Twist of Fate

by Jaime Whitley

  Curiosity gets the better of me, so I open the window. His page is private and the only thing I can see are pictures that others tagged him in. Opening it, I see a lot of pictures of him in a police uniform and articles about his arrests from the papers. Well, I guess he’s not in the Army anymore, but damn he still looks good in a uniform. After a little more stalking on Megan’s end, we learn he lives about twenty minutes away from me. Seeing enough, I close the laptop and slide it to the side.

  “Okay, I think that’s enough for the night,” knowing I won’t be continuing the search anytime soon.

  “What are you going to do?”

  My eyebrows draw in at my confusion, “What do you mean?”

  “You know where he lives, and you do share a son. Don’t you think you should at least tell him about Ezra?” she questions.

  “I haven’t even thought about that, to be honest. I think it’s better if he doesn’t know. I don’t want him to feel obligated to be in our lives because he has a son with me. Besides, I can’t be around him. I know it sounds stupid, but I have all these intense feelings around him and if I have to see him with Kristin and my son …” I trail off looking down, not finishing what I want to say, because just thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach.

  “That’s kind of selfish, don’t you think?” You never have to worry about Megan not speaking her mind.

  I snap my head back up and glare at her. “Selfish? It has been me and Ezra for the past two years. I love him and always put him first. For being a single mom, I think I’ve done a pretty damn good job. He is two, Megan; he hasn’t asked about his father. So I’m just supposed to introduce him to Silas and pray he sticks around? What if he decides he doesn’t want to be a dad and walks? Then I’m left picking up the pieces of a heartbroken child. How is that fair? How am I being selfish?”

  “Whoa, calm down!” Megan’s holding her hands up, wavering off my attack. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. Just think about it, alright?”

  “There’s nothing to think about Meg, we both agreed, one night, no strings attached. This is a pretty damn big string. We didn’t exchange last names or numbers. This is how it’s supposed to be. So please, can we just drop it?” I’m still annoyed with her, but I choose to let it go.

  Megan nods her head and we have a couple more drinks. I know this isn’t a good idea considering I have another signing tomorrow, but I need to unwind after today. I’ll probably wake up with a hangover. Oh well, I will put on a happy face, pop an aspirin, sign books and smile for the cameras. It will all be worth it. Tomorrow I will wake up and things will be back to normal, leaving today just a bad dream I woke up from.

  Chapter 6

  Silas

  Taking one last glance in the mirror, I’m satisfied with the outfit I’m wearing. God, I’m worse than a girl. Doing a once over before I leave? What has gotten into me? Lilly, that’s what. Man-up Silas. I want to look casual, like I didn’t put much thought into today, but who am I kidding? After reading her book last night, it is pretty clear that she took our one night together and put it out there for the whole world to read. It’s not like anyone knows it’s me, but I’m still shocked. When I saw that sign in the book store, I knew that was my shot. I’m never one to back down from a challenge. I can do difficult; I’m actually quite a pro in that area.

  Pulling up to the book store, I’m feeling pretty confident. Kristin isn’t here and I can acknowledge the fact that I’ve met Lilly before. I felt like a complete prick pretending like I didn’t know her. I’m sure it made her feel like a cheap piece of ass, but she couldn’t be anything further from it. I need to apologize and make things right. Besides, who knows when I might run into her again.

  I called the book store to see what time the signing ended. I wanted to make sure I was her last reader so she couldn’t run away from me again. I grab one of her books and get in line, letting everyone who ends up behind me go ahead. Trying to stay hidden behind all the readers ahead of me, I manage to sneak a few glances at her. She looks stunning, but there’s something amiss. She’s smiling as she’s greeting people, but it’s not as big as I remember. Then I see her assistant hand her something and a bottle of water. Holy shit, she’s hung over. I remember how we both felt and looked when we woke up the next morning on the way to our flights. I can’t believe I didn’t see it right away. Her assistant, on the other hand, looks like she got hit by a train. Of course, I find this amusing, and if it was anyone else, I would jump on the opportunity to fuck with them. But seeing as it’s Lilly, I’ll do my best to refrain. I’m next in line, and as soon as I step up to the table, she drops her pen and bends down to pick it up before she can even see me. She starts to apologize as she sits back up and freezes when her eyes connect with mine. Knowing I have the power to make her body go completely still at the sight of me, it turns me on. The hitched breath she took didn’t go unnoticed either. She can run all she wants, but I like a good chase.

