Page 39 of Painting Her Fate

“Lili, you should come too!” Kat interjects, “maybe if you came, this guy would tag along.” She hooks a thumb in Zander’s direction, “he practically lives at his bar.”

I can hear Tamara yelling at me from afar;you need to get out and enjoy life. Live a little!

Being here in this quiet environment it has me wanting to slow down, relax, and reflect on my true wants and desires. Not to mention, Zander hasn’t shared the bit about him being a writer.How profound. Not many military men- at least the ones I know- write, and the numbers dwindle even smaller for the ones who write poetry. Color me intrigued.

“Sounds fun. I’ll also try dragging this one along with me.” I smile and squeeze the hand he yet again offered to me as we strolled out of the bookstore.

Zander has been quiet ever since we started back on the motorway. We’ve listened to four songs without a single glance in my direction. Is it something I said or did to put him in this mood? I can’t say I’ve been in this situation before. Should I ask him? Should I be the one to offer my hand to him this time? Just as I was about to do so, his mobile chimes from the speakers. He glances at the center council screen then pushes a button on his steering wheel.

“Ford, tell me you didn’t burn my bar down.” His tone is clipped, making me wonder if Ford has played a joke such as that before. Did he just speed up?

Ford’s Southern laughter fills the cab.

“Nah, nothing like that. Have a little faith in me boss.” Ford snickers and Zander visibly relaxes. “Crystal had to go home shortly after arrivin’. Her son’s pretty sick. We could use your help if you’re feelin’ up to it.” Ford declares as muffled noises sound in the background.

Zander huffs out a relieved breath, “Alright. I’m on my way.” He pushes a button to end the call and the song resumes once more. Turning down the music, he glances at me for the first time and sighs, “I’m sorry, we’re going to have to cut this short. Duty calls. Seems I’m short a bartender tonight.”

“I understand completely.” I tell him truthfully. As much as I have enjoyed spending my time with him today, I need to take control of this before it goes any further. I do not need a repeat of Zane.Then a thought occurs. What if I offer my bartending services to Zander? It’s the least I can do to repay him for what he did today. I’d enjoy the distraction as well; it’s better than tinkering at home. Let’s see what he has to say.

“I have a brilliant idea. Can you take me to my flat and wait for me? I promise I won’t be long this time, just have to do a quick wardrobe change.” I rush everything out incase he’s gearing up for a protest.

His confusion makes me grin. He has no idea what all I have in store for him tonight. He cocks a brow and tilts his chin all whilst keeping eyes on the road.

“Yeah, sure.” He hesitates, “what do you have up your sleeve?”

My grin only widens, and I begin dancing in my seat as we near familiar scenery. My flat is in the distance, an emittance of orange and purple sun glints off windows and casts shadows on the landscape below.Absolutely stunning.

Before becoming too enraptured with the view and my thoughts of setting my idea to canvas, I shake myself and respond with confidence.

“I am your backup bartender tonight.”

_CHAPTER 8- ALEXANDER_

“Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.” ? Salvador Dali

In cold winter snow

The harsh winds are bound to blow

And steal my spirit

(Nature’s Hold- Layla Lochran)

Pulling into an empty parking spot at her complex building, I shut off the engine and unbuckle. I trust Ford can manage things until I get back to the bar, I’m not worried about that. No, what I’m worried about is how this woman said she’d only be a few minutes. An hour can pass, and they still won’t be done with their makeup or hair. I’ve heard it all before; with my older sister and mom taking over the only bathroom in the house for hours at a time, I was glad I had a buddy next-door to lend me his shower now and again. Even when my parents added a second bathroom, this shit still happened.

Ladies, you’re beautiful as you are. You do not need all that shit on your face and in your hair. Simplicity is the biggest fucking turn-on a woman can offer a man. Signed, a single man.

“Do you want to wait upstairs for me? I might be better apt to get ready faster with you there. I’ll be too worried you’ll peek through my shit.” Her laugh is playful as she opens the door and hops down. I catch a glimpse of her shapely bottom in those tight hugging jeans.

Fuck. She’s feisty I’ll give her that.

Lili is full-figured, toned and strong, and molded to perfection. A modern-day Aphrodite. This of course is something I wanted to tell her but found myself tongued tied each time and every time the thought crossed my mind. Maybe I’ll write it down for her. Is this girl seriously making me have thoughts of writing poetry again?I smile and shake my head to myself, then remembering her bag of books in the backseat, I grab them before getting out and following her.

“You really don’t have to do this.” I tell her as we make our way in the elevator. The last thing I want is her to think she owes me.

“If you are doubting my bar tending skills, I assure you, I can handle

it.” She’s determined to do this, whether I like it or not.

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