Looking For Trouble Read Free

routinely worked twelve- and fourteen-hour days, sometimes six days a week, all in his self-imposed race to climb the ladder of success, following in his mother’s large and looming footsteps. She was a circuit court judge and was currently being courted to run for one of Georgia’s congressional seats. She was a demanding overachiever, and Peter wanted to make her proud, which meant working insanely long hours and forfeiting a social life beyond networking functions, where he could make business connections. When he wasn’t at the office—which was hardly ever—he was either working from home, working out at the gym, or spending what little time he had left over with Alexandria.
    But Alexandria also knew that just because Peter was a busy, regimented man, that didn’t mean there weren’t opportunities for him to cheat, or that he wasn’t capable. Experience had taught her that regardless of one’s work schedule and personal demands, a person could make time to do anything they really wanted. The only reason she hadn’t followed up on the suspicions lurking in the back of her mind was because of the voice that had been penetrating her thoughts, forcing her to come to grips with a part of her life she’d been trying to avoid since she was five years old.
    â€œI know it doesn’t make sense to you,” Peter said, “but that’s exactly what happened when Monica came over here. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m telling you the truth.”
    Alexandria shrugged. “Whose truth?”
    â€œIf I wanted to sleep with her, I could’ve done that a long time ago.”
    â€œAnd that’s another thing. Why do you still keep in contact with your ex-girlfriend?”
    Peter let out another frustrated sigh. “We only talk once in a blue moon, like at the holidays, just to wish each other well.”
    â€œAnd why is that even necessary?”
    â€œIt’s not. It’s just a polite gesture. Besides, if I was trying to hide something, trust me, you’d never know that I’d had any contact with her at all.” Peter pulled his T-shirt over his broad chest and taut waist. “But listen, my ex—whom I have absolutely no interest in—isn’t the issue. Let’s talk about our relationship.”
    â€œWhat I’m going through right now has nothing to do with our relationship. Like I told you, it’s about me.”
    â€œCut the shit, Alexandria.” Peter smirked. “Call me ‘crazy,’ but I thought that when you’re in a relationship with someone, everything that involves you involves the other person, too.”
    Although she knew Peter’s comment was absolutely right, she didn’t like the sarcasm or nasty tone that was planted behind it. Deep down, she knew that he only half-meant what he’d just said. She’d slowly come to realize that he was a bit selfish, hence his “Where does this leave me?” remark. So she knew what he was saying now was clearly meant to draw out a reasonable explanation that would put his mind at ease about the possibility of her cheating on him.
    â€œI hear what you’re saying,” Alexandria responded, slipping on her turquoise-colored thong-toed sandals, “but this really is about me, and only me.”
    â€œOkay, then what’s bothering you?”
    Her eyes widened with surprise. “This is the first time you’ve asked me about me. ”
    â€œNo, it’s not, but I won’t waste time arguing that point right now. Tell me what’s going on with you?”
    She wanted so badly to call him on his lie, but she knew it would be a fruitless cause. “For one, I’m not happy with my career. I feel like I’m settling.” This part was true, and she didn’t hesitate sharing it.
    â€œYou graduated in the top of your law school class and now you’re a fast-rising associate at one of the most powerful lobbying