Devastation or Destiny???

by The Blakk Dahlia

  The day for Tanya to leave for London finally came. Nervous as she walked onto the plane. The desire to turn back never came, however, she was anxious about what was to come.

  Will I be happy here? Is this my forever home? What if this job doesn’t work out. She thought to herself.

  Tanya took a seat next to a handsome man in an electric blue business suit. He felt her anxious vibes and thought it would be a nice gesture to break the ice.

  “Are you okay?” He smiled, focusing on her deep breaths. “You seem uneasy.”

  “I’m fine. Just um, not looking forward to this long flight.”

  “Where are you headed?”

  “London.”

  “Oh wow. That’s major. Vacation?”

  “Nope. Moving.” She replied, getting settled in her seat.

  “Oh! That’s brave.”

  “Yea. I’m a bit of a risk taker.” Tanya laughed. “You stopping in Philly?”

  Getting back out to date again wasn’t on her mind. However, seeing this beautiful man in the blue suit gave small thought of trying again.

  “Yep. Just for business. Nothing as exciting as you.” He sighed. “Then, I’ll be heading back home to Houston to my wife and daughter.”

  “Oh.” She replied disappointed. “That’s nice.”

  After finding out he wasn’t available, Tanya quickly decided to keep dating as a low bullet point on the priority list.

  “Well, I’m going to take a nap.” She unfolded her blanket. “Didn’t get much sleep in the past two days.”

  “Okay. Have a good rest.”

  Sleep wasn’t on her mind. She needed to take a moment to remember why it was the best for her to leave Alabama. That plane ride was the first page of a new beginning.

  4,313 miles and a layover later, Tanya arrived. She couldn’t wait to get off the plane to breathe in London. The company set her up with a suite at the Conrad London St. James hotel until she found a place of her own. She brought her clothes, shoes, small trinkets, necessary electronics, favorite book collection, and accessories, while the rest of her things remained in a storage unit in Birmingham.

  A man in a black suit waited for her at the baggage claim area, holding a sign with her name. She walked up to him and smiled to confirm that she was the woman he was looking for.

  “Do you need help with your bags ma’am?” He asked in a thick English accent.

  “Please.” Tanya laughed. “I have five.”

  The driver graciously carried her bags and loaded them into the car.

  “Do you need to make a stop anywhere before the hotel?”

  “No stops. Thank you.” She replied, exhausted from the long flight.

  Tanya made herself at home in the huge suite, then went straight to bed. The time change had her beat. The next day she was scheduled to meet her new boss and co-workers. It was 10am London time, and Tanya was snuggled in the comfy bed with expensive sheets. At 6pm, she awoke with a growling stomach.

  “I need food!” She moaned, getting out of bed.

  While ordering dinner from room service, she smiled at the view of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben from the wide window. The view took her back to the day before her wedding, reflecting on how her life was going to be with Kenneth. At that particular moment, all she saw were country fields, run-down buildings, new buildings, basically a simple life she really didn’t want. Tanya had views that were only seen on TV and random store paintings within her reach.

  “This is my life now.” She said to herself with tears of joy. “MY life!”

  Chapter VI: And So It Begins...

  The next day consisted of introductions, paperwork, and meetings. Tanya was ready to get to work, however, the new surroundings, following the long flight was overwhelming. By midday, she needed a break to re-group.

  “Why don’t you grab some fresh air outside?” Her new boss, Gretchen, suggested. “There’s a park nearby.”

  “Yes, that’s just what I need. Thanks!”

  Tanya enjoyed the breeze blending with the sunny day by taking refuge at a picnic table overlooking the park. To her, the air felt different on her skin. Although the wind was cool, she didn’t want to rush back into the office full of names she couldn’t remember.

  “Do you mind if I sit here?” A handsome English voice said from behind.

  “Oh...sure” Tanya replied.

  She looked around to see if there were anywhere else he could sit, but she didn’t want to seem rude by saying no.

  He placed a bowl of fresh fruit and a water bottle on top of the table and adjusted his pants to sit.

