But now, with the silk of her skin still warming my fingertips, I wasn't convinced Icouldforget her. Between her hunger-induced mood swings and big, brass balls, my memory would require a power washing to get ridofher.
That left me being Alex's someone, and I couldn't do that either. Not when Lauren was my someone. I wasn't Lauren's, but—but the affection I had for her wasn't one I could pick up and put down on a whim. If I'd been able to get over it, I would've done that by now. A bright-eyed surgeon in ruby slippers didn't erase years ofadoration.
"Fuck, that's it," I said to the empty garage. "Ruby slippers.The WizardofOz."
I slipped into the silent firehouse, careful to tread lightly and not disturb my roommates. When I reached my room, I stripped out of my damp shirt and trousers, and pulled on a pair of athletic shorts. My phone in hand, I settled on the edge of the bed and fired off the message IowedAlex.
Riley:Home.
Riley:Or, as some prefer to say, there's no placelikehome.
Alex:You're right. Some dosaythat.
Riley:You stole the Wicked Witch of the East's shoes,Dorothy.
Alex:And yourpoint?
Riley:I told you I didn't buy that story about "justlikingred."
Alex:Wouldyoustop?
Riley:Definitelynot,no.
Alex:I was going to apologize for making it weird tonight but you're winning at the weirdgamenow.
Riley:You didn't make it weird, Shortstop. Don'tthinkthat.
Riley:So is it a full-blown Dorothy thing or what? Are you off to see the Wizard? Are you angling for some kind of polyamorous relationship with threedudes?
Riley:Okay, okay. Wait a hot second. Are you intofurries?
Alex:Ohmygod.
Riley:Not judging. Hell, I've seen far stranger than three dudes in cosplay worshipping their goddess. And that was just a Tuesdaynight.
Alex:Well. Let's hearaboutthat.
Riley:Not until you get real about the Dorothycomplex.
Alex:I do NOT have a Dorothycomplex!
Alex:I just love that movie. Sometimes a girl needs a sparkly pair ofshoes.
Riley:You do you, Honeybee. Now come on. You can tell me the real story. If it helps, I'm known for my secret-keepingskills.
Alex:This is going to soundsolame.
Riley:Probably not, but I'll let you know ifitdoes.
Alex:I really identified with Dorothy when I was younger. I always wanted to run away to somewhere my brother couldn't follow and I'd pretend I was an onlychild.
Riley:He's older,right?
Alex:Technically,yes.
Riley:What the hell does that mean?Technically?
Alex:He's a couple of minutes older. We're twins but we're notclose.