  “I’d like my book signed please.” Sliding the hardcover I purchased in front of her, I stare into those luscious eyes, refusing to break contact. She remains still for a moment longer, pulling the attention of her assistant. I could be mistaken, but an audible gasp comes from the girl’s mouth before she speaks. It’s clear her assistant knows who I am, but how she knows what I look like definitely peaks my curiosity. Maybe they were doing some cyber stalking of their own?

  “Lilly, are you going to sign his book?” She nudges Lilly’s shoulder. Her eyes dart back and forth between Lilly and me.

  “Right, sorry, who should I make it out to, Kristin?” she asks, trying to push my buttons. Two can play at this game. Remembering the main character’s name in her book, I decide to go with that. “Miles.” A grin stretches across my face, and I watch as her face goes pale as a ghost as the realization sets in. Yeah, that’s right, not only did I read your book, but I’m fully aware it’s based on our night together. Just call me your muse, baby.

  Seeing that she still has not moved, her assistant snaps her fingers to break Lilly out of her trance. “Lilly, what is wrong with you? Sign this poor man’s book.” She glances over at me, pulling my attention to her. “I’m sorry, this has never happened before. You said Silas, right?”

  “Miles, actually, but since you know my name, I’m assuming you know why I would suggest the latter of the two.” Returning my eyes back to Lilly, she closes them for a second, letting out a sigh. Good, I’m getting under her skin.

  “Right.” She drags out the word for added emphasis. “Lilly, sign Silas’s book, I’m sure he doesn’t want to be here all day, and we have to go get Ezra.”

  Lilly suddenly is brought back to reality at the sound of the name of the other man. Dare I say she looks panicked? Shooting the woman a look that could kill, she starts introductions, “Megan, this is Silas; Silas this is my best friend and assistant, Megan.” She’s motioning her hands between us looking very unamused.

  Megan opens her mouth to say something before closing it, confirming my suspicions she knows all about me. I shake her hand and nod.

  “Sorry, Silas. It’s been a long day; here, let me sign this so we can both get out of here.” Lilly’s hands are shaking as she pulls the book toward her, opening the book, making the spine crack before she scribbles something in it. My attention is flighty. I’m torn inside, wondering who Ezra is.

  The sudden eagerness in Lilly’s voice makes me curious. After Megan mentioned his name, she was quick to get rid of me. If I had one guess, I would imagine it’s her boyfriend. But I’m not going to make it easy for her to run away this time. The mentioning of this guy’s name infuriates me and my fists clench together. The thought of another man touching her makes my blood boil. I know it’s wrong, and that I’m with Kristin, but I’m not going to let her slip away this easily again. Assuming she feels the same way I do, I need to keep her in my life. I unclench my fists and take a deep breath to control the sudden rage that consumes me with the thought of another man’s hands
on those hips.

  “Listen, if you have some spare time, I would like to grab lunch. I’ve obviously read your book and just have some questions.” Hopefully she won’t run away this time.

  “Look, if you’re upset about the book, I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t think I would ever see you again, let alone have you read my book.” She’s packing up her stuff and still hasn’t answered my question.

  “I’m not upset about the book. In fact, I can see why it is such a huge hit. Your writing blew me away; you’re very talented.” Maybe if I’m honest with her, it will calm her nerves a little.