  “I take it that you’re not from here?”

  “Nope.”

  “First time here?”

  “Yea.”

  “Hmmm. Good. I love running into first-timers. I get reminded of the things that I take for granted.” He snickered.

  “Ok.”

  Tanya didn’t look at him while giving out short answers. She needed a minute to herself and didn’t feel like meeting anyone else new. There were more faces to meet back at the office. However, the handsome Brit wasn’t giving up on making casual conversation.

  “How long are you staying?” He continued.

  “I live here now.”

  “Good...Good. You’ve found work yet?”

  Tanya turned finally looking at his face. “That’s why I’m here.”

  “Oh great. My office isn’t too far. I love to come out here. I get to enjoy the park, watch kids play, the elderly taking walks, and first-timers trying to find their way around.” He smirked.

  “Good. Well, I have to go. Work. Enjoy your day.” Tanya said abruptly getting up from the table.

  “Thanks. You too.” He laughed. The gentleman started on his fruit while Tanya walked back to the office.

  “That was quick. Did you enjoy your break?” Gretchen greeted her at the door.

  “Just needed a little air.” Tanya smiled.

  Gretchen was an American hailing from New York. The company brought her up the year prior to do a test run with the London operations. Once things worked out financially, they decided to make the switch from Paris. This switch opened the door for Tanya’s new opportunity.

  They walked into another office to meet with a few directors in the communications department. She started to feel sluggish listening to them rant about themselves, and their progress over the past year.

  “Let’s head back to your office so you can REALLY get settled. I think IT is done setting up your computer.” Her boss suggested.

  They almost reached Tanya’s office door until Gretchen stopped her.

  “Oh Tanya, I want you to meet the Brand Director, Alastair Brooke. Alastair, this is Tanya Hunter, she’s our new Finance Director.”

  Tanya became embarrassed by Alastair’s presence, and could barely raise her hand to shake his. He grinned as he took the lead in the handshake.

  “Um, hi Alastair. Nice to meet you....again.” She smiled.

  Alastair Brooke was the guy from the picnic table. Tanya immediately felt guilty about brushing him off.

  “Again?” Gretchen pointed to them. “You two met before?”

  “Yes, we briefly became acquainted outside. Briefly.” He replied letting Tanya’s hand go and placing it into his pocket.

  She took a REAL look at him that time around. He reminded her of the Titanic Leo DiCaprio with a ginger peach fuzz, highlighting a beard that was in the process of coming back. Alastair was 6’1, slim stature, with a short, trendy hairstyle. His hazel eyes pierced into hers with each glance.

  “We’ll be working with his team on a few projects coming up, and I’d really like for you to work closely with him. Alastair knows his stuff, and I think you’d learn a lot from him.”

  “Great. Can’t wait to get started.”

  Alastair nodded. “I’ll leave you ladies to finish your business. I have a meeting to get to. Welcome aboard Tanya. I look forward to working together.”

  “Likewise.” Tanya
said with an embarrassed smile.

  The project Gretchen mentioned started sooner than expected. For the remainder of the week, Tanya and Alastair indeed worked closely. She admired his work ethic, and he taught her a lot within the first week. It also didn’t hurt that Mr. Brooke was very easy on the eyes. As he spoke, her mind fell into his voice, hanging on to every word.

  She wasn’t smitten, just happy to have eyes for someone other than the ex-fiancé. Alastair wasn’t much of her type. He was rugged but sexy, having the appearance of a playboy. All the women in the office loved being in his company, even Gretchen. Tanya wanted to make a good impression on everyone. Falling head over heels for the office hunk wasn’t a good way to start.

  On a beautiful Friday afternoon, Tanya took a walk in the park on her lunch break. Although she had been there for two weeks, it hadn’t sunk in that she was actually living the dream.

  “Mind if I join you?” Alastair called out behind her.

  “C’mon.” She smiled.

  He moved swiftly to catch up as Tanya waited for his daring eyes to meet hers.

