2 Chapter 2 ~ Friend

Alex finally realized he must have looked like a fool and snapped his mouth shut. Damn, talk about a blast from the past there.

"Yeah, it's me." He walked over to her and embraced her, relishing her being back in his arms again. Damn, it had been way too long, too many years. And as he pulled away, he knew D's eyes were staring. "What are you doing here, Alex?"

"Vacation. Well, D and I. And you?"

"The same. Had to get away. Life just got to stressful."

"Yeah. Know how that goes. Where are my manners? D, let me introduce one of my best friends from way back when, Kris. Kris, this is D." D held out his hand, surprised to see that sparkle in his best friend's eye.

"It's a pleasure, Kris."

"Likewise."

"Won't you stay and join us," D invited.

"Oh, D, I don't want to intrude."

"Kris, you won't be. Please, we have so much to catch up on." She smiled, hesitating but a moment before she took a seat.

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For the next two hours, they trio talked, joked and laughed. Alex really had forgotten how much Kris could make him laugh and he forgotten how much he missed her, missed their friendship. They called their lunch date over, saying they would have to get together later that night and hit up another night club. Alex knew once Kris bid them goodbye that D was gonna drill him, so he wasn't surprised that as they made their way to the rooms, that the questions started.

"So, Kris."

"Yes, D, what about her?"

"What happened?" Alex sighed, really questioning that himself.

"Kris and I were close when we were younger. Then she left, had some kind of family problems. When she finally came back, the guys were just getting together." Alex smiled to himself, although, it didn't go unnoticed. "She was my first kiss, but she was my best friend. It broke my heart that I never really got to see her." D leaned against the wall, his arms crossing over his chest as he watched Alex.

"You like her."

"What?" Alex quickly turned and stared at D.

"You like her," D repeated.

"And what would make you think that?" D shrugged, but his cell phone saved him from answering. Alex frowned, not liking that thought at all. It was untrue. D was only seeing things.

Alex went into his room, shutting his door softly and making his way over to his bed. He picked up his cell phone, seeing that Theresa didn't actually call. He shook his head, clearing his thoughts and quickly pressed the 2 than hitting the dial button. He laid down, closing his eyes as he listened to her ring back tone.

"Well, thought you were out having fun, mister?"

"I was. But I missed you."

"Aww, baby, I miss you too. But how can you miss me when you have tons of gorgeous women throwing themselves at you?"

"You're not funny." She laughed and he even cracked a smile.

"Yes I am, you just don't want to admit it. So, what did you do this morning?" It was on the tip of his tongue to mention Kris, yet, for some strange reason that he couldn't figure out; he wouldn't dare utter one word about her. And it wasn't like Theresa to get jealous, so he couldn't figure out why he didn't mention Kris. And it wasn't like he was seeing her, he wasn't, that was his best friend!

"Just had breakfast with D. We talked for hours, than decided to go back to the rooms to rest for we're going out tonight."

"Oh, that's it?" He quickly sat up, thinking he heard something in her voice.

"What do you mean, that's it? Of course that's it. Why would I lie?" He frowned. That wasn't good and that wasn't like him.

"Baby, no one said you were lying. I just thought you would have done something else. Take in the sights, work on your tan. Just not lounge around and talk." Oh, that's what she meant.

"Well, another day. It was just nice to talk." It was funny, you never had to see a person to know when their attitude had changed, you could feel it, even over a damn phone line. Yes, his little outburst certainly raised the hair on the back of her neck, of this he was certain.

"Oh, well, than I'm glad you had fun. And baby, be careful tonight, okay?"

"Of course. What are your plans?"

"Not much. Might just sit at home, watch tv, read, do nothing."

"No hot dates?"

"Why, want me to find one?" No, he certainly didn't, but maybe if she did go out, he might not feel so guilty.

"No, and you know that."

"I know baby, I know. But, listen, you rest, call me or text me when you can. And sweetie, really, have fun. Don't think about me, okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I know. I love you too. Bye." She closed her cell phone, frowning at the phone in her hand. It wasn't like him to be so, well, not like that. Alex was actually pretty laid back, never so, well, so…she sighed, not able to put a finger on it, but she knew he was keeping something. Not that he was cheating, she had too much faith, but it did irk her that he did keep something.

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"Didn't think I would ever hear from you," Theresa said as she picked up the phone, smiling at her best friend's name appeared.

"I know, Resa, I'm sorry, I'm a horrible friend."

"Not even. You just got there and are beyond busy."

"Yes, I know. But a text never hurt anything."

"Girl, you're my best friend, so, no worries. Tell me, any cute hunks where you are?"

"Loads, Resa. But you won't believe it, I ran into my old best friend."

"Get out. I want details."

"Later. So, did he ask you?"

"Oh, he did. Kris, I want you to be my maid of honor, after all you're my best friend here!"