  “I appreciate that, I really do; but I have some things I need to take care of.” I see the flight or fight instincts kick in as she’s packing up in a hurry, ready to run out of here like a bat out of hell. “Megan, are you ready to go?” I have a feeling this has to do with the man Megan mentioned. If it does, then I’m glad she’s uncomfortable. She will learn real fast that the curves on her body are meant for my hands to explore, not this other prick’s.

  “Right, you have to meet, Ezra was his name, right?” Fishing for answers, I see her hands tighten around the bag she has strapped over her. I know I hit a sensitive subject. Her eyes are scanning the room, avoiding all contact with my own. “Look, it doesn’t have to be today.” I decide to let her off the hook for now, hoping she will take me up on the offer.

  “She can go,” Megan butts in, looking at Lilly, but nodding her head at me. “I’ll take care of those other things. You guys should go, have lunch and catch up.” She takes the bag off Lilly’s shoulder and starts to leave before Lilly can tell her no. I don’t know Megan, but I already like her.

  Lilly sighs before facing me. “I guess we’re going to lunch. Did you have somewhere specific you wanted to go?”

  “Considering you’re hung over, I’ll let you choose. Whatever your stomach can handle, that’s what we will eat.” This earns me a small smile from her as we head out of the bookstore.

  “You can tell? I look that bad, huh?” She’s running her hands nervously through her long hair trying to fix her appearance.

  “We were both pretty hung over the next morning. With that said, you look just as beautiful as the day I met you. If not, even more so. Shall we?” I hold the car door open for her and watch her body move as she walks toward it. Thanking me, she gets in and I swear I think I see her blushing. I say a silent ‘thank you’ to Megan and am ready for some much wanted answers.

  Chapter 7

  Lilly

  I’m a ball of nerves as we drive to my favorite diner. My stomach is in knots and, I can’t stop myself from fidgeting with the bottom of my dress. My hands are clammy, and my knee will not stop bouncing. I’m surprised I haven’t hurled right here in his car. I shift nervously and bite my lip; it is wedged so hard between my teeth, I half expect blood to be drawn from it. Neither one of us is talking, but I feel a strong electric charge in the car with us. Goose bumps flood my body. Silas has this magnetic pull to him that I can’t seem to escape. I could still feel it when I thought about him every now and then over the last two years, but it definitely doesn’t help having him around. If anything, the feeling multiplies, making it that much harder. Staring out the window, my skin immediately tingles as Silas places his hand on my knee, causing me to jump.

  “Sorry.” He removes his hand from my now still leg. “You look really nervous. Please stop bouncing your leg like that. It's just lunch. I'm not asking you for another one-night-stand." His laugh after that statement causes my head to swing to look at him. "Lilly, relax. I'm kidding. Unless you want to, then I'm down." He flashes me a wink and his sexy grin makes me melt just as we pull up to the diner. I’m somewhat relieved to be out of such a confined space with him.

  “I’m starting to think I should have picked a place where they serve alcohol,” I blurt out. I turn to him and he has an amused look on his face.

  “If memory serves me correct, alcohol is why we’re here in the first place.” He’s got a point. I wouldn’t mind reliving that night, I think to myself.

  I’m feeling like this day is going from bad to worse by the minute. The car door opens and Silas is standing with his hand out to help me out of the car. Steeling my nerves, I reach out to him. He closes his fingers, trapping mine with his. The strong hold he has on my hand reminds me of when he lifted my hands above my head when we were having sex. My already unsettled stomach does a flip. Anyone looking at us would think we’re a couple walking into the diner. For a moment, even though I know I shouldn’t, I let myself enjoy the happy feeling of being with this amazing man.

  “So, you got me here.” I trail off as I sit in the booth.

  “I did.” His smile and nod are cocky. Is he serious right now? That’s it? If he is waiting for me to start this extremely awkward conversation, he might as well take me home.

  The waitress comes, interrupting the awkward silence. Quickly, I order disco fries and a coke. Silas grunts and has a disgusted look on his face. “Gravy and cheese? On your fries?”

