Shortly after getting ready, Alastair was at the door.
“Hi!” Tanya greeted with a big smile.
He stood back, piercing with a full body pan.
“Hello, you look amazing!”
“Thanks. It’s nice to see you out of those suits.” She replied awkwardly.
Alastair was dressed in a long sleeve fitted shirt and jeans. He was dashing in a suit, but very sexy to Tanya in casual clothes.
“Thank you, Miss Hunter. You ready to head out?”
“I need to grab my phone. Come in.” She motioned him to get out of the hallway.
He haltingly walked in and looked around the hotel suite.
“They didn’t set me up in a nice place like this when I came over.” He joked.
“That’s because you’re from here.” She called out, walking towards the back of the suite.
His huge laugh at her smart reply turned Tanya on immediately.
“Correction, I came in from Paris.”
“Oh, sorry Mr. Brooke.” She giggled. “Let’s go.”
“Where did you have dinner?” He followed her out the door.
“At a pub, not too far from here.”
“You should have called me sooner. I would have taken you to dinner at a REAL restaurant.”
Tanya smiled. Which made Alastair smile. Their eyes connected within the silence that interrupted their conversation. He cleared his throat then continued.
“I’m going to grab something at the bar. I worked late today, and didn’t have a chance to have a fancy dinner like you.”
She smirked while giving a flirty eye. He grinned at her expression as they walked towards to elevator. When they reached the front lobby, Tanya saw a black town car waiting for them in front of the hotel.
“How far is this place?” She asked getting comfortable in the backseat.
“Umm about 10 or 15 minutes.” Alastair replied pulling his phone from his pocket.
As the driver took off, Tanya became a voyeur from the car window. Viewing the London night sky was amazing. She almost got lost in it until she heard his voice.
“Where in the States did you come from again?” Alastair asked, placing his phone on his lap. He knew the answer but needed a way to get to know her better.
“Alabama.” Tanya replied keeping her gaze out the window. “Birmingham, Alabama.”
“So, I’ve partied in LA, New York, Chicago, and Miami. You MUST tell me what it’s like hanging out in Alabama.”
“Well if you’ve hung out in those places then you’d be disappointed in Alabama.” She replied facing him.
“That bad huh?” Alastair laughed.
“I wouldn’t say bad, just different. It was fun because I had my close friends there, but it seemed so limiting.”
“How long were you there?”
“A few years, off and on. I moved there for college. Then, I left there for Miami because I wanted the beach life. Then our lovely company moved me back. Which was only supposed to be for six months but, I was bamboozled into staying longer. So I bought a townhome and got comfortable.” Tanya shrugged.
“Where were you born?”
“A small town in Kentucky. I’ll NEVER go back there. Nothing left for me, not even my family. My parents retired in South Beach, and my two brothers live in St. Louis. Well, that’s where their mail goes. They’re hardly ever there. Always going off to Europe for whatever reason.”
“Born into a family of wanderers.” Alastair laughed.
“Yes, definitely. My dad would travel a lot for work, and my brothers would go with him sometimes. When I was around 16, he started taking me during the summer. I remember my first time in New York. Flying over the city, seeing those tall buildings lit a fire in me. I knew then and there I wanted to travel and see what the world had to offer.”
It was a long time since Tanya expressed that to anyone. It flowed easily during the car ride with Alastair. With the time she spent with Kenneth, she never felt comfortable talking about how it felt to travel with her dad as a teenager. He was so complacent and negative towards anywhere that wasn’t Birmingham.
“I like people like you.” He said, adjusting in the tight seatbelt. “Just soaking up the things that people take for granted.”
“I don’t see why anyone would want to stay in the same place forever.” Tanya added.
“Right. Traveling is my knack too. I’ve always loved seeing new places, meeting people, and experiencing different cultures. Although my first time trying to drive in the States was a complete disaster!”
“You gotta tell me what happened.”
“I’ll sum it up this way. Wrong side of the road, blue and red lights behind me. Men in uniforms badgering me with a breathalyzer.”
“Ouch!”
“Yea, it was bad.”
Their eyes couldn’t help but stay connected in an intimate manner. Tanya wanted to break the gaze, but the force of the hazel gaze wouldn’t let up.
“I’m a little afraid to drive here. I think I’ll just stick to public transportation and car service for now.”
“You’ll get the gist of it.” Alastair said. “I’m glad you shared some of your story with me.”
Tanya smiled. His phone rang, breaking the spell of his eyes, which allowed her to finally look away.
When they walked into the bar, Alastair was immediately greeted by his friends. He made it a point to introduce Tanya to everyone as they welcomed her graciously. They sat down at the saved seats waiting for them at the bar.
“What are you drinking tonight?” He reached for the food menu.
“Good question” Tanya replied getting settled into her seat. “What do you typically get?”
“I’m a whiskey man, but I’m not sure if that is up to your speed.”
“Up to my speed? Humph. Well, I’ll have one too.”
Startled by her request, Alastair ordered what she wanted. As the bartender handed them drinks, he leaned in close.
“And by the way, drinks are on me tonight.” He said softly, then pulled back to wink at her.
