Page 42 of Painting Her Fate

Ford is in his usual spot, sprawled out on the couch texting his cougar, or the married mother of three, I can’t remember which one is which. He sits up and moves over, patting the cushion next to him, gesturing for Lili to sit next to him.

Don’t you even think about trying that charm of yours on her, Ford, she isn’t going to fall for it.I sure damn hope so anyway.

“Come on over, take a load off. From the sounds of it, you had a rowdy crowd tonight.” Ford checks out the tip jar and whistles, “damn, that looks like a good night right there.”

“She stole the crowd! Trent says, still enthused. Lili let out a relieved sigh as she sat, “I can’t wait to do this again with you Lili, girl.” I flood the desk with the bills from the jar as Trent and I sort them.

“You’re workin’ here now?” Ford cocks an eyebrow, intrigued. Seems Lili is ready to head to bed by that yawn she gave.

“It’s too fun to pass up.” She nods with that gentle smile.

With the money now organized I come up with just under seven hundred dollars.Holy shit. And on a night without a game or concert!

Outside in the cool early morning air, shivers dance along my exposed skin, paying little attention to it as we head to our vehicles.

“It was a pleasure meetin’ you today, though, I wish it were under better circumstances.” Ford takes a beat and tacks on his smooth Southern charm, “Señorita (Woman), you can kick ass. Remind me never to piss you off.”

I lean against the passenger side door and stretch out the muscle in my back and shoulder; the burn from the injection is kicking in now that the day is coming to a close. It’s a minor bee sting in comparison to how it was this morning. She turns her head back and forth, stretching her neck and sighing in relief when a rather decent pop sounds. Her tone is not in the least boastful as she grins at him.

“I know I can kick ass.”

Ford and I chuckle, then she continues after we sober, “truly though, I am grateful the two of you were there.” I see a flash of memory play in her eyes. As to distract herself, she glances to the night sky then tugs at her ponytail. I’m awestruck at the sight of her hair cascading down over her shoulders and framing her elegant features. Her fingers sift through her waves and the scent of her lavender hits me. I’m lost, tantalized by her spell.

What is this girl doing to me?

“Don’t mention it, pretty lady.” That’s Ford, always laying it on thick. Such a dick.

“Do women actually fall for that so-called charm of yours?” Her lips twitch. She’s too smart to take his bait. I hope, anyway.

“They eat it up like candy.” I butt in as I push off the truck, unlock it, and open the passenger door for her.

“Then they eatmeup like candy.” He grins and winks. He’s pushin’ it, he really is. My anger must show because Ford’s grin turns sly, “Say

Corporal, when was the last time you were treated like-”

“You ready for me to take you home, Lili?” I ask, cutting him off before he can saycandy. “Ford is becoming delusional with lack of sleep.”

He barked out a laugh, “Yeah, that’s exactly it. I’m the delusional one.” He said as he opened the door of his SUV then pulled out a cigarette from his center council. A spark of a lighter lit the tip then he takes in a long pull. “You keep tellin’ yourself that, Corporal.” A stream of smoke billowed into the air as he spoke. She finally leapt into the passenger seat and let out a cute little snigger.

“You two squabble like brothers.” I like the proper words and the

‘straight to the point, no bullshit’ way she speaks. I could listen to her talk all day and never tire of it.

“Wearebrothers, maybe not by blood, but-.” Ford pauses, his jaw ticking and his eyes cast down. I know exactly where his thoughts are forced to go. “We protect our own.” He finally says, taking another long drag of his cigarette. I watch as the billow of smoke floated around Lili then flooded my cab with its foul stench. I wish he’d quit those damn things, but as much torment as he’s been through, I can’t gather the strength to bicker with him about it anymore. As long as he doesn’t do it in the house, I can tolerate it. “I’d do anythin’ for my brothers.”

No one speaks for a few heartbeats, the livened energy left with the soft breeze. I stare down at the blacktop, not wanting to take a trip to war torn memory lane right now. Our time in the military is a rough topic for us; Coming up on three years since the incident, it feels like it was only yesterday. I need to change the subject before this goes further.

“Lili, let’s get you home.”

She’s quiet, looking back and forth at us, but not directly at us; her

mind shifting somewhere else.

“Lili?” I ask as I set a hand on her forearm. She jolts suddenly and shrieks, her arms flailing about then pull tight her chest- fist clenched- ready for a fight.Oh shit. What did I just do?

“Don’t touch me!” She snaps, eyes roaring with a tidal wave of fury. I hold my hands where she can see them and back away. She shakes her head in realization and blinks a few times to clear the fog. Her eyes soften as her tone turns apologetic, “Forgive me. I’m not averse to being touched.” She pauses, giving what I have come to know is a forced smile, “You’re right, it’s been quite a day, I’m ready to go home.” She buckles her seatbelt and eyes her hands, “goodnight, Ford.”

Ford and I give each otherthatlook, then he shrugs, tells me he’s heading home, then departs.

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