Perfect Strangers

9| Lady

Chapter 9: Lady (Alex's POV)

I looked around, trying to see if I could spot a bathroom. I just wanted quiet for a minute, my heels were also killing me. "Which way is the bathroom?" I asked. 

"Down that hall to the right," Carter replied. 

"Thanks," I said before excusing myself and walking over there. As I expected, the bathroom was huge and there was even a little couch in it. I sat down and knocked my heels off, leaning against the wall and sighing. "Damn these stupid parties," I mumbled before standing up and looking at myself in the mirror while I ran fingers through my hair and kept it in check. 

My hair is long, like waist-length long, so straightening it took a while. I checked on my makeup again, reapplied some lip gloss, slid my heels back on with a few lovely curses, and then headed back out. I opened the door and was walking down the hall when Clark blocked the hallway. 

Not that I know his last name, because it isn't Reed as Carter said, but even if I did, I couldn't bring myself to respect him enough to call him Mr. Whatever his last name is. I did not like him, he creeped me out. 

I tried to simply push past him but he mirrored my steps and kept in my way. "Can I help you?" I asked with the fakest smile possible. 

"You look very lovely, Alex," he said, "Very lovely." He took a step closer and instinctively I took one back. 

"Excuse me?" I chuckled awkwardly when I should have kicked him in the balls. 

"What are you doing here? Away from the party?" he questioned. 

"I was using the ladies' room," I answered. 

"Of course, a lady has needs," he sneered. 

"Right, that need is using the bathroom. And you don't look like a lady to me, can I ask why you're here?" I questioned. 

He stepped back with a chuckle and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Very well, I was just taking a stroll around the place. It's been a while since I last came here," he said. 

"Enjoy the night," I said before slipping out of there as quickly as I could. "Fucking asshole," I mumbled under my breath while turning around to glance at him as he stared very shamelessly at my retreating figure. I turned around and crashed into someone, almost knocking their drink over. "I am so sorry!" I gasped. 

"It's all right," he chuckled, "Are you all right, Alex?" he asked. 

"Yes, Mr. Reed, I'm sorry, I wasn't minding my step," I gave him a small sheepish smile. 

"Well that's all right," he said before he was called over by some other guests. 

I continued walking back over to Carter who was still in the same spot, still looking bored to death, still sipping on champagne. "I thought I said no more champagne for you," I said while taking his glass and placing it on the nearest table. 

"I'm bored out here," he sighed, running his fingers through his hair. 

"We still have two hours till midnight," I replied, standing beside him as we both stood in the same position, watching people wander around. 

He sighed again, his shoulders slumping. Judging from everyone else here, we're all supposed to be standing like we're from the royal family. Back straight, chin up, chest out. 

I poked his back until he stood straight again. He turned to me with a blank look. "Stand straight," I shrugged. 

"You stand straight," he retorted.