  “I love clear days like this. Makes you just want to just lay out in the grass.”

  “Yea, if it wasn’t so breezy.” She gazed into the faint clouds. “I need to apologize Alastair.”

  “For what?” He asked with a perplexed expression.

  “For being short with you when we first met. If I had known you were...”

  “Hey, no apology necessary.” He interjected. “You were trying to enjoy your first day, and I kind of barged in on that. I know when I’m being a pest.”

  “Ok...good.” She laughed.

  “Wanna know something?”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I already knew who you were. I prefer an informal introduction. I don’t like the whole office setting; taking names you won’t remember.” He grinned.

  “Really?!?” Tanya shrieked. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “I was going to get around to that. But I was taken aback by your distance.”

  “Wow.”

  “Guess I played that one wrong.” Alastair said, looking away.

  “I-uh.” She giggled. “I don’t know even know what to say Alastair.”

  He looked towards her with a half-smile. The piercing of his hazel circles rendered her speechless. They walked a few steps, looking ahead at the trees blowing and cars passing by on the main street.

  “So how long have you need in Branding?” Tanya asked, trying not to look into his eyes.

  “I don’t want to talk about work if you don’t mind. It’s too beautiful out. What’s your story Tanya? What brought you to the UK?”

  “Long story.” She shrugged.

  “And I’ll be able to hear that story someday?” He urged.

  Tanya ignored the coaxing.

  “Mostly, for work. Plus, I’ve always wanted to live in another county.” She added.

  “I’ve really enjoyed working with you this week.”

  “I thought you said you didn’t wanna talk about that.”

  “You’re right.” Alastair slowed his pace. “So I’ll tell you MY story.”

  She slowed down as well, curious about what he was about to reveal. Judging by the first encounter with a good-looking man on the plane, she knew a wife and kid tale would soon follow. Tanya wasn’t trying to date, however, fantasizing couldn’t hurt.

  Alastair removed his hands from his pockets and maneuvered a head tilt to stretch his neck before speaking.

  “Born in Cambridge, moved to Paris with my dad after secondary school; after my parents divorced. I lived there up until about two years ago. I wanted to be a musician, but I didn’t have the talent.” He laughed.

  Tanya chuckled with a big smile, causing his eyes to pierce into hers even more.

  “Did someone crush your dreams?”

  “Yes! I found a love for Business Marketing after a winding road of trying and failing with music. I did NOT want to be a suit and tie guy, but it made me a lot of money. So I went with it. I got a job at an advertising firm in Paris until that company dissolved. Luckily, I met Gretchen on a random vacation in New York. She helped me get this job and I moved here.”

  “Nice story.”

  “There’s more in between of course, but I’ll wait until you uncover more about yourself first.”

  Tanya rolled her eyes and laughed.

  “You’re really into artsy stuff huh? You should find your way back to it. Not on the creative side, but there’s always room for a businessman behind the scenes.” She suggested.

  He paused to take in her advice. No one had ever recommended that to him before.

  “Tanya, you may be on to something.”

  “Just think about it. Business it cool. I LOVE working with numbers. But if you’re not into this type of world, why stay.”

  “The money.” Alastair snickered.

  “Okay, yes the money in this business is good. But don’t you feel like there’s more?”

  “At times yes.”

  “Then go find it. I love this job. The company has done me well. But I’ve seen what it could do to people who have other desires. It drains them. You only have one life Alastair. Go live it the way you want.”

  Alastair was intrigued. He’d talked about his love of art and entertainment to women he dated, however, they encouraged him to stay where the money was flowing. His hazel eyes pierced into her once again, hoping to get more out of the newbie in the office.

  “I gave you something about me. It had to be something else that drove you here to London.”

  Silence. Tanya didn’t want to dive into the REAL reason why she up and left for London. Her heart wasn’t completely healed from being left at the altar.

  “I get it. You’re not the open book type.” He added.

  “You are absolutely right Mr. Brooke. All in all, I needed a change.”

