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asked, “Where are we?? Did that just happen?” We clung to each
other, absorbing the experience and not wanting it to end. We had
attracted the attention of two New Jersey State Troopers who asked
if we were ok, clearly looking bewildered and overwhelmed.
    “Are you girls
from New Zealand?” State trooper 1 had asked. They looked like they
could be twins, both men in their earlier 20s, had exceptionally
athletic bodies, and were well over six feet. They also looked like
they had both just left the Marine Corps with their buzzed haircuts
and impeccable uniforms. Well Orrah! Uncle Sam, where do I sign
up!?
    “New Zealand!”
I scoffed, “I’m from Australia! You want to start an international
incident?” I flirted as Emma grabbed my arm, dragging me away
before I could get into any more trouble.
    “You know James
is married, right?” Matt eyed me curiously, bringing me back to the
present. He’d assumed like most people did that it was the
charismatic lead singer I lusted after. Most women, regardless of
their appreciation of the music, found James attractive. He was the
typical all American guy and he knew how to shake his ass to work
the crowd into a frenzy. His voice could be sweet and melodic or
sexual and guttural. He had broken many hearts when he wed his high
school sweetheart last year. Mine had not been one of them; it was
never James I had dreamed about, it was Alex.
    Alex Stone was
born in Finland; his engineering father emigrated with his wife and
two young sons when Alex was 3 years old. Alex grew up in the
States, embracing the only country he’d known as home. He grew up
playing sports and electric guitar; passions which had lead him to
find James in High school. His 6’ 4” frame commanded attention,
especially when combined with the stare of his ice blue Nordic
eyes. Where James was sexy, Alex was pure SEX.
    “Yes, I know
James is married!” I scoffed. “Relax Matt, I doubt we’ll get that
close.”
    “Good.” He took
a breath before continuing “I just don’t want you getting into
trouble. I’m not sure how the bail conditions work here.” His eyes
sparkled with mischief. “You know I’m only on a temporary visa, I’m
fairly sure I won’t be able to vouch for you.” I threw my post-it
notes at him, hitting him squarely on his perfectly formed jaw. We
both erupted into laughter, much to the curious stares from our
colleagues.
    “Working hard?”
Kate snapped abruptly. I hadn’t heard her walk up behind me.
    “It’s my fault
Kate, I was just sharing a joke with Lexi” Matt volunteered.
    “Matt, while I
appreciate your chivalrousness, I can assure you that Lexi needs no
help in getting into trouble. Lexi... My office.” Kate stormed off
without waiting for my response.
    “Sorry Lexi, I
tried…” Matt started.
    “It’s ok. Trust
me, I can handle Kate,” I reassured “I’ve known her long enough to
know this isn’t an I’m pissed at you outburst and more I’m going to lose my shit if you don’t help me . I’ll be fine
but thanks for trying to take the rap for me.” I took a deep breath
and walked to Kate’s office.
    Kate was
sitting in her usual chair, perched behind her desk, strain clearly
visible on her face. I entered and closed the door behind me,
slightly unnerved by seeing my boss and friend looking defeated.
I’d barely taken my seat when Kate started. “Lexi, I’m tired... I
haven’t had a dinner at home with the boys in two weeks. I have
spent the past hour on the phone with some asshole about chair
covers. CHAIR COVERS?! I need to go home, I just need a night
without someone wanting something from me.” Kate was human, she
felt safe in confiding in me, knowing I would never use her
weakness as leverage.
    “Go home Kate.
I’ve got this.” I put my arms around her and gave her a warm hug.
Right now she was Kate my friend, not Kate my boss.
    “I can’t Lexi,
this fucking client has changed their function brief three times
and I just fired the