Michael was so distracted while using the weight machine. He just was going through the motions. Why did Alex think that way about him? Granted, he'd always had an easy time with girls, but he wasn't some gigolo! He respected the girls he dated and always kept things friendly. His thoughts just kept going round and round in his head.
His phone started ringing. He stopped, grabbed his towel to wipe his face and head and then picked it up. Paris's name was on the screen. Michael hit the answer button.
"Hey," he said.
"Michael, I'm SO sorry about tonight. I don't know what her problem is but I'm sorry," said Paris.
"Paris, babe, it wasn't your fault. Nothing for you to be sorry about," said Michael.
"How's Alex? I feel so bad for him," said Paris.
Michael winced and replied, "Not good."
"What did he say?" she asked.
"He thinks I over reacted and read the situation wrong. He's really mad," replied Michael.
"Seriously? But you guys are so close. He'll know you aren't lying about this," she replied.
"Yeah, that's what I thought too," said Michael, dejectedly.
"Oh Michael, what a mess. He's just blinded by that piece of trash," said Paris.
"I've given her notice that she's not welcome back to the sorority house next term and I'm putting the paper work through to remove her. I won't have that kind of behaviour among the sisters.""Paris, what am I going to do?" asked Michael.
"Babe, just leave it with me. I'll talk to him. Maybe he'll open his eyes then," said Paris.
"Good luck, Paris. I owe you one," said Michael.
"Nonsense, but thanks," she replied and he could hear the smile in her voice.
Michael ended the call and went back to the weights.
Meanwhile, Alex sat in their room staring at his computer screen hoping Ashley would log on to Skype. He'd tried to call her but she wasn't answering and he was worried. He’d changed into his going out clothes because he thought about trying to find her. He saw Paris log on and was about to type to her and ask where Ashley was when she typed to him first.
Paris: Are you there?
Alex: Yeah, I'm here.
Immediately, the Skype call was coming through from Paris. Alex clicked answer and Paris popped up on his screen. Alex put his headset on.
"So, how are you doing?" she asked.
"Not good. I can't get in touch with Ashley. Is she there?" asked Alex.
Paris decided it was time for some shock treatment.
"She's not here. I kicked her out. She said she was going to stay with a footballer she's been banging," replied Paris in a matter-of-fact tone.
Alex head was ringing. He just couldn't process what she'd just said. Paris thought he looked like someone had just hit him in the head with a frying pan.
"Alex? You ok?" she asked.
"I...I don't understand..." he said faintly.
"Alex, she's trash. I'm sorry. I know you cared a lot about her. I can tell from your reaction just now. But she's trash and not worth your time," said Paris.
Alex didn't say anything so she went on, "And Michael did nothing wrong."
Alex's eyes darted back to the screen but he still was silent.
"My guess is she was stringing you along for a shot at the money since you're the oldest and heir to the Darcy fortune. But she obviously underestimated her charms and Michael's morals," said Paris. "Get your head out of your rear, Alex,” she said with a small smile.
Alex was beginning to get the clear picture and didn’t like what he saw. He banged his head on the keyboard and said, “I’m an idiot.”
“Hey! Stop that! You’re just a guy that a little hussy tried to take advantage of. You aren’t the first and you sure won’t be the last. Women like that give the rest of us honest ones a hard time,” said Paris.
Alex raised his head looking heart sick, “What am I going to say to Michael?”
“Alex, that’s easy. He loves you. So you say, ‘Michael, I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?’ And that’s it. Once you get past that part, it’s easy,” she replied.
Alex gave a very small smile, “Thanks, Paris.”
“No probs, Alex,” she replied. “Now, go find him and straighten this mess out with you two. She’s not worth it.”
Alex nodded, thanked her again, and disconnected the call. He went looking for Michael, feeling about two feet tall. He checked the gym across the hall first, but no sign of him.
He went downstairs and checked the rooms; still no sign of Michael. Alex looked out the back windows and thought he saw someone sitting under the tree near the ping pong table. He stepped outside and went closer to look. It was Michael.
Alex approached slowly, feeling unsure of himself like never before.
Michael looked up but didn’t move and just watched him walk closer.
Alex stopped about 10 feet away and said, “I talked to Paris.”
Michael only nodded.
“She’s pretty cool,” said Alex, trying to get him to say something but he remained silent. Alex went on, “She told me to get my head out of my rear so I guess that’s what I’m doing.” He looked right in Michael’s eyes and said, “Michael, I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” Alex waited anxiously.
Michael rose from sitting under the tree and approached him and then spoke for the first time, “You know I’ll forgive you, Alex. But what hurts is thinking that you see me like that. Do you really?”
Alex sighed and shook his head, “It’s just a bit of jealously that was talking, Michael.”
“Jealousy?” Michael asked, surprised.
“Well look at you,” said Alex, gesturing to Michael. “I see the way women check you out and you have such an easy time with people. Making friends and talking to strangers. I just can’t do what you do and it can be intimidating.”
“Alex, you dope,” said Michael with a smile. “First of all, if the women are just interested in the outter package, then I’m not really interested in them. Heck, while I hope it doesn’t happen, I could get injured and have to pack it in. So I want someone, eventually, who’ll be there for the long haul, not just while I’m young and fit. I’ve seen what happens with the sports stars when they let the women ruin their lives. That WON’T be me.”
Alex listened and nodded. “And as for talking with people, I can help you with that. You’re just a bit shy, that’s all,” said Michael.
“I know one thing,” said Alex. “I’ll never trust my judgement when it comes to women again.”
Michael stepped close enough to lay his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Bro, don’t let her ruin it for you. You’ve had one bad apple. There’s lots of good ones out there who’d be glad to date you or just even be your friend,” said Michael.
Alex shrugged but smiled a little, “So, are we good now?” he asked.
Michael pulled him into a hug, “Yeah, we’re good.”