  “Fair enough.”

  Alastair realized he wasn’t going to get a story out of her. He didn’t mind being patient and hoped that their work relationship could at least turn into a friendship. Tanya was very different from the women he encountered. She was confident yet humble. It also captivated him that she’d take a chance in moving to a new country. Any woman who would step out of her comfort zone was someone he had to get to know.

  “So, what do you have planned for the weekend?” He asked.

  “Just going to wing it. Maybe do a little sight-seeing. I stayed in bed last weekend. This time change is hard to get used to.”

  “Viewing the sights. That sounds like the perfect weekend for a first timer. What type of places do you want to visit?”

  “Buckingham Palace, Big Ben. Things like that.”

  “Those are all fine, but you need to see more. You’re a resident now. Save that stuff for the tourists. Why don’t I come with you? I’ll show you the real London.” He suggested.

  Tanya didn’t know what to say to his invitation. He noticed the uncertainty and felt he was being too hasty.

  “Well,...it’s up to you. I know you’d probably like to see the city on your own. But if you’re looking for places to eat or spend a nice afternoon, give me a call.” Alastair handed her a business card. “My cell is on there.”

  “Thanks. I’ll consider that.” She replied.

  That night, Tanya decided to have dinner at a pub near the hotel. Although the experience was enjoyable, she felt lonely. As she reached into her wallet to pay for the meal, Alastair’s card appeared. His invitation was sweet, she was apprehensive about calling to meet with a man she barely knew outside of work. She put the card away, along with the nagging notion to call him.

  She didn’t understand his intentions. Inviting new co-workers out for the weekend could have been Alastair’s way of being a player. However, the more she indulged in the pub’s signature cocktail, thoughts of letting go of inhibitions took over.

  Why not allow this gorgeous man show me a good time tonight? I worked hard all week. I d
eserve it. It wouldn’t be a date or an obligation to see him on the regular.

  She gulped the last sip, then pulled out the business card along with her cell. The phone rang a few times before going to voicemail.

  “Hi, Alastair....It’s Tanya. I thought I’d take you up on that offer to show me around. I just finished dinner and...um would like to see if you knew of any good spots to grab a drink and listen to some music. But you can just text me a place if you’re busy. I hope you’re enjoying your evening. Bye.”

  She hung up and rammed her hands onto her head; feeling like a desperate spinster.

  “What in the world was I thinking? He’s probably relaxing with his girlfriend.” She said getting up to leave.

  Back in the hotel suite, Tanya sat on the sofa, looking out the window. She couldn’t believe her actions. Coming to London was not a manhunt, nor a chance to gain a social life.

  Snuggled with a pillow, the phone vibrated under her forearm.

  “Hello?” She answered.

  “Hey Tanya, its Alastair. Sorry, I missed your call, I was in the shower. So you’re trying to get out tonight?”

  “Yea I was but, I think I’ll just stay in.”

  “No, you won’t. A friend of mine graduated from art school today. We’re getting together to celebrate. You’re coming too!”

  “Oh no, I don’t want to intrude on you and your friends. I’ll be fine.”

  “They won’t mind. You wouldn’t have called if you really wanted to stay home.”

  “Where are you guys going anyway?”

  “A bar. Is that okay?”

  “Yea, I like bars.”

  “Good. What hotel do they have you shacked up in? I’ll get the car to bring me on over to pick you up.”

  A large smile plastered Tanya’s face. She was scared to hang out with Alastair and his friends, however getting out of that suite was something she couldn’t pass up.

  “I’m at Conrad St. James.”

  “It’ll take me about 30 minutes to get to you. So go do those lady things you all do to get ready and I’ll be over there.”

  Tanya laughed. “Okay. See you soon.”

  Standing in the mirror trying to create a messy bun, took her back to the morning of the wedding rehearsal. A tear rolled down her cheek before she knew it. She quickly wiped it away, then finished her hair and make-up. Since it was a bar night, Tanya threw on a stylish sweater with a pair of dark stretch pants.