She smiled and mouthed a “Thank You”.
The night went on with good conversations between Alastair and his friends, who were fellow travel lovers and dreamers. Tanya hadn’t smiled that much since her bachelorette party. Instead of her mind drifting back to a place that resulted in a somber mood, she lived in the present moment, basking in the surroundings.
As the whiskey drinks set in for them, they became flirty in subtle ways. Leaning on each other while laughing, eye connections that lasted longer than the usual, and even the upper arm grab that women do with their significant other.
“So, I must ask you. Do you have a boyfriend waiting to come out to visit?” Alastair asked, hoping she would say no.
Tanya took a minute to answer. “No, I’m single.”
Alastair bit his bottom lip then moved his eyes to do another pan of Tanya. “Why would a beautiful woman like yourself be single?”
“I was left at the altar. And no I don’t wanna talk about it.” She blurted, then waved her hand at him.
She knew it had to come out sooner or later. It felt better to say it, and brush it off with the help of “whiskey courage”. A look of concern painted Alastair’s face. He couldn’t have imagined that happening to her.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to explain. It’s the past. And now, we drink!” He replied.
“Ok!” Tanya said, relieved.
“Two more please.” He said to the bartender.
“Are you single?” She asked, resting her face on her fist.
“Yes. I had a rocky relationship with a controlling woman. Didn’t fit my lifestyle.”
“Oh. Well, what is your lifestyle?”
“Kind of like yours. Travelling, sports, adventure, and with the advice of a new friend...” He nudged her. “I may even step into the entertainment world.”
“Ah. So men DO listen.” She flirted.
Alastair laughed wit
h his piercing eyes. “I can’t speak for all men. But, this one definitely does.”
“This old girlfriend wasn’t interested in supporting you?”
“Nope. She wanted me to stay complacent. I can’t do that. We couldn’t find a common ground so it ended. We’re still cordial.”
“Sorry that happened.” Tanya empathized.
“Bad times are temporary, and they happen for a reason.” He handed her a drink. “Don’t you agree?”
She nodded and thought about what she had been through. The times where she couldn’t get out of bed and just wanted to sleep. And now she was living in a new country. She thought deeper about what he said, understanding that if she was married to Kenneth, the occurrence would have only been a fantasy.
“You’re so right Alastair. My relationship ending was horrible AND embarrassing. Before I left, I still had to explain to my wedding guests what happened.” She sighed.
Alastair leaned closer as she continued.
“I just wanted to disappear. Then I received a call to move out here, and everything started to make sense.”
“Glad you’re looking at it from a positive perspective. Times like that can take a person to a dark place.”
“Yea. But I had my family and friends around helping me through it. I miss them so much. That’s the only downside of being on another side of the world.”
“Hopefully this new friendship between us will help ease that. I know I can’t replace them but, I’d like to try and fill a void in any way I can.” Alastair suggested.
“I’d like that.” Tanya raised her glass. “To new friendship.”
“To new friendship AND your first night out in London” He tapped her glass with his.
By 4am, they were walking back to the hotel suite.
“Thanks so much for tonight. I really needed it.” She said as they reached the door.
“Anytime. And feel free to call me whenever. I don’t want you to feel lonely out here.” He smiled, giving one last piercing look.
“I will keep that in mind.” She nodded.
As they hugged goodnight, Tanya took in Alastair’s aura, wanting to hold onto him for the rest of the evening.
“Text me when you make it home.”
“I’ll be sure to do that. Goodnight.”
She giggled and pointed to the time on his phone. “It’s morning Alastair.”
He made sure she was safely inside before returning downstairs to the town car.
After changing into night clothes, Tanya called Shauna to catch up on her first night out in London. It was only 10pm Alabama time. Over the hour, Tanya filled her in on the night with Alastair. Shauna liked the fact that her friend was feeling better but expressed concern about staying out all night with an unknown man.
Chapter VII: Envious Rumor?
The following month, Tanya’s parents came to visit. Their presence was definitely needed as it set in daily that she didn’t have her support system. They all piled into the hotel suite, pushing her to sleep on the sofa for a few days.
“What do you think dad?” She asked pulling their luggage into the bedroom.
“Love it! When I came here years ago, I wasn’t fortunate enough to stay in nice places like this.”
“Prob because you wanted to be near the red light district.” Tamara grumbled.
“Ma, don’t start.” Tanya laughed.
“What’s first on the agenda baby?” Tamara asked.
“I hope it includes something to eat.” Moses said, moving the curtains to reveal the daylight.
“Actually, it does dad.” She took a seat on the edge of the sofa. “A friend of mine is meeting us for lunch at Chez Bruce.”
“What type of place is that?” He asked. “And you’re making friends already baby girl?”
“Its modern European food. You’ll love it.” Tanya waved him off.
“Who is this friend?” Her mother asked.
She flashed a radiant smile. “A guy from work. His name is Alastair.”
Tamara stood in front of her glowing daughter. “Is there more we should know about this Alastair?”
“We met at work, and he’s practically my only friend here.”
