Page 12 of Painting Her Fate

My flat mate knows about my sexual escapades and fun conquests, not that there have been many. I for one do not have the time nor the energy to spend on such meaningless muppets. My life is far too topsy-turvy as it is- no need for thoughts of a romantic future. But I wouldn’t say no to more fun. Always up for that.

Zane and I are both artists, only we are not cut from the same cloth, as Gran would say. Our patterns would never jive. If ever there was a proper man out there for me, I’d feel it, that sense of rightness.

Wouldn’t I?Maybe not.

Tamara’s tone turns snide, “I’ve noticed the way he looks at you. No doubt about it, the man is inlove.” She makes kissy faces at me then her face turns down, “He isn’t what you deserve- you can do better, much better.” She turns in her chair with a look of pity. Ugh. Should I be the one to tell her that frown lines are not a good look on her? Tamara shrugs, “It’s for the best, though. You have so much going for your future.” She gives me a sheepish grin, “and from the looks of things, you have become rather bored with him.” She takes a proud sip of coffee then points a finger, “Do not deny it. I see all when it comes to you, sweets. There is no way to hide that from me.”

My brows raise and I part my lips to begin a protest, then I think better of it – she’s right, of course.The little minx. I guess she does know me well.

“I suppose you could say that.” I agree. Part of me does feel guilty about not hearing what Zane had to say. I do need to rectify this as soon as possible.

Tamara’s waggle of her finger tells me she isn’t quite done yet, “don’t allow those curves of yours to go to waste.” She forms an hourglass shape with her hands, “There’s a handsome man out there waiting to worship all you have, and so much more.” She winks.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” I try to put a break on this conversation. Yes, I would love to be worshiped, what person wouldn’t want that? Having said that, I do not want to be coddled or with a man for the sake of being with a man. “From the looks of things, I’m not going to find that type of man in this city, and I’m not interested in having a fling with a Frenchman.”

“I agree,” she nods, a glimmer of a new plan flashing in her eyes.

Tamara’s luck in the dating department hasn’t run smoothly and she is one who is always seeking adventure. “So, Miami or Los Angeles?” She holds her hand up, “on second thought- don’t answer that.” She smacks the counter, “I’ll handle everything.” Tamara’s giddiness is bursting at the seams now. “Give me a few hours and I’ll have reservations booked. We will be sunbathing on a warm beach in no time at all.” She pulls her mobile from her dress pocket and starts tapping furiously, “This is exactly what we need,madame.” She winks because she knows the madam is going to have her fill of American treats.

Rather than burst her bubble by telling her we need to focus on the art gala, I allow us to finish our breakfast in the serene silence.

“So, how are you going to tell Zane to bugger off? Do it over a call?” Tamara set her mobile on the counter after a minute of typing notes into her calendar about our adventures. My flat mate is forever needing to know what the next three steps are in any situation.

I shake my head, “no, I’d rather do it in person. I’ll call him after I shower and have him meet me at Tally’s.” I stand, fill my mug, then take a long sip of the dark liquid. Tamara locates my mobile charging on the other side of the kitchen where I left it yesterday afternoon.

She slides it across the counter to me and tilts her chin down, persistence blazing in her eyes, “let’s call him now, shall we? Best to just get it out in the open.” She crosses her arms and cocks a brow in challenge.

Seems my morning is filled with giving eye rolls. Alas, rather than beating around the bush I locate his number and get ready to make the call.

“Maybe you’re right. I need to stop being a cunt and get it done.” I set my mug down, press the call icon then the speaker button so Tamara doesn’t miss a thing. We listen to the rings, one after the other. Voicemail. He probably passed out when he got back to his flat. I clear my throat before the beep and try not to sound like I am too irritated.

“Hey Zane, It’s Lili. Meet me at Tally’s for something to eat, say, around two. We can talk then.” I hang up and look at Tamara whose eyes are closed and she’s shaking her head back and forth. “What?”

“I would’ve just ripped the band-aid off. You said it yourself-”

My mobile jingles through the silence, cutting off her ranting. My first thought is I forgot to block my number, or he somehow was able to obtain my number whilst I slept, but that thought is quashed when I see the name flashing on the screen. The caller I.D. read ‘Mack’, my dad’s business partner. Why would he be calling this early? It’s only three thirty in the morning there.

I’m quick to answer and lean against the counter, “This is Lili.”

Mack’s gruff American tone is full of relief at the sound of my voice, “Lili, finally.” He sighs, “I’ve been trying to get ahold of you.” This is not normal for his character. Mack is a hard man on the outside, has a big biker vibe about him, but really is just a big teddy bear and will do anything for anyone.

“Apologies, I had a shift last night and didn’t get home until late. What’s new?” I can hear a female’s voice paging someone over an intercom in the background.

“It’s your dad, he was in a motorcycle accident yesterday morning heading into work. -It’s bad Lili.” His voice breaks as he makes his way outside where horns are honking, and a baby is crying.

My eyes lock with Tamara’s who leap from her chair and snatched the mobile from my hand before it fell. All the blood drained from my face, my throat goes dry, I can’t get any words to form. Tears well in my eyes. I can’t breathe.

Is he dead? Will I ever see my father again?*breakdown*This cannot be happening. I only just found him.I’ve known my dad not ten years; it’s far too soon for him to just leave me. We still have much to do, things to see and experience. He’s mentioned wanting to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day, love upon his future grandchildren, travel and explore the country on his motorcycle.He can’t go. He is my rock, my protector.

A rapping on the door sounds inside my mind- it’s the monster.

*Dark* Come out, come out, wherever you are.

“Lili, are you there?” Mack’s voice sounds louder as Tamara sets it to speaker mode, “Hello? Did I lose you? Damn piece of shit flip phone.” Mack grumbles. He’s not very tech savvy.

I try gaining my composure and answer him, my voice but a whisper, “I’m here.” I didn’t want to ask it, but I had to know. “Is he alive, Mack?” My voice broke, no way to control it.

An astonished, “what?” comes from Tamara.

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