to open it in front of them.

"Shouldn't you guys give me some privacy?"

"No," they both said vehemently.

"You're so nosy" she huffed tearing the paper. Inside was a black velvet square box and she knew what it was before she opened it. Her mother gasped when she saw it but Alexis had forgotten how to breathe. Her engagement ring. It wasn't silver like most rings. The rose gold spectacular infinity ring had a unique woven design with twenty-seven round pavè-set diamonds. It was simple but extraordinary.

"Wow, your boyfriend sure knows how to impress us. Tell him he has our blessings to marry you. How many carats do you think it is?"

JR snorted "Don't be fooled by all these diamonds my love. Your father can buy a whole store for you. Just say the word"

"It's not the diamonds that matter, you jealous oaf. It's the sentiment. The design itself says a lot about him"

"Like what? That he's an idiot? Or...." Alexis tuned them out and focused on the ring. It was beautiful. She had no words to describe it. And when she took it out, she realized there were words engraved inside the band. Forever my love. He was promising her forever. Stupid man. He sent it knowing it would melt her heart and make her forgive him.

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Ray tossed and turned because he couldn't sleep. He kept picturing her reaction. Would she love it or was she going to throw it among her other jewelry? He wanted to give it to her in person but she hadn't come back to see him. And since her phone had been damaged in the accident, he didn't know if she'd replaced it or not. In short, he had no way to contact her. He could call the house but he was scared. What if she'd told everyone about his marriage? JR would definitely chew him out on it. That was not something to look forward to. His dad had visited him earlier and asked if he had something to tell him. Ray hadn't said anything but the look he'd received had said it all.

"Hey man, you have a visitor," Jack told him unlocking his cell.

"Who is it?"

"Your wife. Or is it your girlfriend? I can't keep up with you. Just go see for yourself who it is"

It was Odessa. She had been supportive ever since they locked him up, visiting him every day but he couldn't help being disappointed. He wanted to see Alexis and explain to her his reasons for keeping his marriage a secret. It might also be selfish of him but he needed to know that they were fine.

"Wow what a warm welcome" Odessa retorted. Ray rolled his eyes sitting opposite her.

"There's nothing warm about this place Odessa."

"I know but try to cheer up. Who knows? You might get out soon."

"Anyway, how are you? Did you talk to Alexis?"

"No. She wouldn't even see me. That girl has some serious anger issues. I think it's best to give her time to cool down."

"But you told her that we're divorced. Right?"

"Yes, I did."

"So why is she still so angry? Why wouldn't she let me explain?"

Odessa shrugged "I don't know. When I followed her outside she didn't even want to talk to me. And she was so rude Ray"

"I'm sorry. Alexis is a nice person. She gets that way when she's angry but once you get to know her you'll see"

"If you say. I can't guarantee that she's going to like me or that we're going to end up being best friends"

"Just be patient with her"

"I'll do it for you Ray. Now as for the divorce papers, they're notarized, which means....." Ray felt her presence before he saw her. He snapped his head to the side and there she was glaring daggers at them. He didn't care. She had come to see him and that was all that mattered. As she walked towards them, he stood up taking her in. Her face had some color and.... he dropped his gaze to her hand. She wasn't wearing the ring. Did that mean it hadn't been delivered yet or she didn't want it?

"Odessa" she spat making him realize that Odessa was right. There was no way they were ever going to be friends.

"Alexis, how nice to see you again. Here, sit. We were just talking about you"

"For a married couple, you seem to talk about me a lot."

"Alexis...." Ray said not wanting to fight with her again. Taking her elbow, he led her to the chair he had been sitting on then pulled another from a nearby table. "How are you?"

"Fine. How's married life treating you?"

"Come on baby, I thought Odessa told you that we are divorced."

"Of course she did. Do you know what else she said? That you'll marry her again. Which is why I brought this with me" she took out a small black box and Ray knew it was the ring. "Here, since I have no use for it, you can do it properly this time. Propose to her, plan a wedding and this time don't forget to invite your family"

"I don't want to marry anyone else, Alexis. You know how much I love you so why don't you want to listen to me?"

"Listen to what? Every time I come to see you, she's always here. Why? Who is she to you?"

"Jesus Alexis. Odessa is just being nice. She was the only one who's been there for me since everyone was busy with you at the hospital."

"So now you're defending her? Unbelievable!"

"No. You're the one who's unbelievable. You won't hear me out and are quick to accuse. What is wrong with you Alexis?" he really didn't want to fight with her but she kept pointing a finger at him and his relationship with Odessa. They weren't doing anything wrong. It's not like he was cheating on her or anything like that.

"You know what I'm going to leave. I'm sorry I interrupted your precious time together" he grabbed her wrist stopping her.

"Alexis...."

"Let go of me Ray" he didn't so she snatched her hand away and stomped out.

"Wow. If I were you I'd have broken up with her already. She's too much" Odessa said shaking her head.

"Yeah well, thank God you're not me then. I can't do anything while I'm in here but when I get out I'll make her understand everything."

"You must really love her" she snorted making him madder.

"You of all people should know how much I love her. Thank you for coming Odessa but seeing as my fiancé doesn't like seeing you here, I suggest you don't come back" he got up and left not caring that he was taking his anger out on the wrong person. In his head, she was the reason why he kept fighting with Alexis. And even though she hadn't done anything but try to be helpful, if his girlfriend felt threatened by her, then she had to go. Simple.

He wasn't going to lose her just because he wanted to hold on to a friend. She was his life. He could live without Odessa. Alexis? Not so much.

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Can I get an amen? Ray sure has his priorities right. Doesn't he?