Alexis Bellino: Vicki and I Are Still 'Guarded'

Sorry, Vicki Gunvalson, it may take awhile before you get a friendship bracelet, too. "I’m definitely close with Vicki. That’s not a façade," The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Alexis Bellino tells RadarOnline but adds, "It’s been slow."

Throwing up the yellow caution tape, Lex continues, "[Vicki] went away with me last weekend, we’re going out tonight, we’re taking baby steps and we’re both very cautious.

We’re not, ‘Oh, best friends! Let’s call each other and get on the phone right now. You’re my best friend. I’ll talk to you five times a day!’ It’s not like that. We’re very guarded and we were realistic in the fact that one of us could get hurt. I think both her and I are just trying to protect ourselves."

While they’re not flipping from frenemies to besties in a blink (ahem Gretchen and Tamra), Alexis explains, "Vicki and I really do truly love each other as people and Brooks is a very nice guy. The Brooks that Jim and I know seems to be a very loving, supportive boyfriend to Vicki and that’s all that matters."

Will this friendship survive the finale? Make sure you tune in tonight for the drama-filled episode.