Page 60 of Painting Her Fate

I roll my dark eyes then glance to my nightstand noticing the notepad out of place. Picking it up, I read the first line and take in a sharp inhale.

Dear Lili, if this is to make it to you, know that these words, right now, forever, and always, be true. -Alexander

I’m silent as I read the poem- then read it again- and- quite possibly a third time. *awe*He- he made this- for me?Each line has its own significance and hidden meaning. I’m enraptured- no one has ever written words of this nature to me. I’m becoming overwhelmed; my mind shouts I better bloody believe Zander’s unspoken declarations, although in the same token, my heart asks if this is all but a ruse, a fun time for him.Wouldn’t be the first man to do so. I find myself going back to the top and reading it once more, for good measure.

“Oohhhh,” Emma whispers over my shoulder as she too reads her brother’s secret thoughts, the air teaming with reverence, *amazement* “you have him writing again,” her eyes light, “now I know things are serious.” I’m squeezed tightly, “thank you, Lili.”

“What are you talking about?” I’m confused and a bit embarrassed someone read words that were meant for my eyes only. At least that is what I perceived this to be. Emma pulls back and wipes a stray tear away.

“Zander hasn’t written like this-.” She wipes away another tear, a big grin shining within, “it’s been about ten years since anyone has seen this side of him.” Emma gave me a knowing stare down, “you piqued his interest.” Then a grin spreads, “I can hear the wedding bells now.”

The energy is intuitive when enteringHarbor’s Edge, a feeling of coming home. My skin tingles like a live wire. Emma tugs at my hand like an excited five-year-old seeing their favorite Disney characters for the first time.

I would know, my sister Sadie had that same enthusiasm when visiting Disney in Paris for her fifth birthday. Not what a newly twenty-year-old would think of as her version of fun, but as my sister dragged me to say hello and chat to all her favorite princesses and characters, I found myself envious and ultimately living in her shoes, if only for the day. She was the leader for the entire day while mum, Gran, and Raymond hung back and watched every moment.

“I see Wyatt by the stage, let’s get our table.” She gives a wiggle of her fingers to her husband. Wyatt walks in our direction, sporting a new outfit; aTheory Of A Deadmanband tee and a pair of faded ripped jeans- and is that a half sleeve tattoo I see? I’m surprised. He wraps himself around his wife, landing a chased kiss to her lips. Should I tell them to get a room? Knowing

Emma, they would sneak into Zander’s office for a quick shag. I’ll keep quiet.

The room is mostly open as I glance around. There is a large dining slash dance and stage area ahead, a floor to ceiling brick fireplace in the middle that is dating the space, and another set of tables on the other side closest to the bar where we sat. There is quite a bit of potential for these separated areas and my mind beings conjuring ideas. I’m not big on interior design, but if Zander were ever in need of that type of assistance, I would offer a hand, free of charge. Anything is better than what he has now.

Whilst Emma prettied herself back at her flat, I gave Zane a call, well, tried to. After the spur of the moment evening with Alexander last night, I felt better prepared in ending the tryst with Zane. I was caught off guard when the automated voice told me the number was no longer in use or has been disconnected. You heard it from me, I did try.

I sent a text to Tamara saying I tried, which proceeded her to start a video chat. Emma overheard and proceeded to tell Tamara about the poem her brother wrote for me then spilled all details of what she’s witnessed so far. That inspired Tamara to freak out and have a massive rambling session with Emma as she did her makeup. Too much bubbly energy for my liking. I gave Emma my mobile and excused myself from the conversation.

Love. Bleh.

Maddie made her way to our table, ready to take our orders, and acting a little restless. I wonder if they might be short staffed again tonight; Between you and me, I’d much rather be behind the bar than on the dance floor.

“Hey ladies and Wyatt, what can I get you?” Maddie asks, notepad in hand. I ask for a Johnny Walker and ginger; simple and easy to sip on throughout the night.

Wyatt shakes his almost empty glass bottle, asking for another. She points her pen to him in acknowledgement, “got it, and for the birthday girl?”

“My usual cosmo, please.” Emma orders, then continues with her list,

“A couple appetizers to soak up a little of the alcohol.” She hums, tapping a finger to her chin, no doubt having the menu memorized, “let’s go with, mozzarella sticks, deep fried pickles, and- an order of wings- hot, oh, and extra blue cheese, please.”

“You got it.” Mattie laughs, “I’ll get Ford right on it.”

A rowdy group of four young University boys came through the door and sat themselves near our table. Maddie takes their order and relays it to Trent, who is inundated and the only one currently behind the bar. Does

Zander only have one bartender on tonight? I get it’s a Sunday, but once word is out the band is here, all hell will break loose. Zander came out to double check on Trent and help him get caught up.

“Hey, Derek is coming over.” Emma states and waves a hand to the rail thin man with striking bright blue eyes walking to our table. He’s dressed in black jeans, anAsking Alexandriashirt, and converse, his left arm cast in a full sleeve tattoo and brown hair that is in a perfect mess atop his head.

Swagger- this man has it in spades.

Hey guys, how’s it goin’?” Derek asks as he saunters to our table.

Wyatt got up and clapped him on the back, “Derek, I’m so stoked for tonight. We thought we’d show Lili here the hidden band of Buffalo.”

“Hey-hey Emma, and it’s so nice to meet you Lili, glad you could make it.” He turned to Wyatt getting right down to business, “I have a favor to ask you. Chris just showed up, and he is obviously sick.” He gestures to the snot ridden man sat in a chair by the stage, “He can’t play in the state he’s in. You are the only one I know that can rock out like it’s 1999. What do you say? Just like old times?”

Wyatt smiles and shakes his head, “Damn it, Derek. You know I can’t say no. Let’s do this!” Wyatt turned an arresting gaze to his wife asking for her approval.

Emma shooed him in the direction of the stage, “show that guitar

who’s boss, baby.” He kissed her tenderly then the two men leave. I turned my gaze to Emma to find her staring at them as they go, nostalgia in her eyes.

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