  “Have you ever tried it?” I bite back. Clearly he hasn’t, because they are delicious.

  “No, I can’t say that I have.”

  “Well, then you shouldn’t knock it till you try it. He will take the same.” I take the menu from his hand and give it to the waitress as Silas stares at me in shock.

  “What?”

  “I don’t remember you being so bossy.” He grins at me. “I definitely like it.” A weight that was pressing down on my shoulders disappears as I feel the tension lifting between us, so I allow a laugh to escape me.

  “So, I guess I’ll start. Obviously you know I’ve read your book,” I nod for him to continue, “And I think it’s safe to say that we both know who that book is really about.” Staring at him, I wait for him to get to the point. “I guess my main question is, do you feel the same way about me as Delilah does about Miles? Is that why you wrote the book?”

  He just went right to the heart of it, didn’t he? I shift in my seat uncomfortably; again the waitress saves the day and comes with our order. I drink some of my Coke and think of the best way to answer. I know honesty is the right way to go, but am I brave enough to do that? My shaky hands holding my drink tell me I’m not, but there’s only one way to find out. Placing my drink down, I clear my throat and let out a deep breath. “Yes, I did.” Okay, so maybe half truth is a good place to start.

  “Did?” Silas says, rubbing the back of his neck, looking almost disappointed. “I didn’t know at the time that you were a writer.”

  “Well, to be fair, we didn’t really know anything about each other. One-night-stand, no strings attached, remember?” I give him a playful wink, hoping the rest of this conversation goes more smoothly than it is now.

  “Can I be totally honest here?” There’s a hopeful look in his eyes, and even though I’m a little hesitant, I allow it.

  “Okay.” My heart starts to pick up its pace and I feel my palms starting to get sweaty. Why is this man making me so nervous? It’s just a conversation, not sex.

  “I know we said no strings attached, but I didn’t tell you then, and I’d be stupid not to tell you now. When we were together that night, I know we were drunk, but I had a clear enough head to be able to tell me what my heart was feeling. Maybe it was a one-sided attraction, but being with you that night, I felt the deepest connection I have ever felt in my life. It only took one night of being with you to realize I’d never get over you. I don’t know, I just can’t explain it. It’s like since then--”

  “No one has ever measured up?” I allow the words to escape my mouth in a low whisper. I don’t know where I found the courage to say that out loud. Maybe it was somewhere between my heart doing somersaults at the fact that he felt or feels the same way I do. Maybe Megan was right, I should tell him about Ezra.

  “I know I’m with Kristin.” Just like that, all thoughts of us being a possibility are out the window and they are replaced with a queasy stomach. Of course he�
�s with Kristin, why or how could I forget that? He continues through my rambling mind, “It’s inappropriate for me to even talk about this, but I feel like you should know. I would regret never telling you, like I did the first time.”

  Feeling like a complete moron, and with a slight ache in my heart, I need to put an end to this lunch. That is the best option right now.

  Just as he’s about to speak again, I hold my hand up so I can go first. “Don’t worry about it, Silas. It was one night with no strings. It was better that neither one of us said anything. You were in the Army at the time, and I was traveling a lot with my job. It probably wouldn’t have worked out anyway. But I’m glad you got the chance to tell me how you really felt.”

  Seeing a cab pull up out front, I take that as my chance to flee. I throw some money down on the table and look at Silas and say, “Now that we know we live in the same area, maybe it’s best if we just try to not run into each other.” I get up and start to walk away.

  “Lilly wait, that’s not why I wanted to talk, that’s not what I want.” I hear the desperation in Silas’s voice as he yells that to me, but I don’t turn around. I can’t. The fact is, whatever happens between us when we are together, this connection, it scares the hell out of me. He’s with Kristin and I’m playing with fire allowing myself to be surrounded by his intoxicating smell and irresistible looks. I jump in the vacant cab and give the driver my home address.