“So is there more to this friendship?” Tamara placed her hand on Tanya’s shoulder.
“No ma!” She flinched. “We’re working together on this project and, sometimes we hang out on the weekends. He’s been showing me around.”
“Good baby girl. Glad you’re moving on.” Moses patted her on the head.
“Ow dad!” She giggled.
“Moving on!?” Tamara uttered. “Tanya...”
“It’s not like that mama.” She groaned.
Alastair sat at the table near the window, waiting for Tanya and her parents to arrive. The anticipation of making a good impression on Moses and Tamara, caused him to fidget.
“She’s not your girlfriend Alastair.” He said to himself. “It’s just a Sunday lunch.”
While he reassured himself, Tanya with her parents in tow, approached the table.
“Hey! I hope we didn’t have you waiting long. Dad wanted to take pictures everywhere.” Tanya said gently touching his shoulder.
Alastair stood up to welcome them. He cleaved his eyes into his beautiful friends before responding.
“That’s okay. You guys like sitting near the sunlight?”
“Oh, it’s fine dear. I’m Tamara Hunter.” She said, pushing her daughter aside.
“Pleasure to meet you.” He shook Tamara’s hand.
“And this is my father, Moses.” Tanya added, peeking around her mother’s shoulder.
“Nice to meet you, Alastair.” Moses took a seat across from him. “You picked this place?”
“Yes. Mostly European food but it’s a great selection.” Alastair replied handing him the menu.
“I can eat anything right about now. The food on the plane...horrible.”
“How was the flight?” Alastair asked her parents.
“Equally horrible.” Moses said skimming through the menu.
They enjoyed modern cuisines, suggested by Alastair. As the lunch went on, his nerves calmed down. Their laugh-filled conversations made him feel as if he’d known the Hunters forever. Tanya’s parents took a liking to him as well, especially her father. He was very impressed with his daughter’s “friend”, listening to the daring stories of life in Paris.
“My boys lived there for a short while. Until Lewis got arrested for something. Damn boy cost me a fortune trying to get him out.” Moses embellished.
“It was a misunderstanding, love.” Tamara laughed.
“Either way, I spent money on a grown ass man, chasing God knows what, instead of being at home with his family. Cost me a lot and cost him his first marriage.”
“Wow. I must meet him!” Alastair gushed. “Sounds like an interesting guy.”
“Oh no!” Moses exclaimed. “He’s trouble.”
“Leave my brother alone dad!”
“Anybody ready for dessert?” Alastair asked moving empty plates to the side.
“I know Tamara is.” Moses joked.
“You damn right! I’m on vacation, so I can indulge.” She replied. “What do you recommend Alastair?”
“I think you’ll love the hot chocolate pudding with praline parfait”. He smiled.
“I LOVE praline!”
“Tanya may have mentioned that.” He nudged her with a wink. “See, I listen.”
“That I know.” Tanya replied, continuing her unmovable smile.
“Alastair, you seem to be a great friend. I haven’t seen my baby girl smile like this since before her wedding.”
“Moses!” Tamara elbowed him.
“It’s okay ma.” She sighed. “He knows.”
“So what’s your perspective, Al?” Moses inquired. “You mind if I call you Al?”
“Sure.” Alastair nodded. “And I don’t know all the details. But, I don’t want Tanya to focus on the past. I think any man who would d
o that to a woman is a coward and doesn’t deserve her. I’m glad she’s here now.”
He took her hand, driving his hazel eyes into hers.
Tanya gently squeezed his hand. “I’m glad I’m here too.”
Her parents noticed the dreamy eyes between them. Alastair appeared to be a great man, however, they didn’t want their only daughter falling in love too quickly. At least that’s how Tamara felt. Moses was happy to see his daughter thriving after the crushing event.
As the waiter brought the check to the table, Moses reached for his wallet. Alastair placed his credit card on top of the receipt.
“Lunch is on me.”
“My kind of guy.” Moses pushed his chair back. “On that note, I’m going to the bathroom.”
“Everyone didn’t need to know that!” Tamara teased, as her husband shuffled away.
“I’m going to excuse myself as well.” Alastair stood and glanced at Tanya with a flirty eye. “Be right back.”
With the men gone, Tamara took the opportunity to interrogate.
“Tanya.” She said, scooping the last of the chocolate pudding. “What is REALLY going on with you two?”
Tanya cleared her throat. “We’re just friends. We work together. That’s it.”
“Have you forgotten that I’m your mother?” She replied sternly.
“I know what it looks like. But, he’s been very helpful. I have no one here with me. It gets lonely sometimes. Having a friend like Alastair has made this transition...easier.”
Tamara wiped her mouth with the decorative cloth napkin, then continued. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he’s being a good friend to you. But, don’t...”
“Ma, don’t say it.” Tanya interrupted. “I’m not getting into another relationship right now. I don’t see myself going through all of that until I’m settled.”
“Okay.” Her mother sighed. “Just watch yourself.”
She took a sip of water to wash away the white lies. There was something more to her and Alastair’s friendship, however, she wasn’t ready to define it.
Devastation or Destiny??? Page 8