Alexander gave me a stern look. Not the Coffin Club.
Don`t worry, I can get in. I have a fake ID.
That`s not what I meant. A club like that is not a place a girl like you should frequent.
A girl like me? I laughed in disbelief. It`s a goth club. It was made for me! Ever since I visited it last time, I dreamed that we could return there together. What could possibly happen?
A girl in a bar? he asked, like I had two heads. Don`t you watch the news?
I know, I said, rolling my eyes like I was getting scolded by my parents. It`s not the safest place...but--
Last time you met Jagger. Remember?
Alexander had a point. I didn`t have the greatest track record with my decisions. My curiosity had drawn my boyfriend`s nemesis right to him, creating a lot of danger for him and my family.
All right, I finally admitted. Disappointed, I chiseled away at the burnt sugar topping stuck to the inside of the bowl.
Alexander placed his ghost white hand on my pale one. We will go, but together.
Can we go tonight? I asked, perking up.
How about tomorrow. I wasn`t expecting company, remember? Oh, yes, of course. I remembered intruding on him. Then I furrowed my brow skeptically and challenged him. You don`t have a hot date, do you?
Yes. I do, as a matter of fact.
You do?
Yes, and it is almost ending. Alexander glanced at an antique marble clock sitting on the mantel of the unused fireplace. The clock was barely ticking, and the minute hand was broken. I didn`t want my evening to end, but I knew of course it had to. He wiped his mouth with his linen napkin and then grabbed my hand.
I`m so glad you did come, he said adoringly. You never fail to surprise me.
You surprise me, too... I took a deep breath, then asked, Why are you both still here?
Just then Jameson returned to collect the dishes.
For the time being, Alexander was off the hook. Allow me, Miss Raven, Jameson said. Alexander and his butler placed the dishes on the top shelf of the cart.
Jameson will drive you back to your aunt`s apartment.
I glanced at the broken clock, still struggling to figure out the correct time.
Jameson can drop me off at my aunt`s drumming class. It`s much closer. I believe you may have met my aunt Libby. She works at Happy Homes.
That beautiful woman is your aunt? I should have known. She is quite charming...just like her niece, said Jameson.
I look forward to meeting her, Alexander said. Then with a whisper: Although you`ll have to make a few excuses for me not being seen in the daylight.
Excuses? I wrote the book! I`ve got one for every occasion.
Like a Victorian gentleman minus the top hat, white gloves, and British accent, Alexander escorted me out the door and down the rock path while Jameson brought the car around.
Will I see you tomorrow? I asked my boyfriend as I snuggled in his arms.
Of course.
I miss you already.
I do, too.