Misty Nights
A Short Romance
By
Donna Hernandez
Kindle EDITION
* * * * *
PUBLISHED BY:
Hernandez Inc Publishing on Kindle
Misty Nights
A Short Romance
Copyright © 2012 by Donna Hernandez
All rights reserved. Except for the use in any review, the reproduction of utilization of this work in whole or part in any form of any electronic mechanical or under means, now know or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying or recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the permission of the publisher and author.
Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Misty Nights
Chapter One
“Surely this must be a joke … right?” Sandra was looking her uncle’s lawyer squarely in the eye, searching for the sign that would bring a sigh of relief, the flicker of a smile or a wink, anything but his face remained impassive.
“No, Ma’am. This is no joke.” He stood there in his expensive suit, leather briefcase resting on the table top at his left hand as though he were already tired of the questioning and was ready to leave, even though Sandra was in his office. Holding up her uncle’s will in his right hand, he said once more, “Shall I read it to you again?”
Sandra shook her head, feeling numb. “No, don’t bother. I get it… I …I just don’t understand why Uncle Peter would do something like this … it doesn’t make sense.”
“I don’t mean to be rude but I think we both know what kind of man your uncle was, Ma’am.” The lawyer cocked his head to the side, watching, waiting for her agreement his hands raised imploringly, eyes locking onto hers willing her to nod but Sandra did nothing of the sort. Yes, her uncle had been something of a black sheep, the odd one out in the family, not like her father who was a regular hard-working family man. Uncle Peter had always done things differently. She remembered the time when as a fourteen year-old girl, high on puppy love for Ben Watson, a geeky kid who was now a millionaire, her Uncle Peter had paid Paul Truman, the local bully to give him a hiding and threaten to do it again if he ever came near her.
Sandra was angry, and this jumped up Lawyer with his piggy little eyes and impatient manner was really beginning to drive her up the wall. “No, I don’t know what you are trying to imply, but my uncle was a good man and he wouldn’t have done something like this!” Sandra stood up from the chair she had been sitting in and made herself taller, more threatening, her multi-colored dress flapping as it caught up with the rest of her and the lawyer eyed it, his face unreadable.
“I’m his niece, his only damn niece. Why would he make it so difficult for me?” She threw her arms up once more to stress her point and the blue sleeves of her dress flashed in the light from the overhead fluorescents, almost blinding the lawyer in the process, who shielded his eyes with one hand.
“I’m sure there is a reason behind the madness, Ma’am.” He said, shrugging as he began to place the will back in his briefcase for safekeeping, taking his time and not making any sudden movements just in case.
Sandra noticed, and at once her long slender fingers removed themselves from her head where they had been wringing her hair agitatedly and moved to her bag, which was resting against the base of the huge leather recliner.
“Whatever, I haven’t got time for this farce.” Sandra said, turning and walking to the double doors, leading to the outside world and freedom, freedom from this madness.
“Ma’am, wait … are you …”
Just before the doors closed, the lawyer heard, “Not in a million years!” and he smiled, nodding, understanding.
“Do it, Sandy, for two million dollars I’d marry a man 3 times my age ‘and’ have his baby!” Roxi leaned forward, chewing her gum manically, her eyes wide, disbelieving.
Sandra was about to take a swig of her beer but stopped, putting her beer back on the table with a loud thud. “You would do it for two hundred dollars Roxi, let alone two million, and besides, I don’t even know what this guy looks like. What if he’s really ugly?” Sandra felt the need to take a long swig of her beer at that point, her imagination flashing unpleasant images before her mind’s eye.
Roxi placed her empty beer in the middle of the table, the bottle clinking against the other 3 empties, and rolled her eyes as she snapped her gum suddenly. Then Roxi looked at her once more, shaking her head as she explained, “Sandy, you gotta put things into perspective here, see. None of that matters, his looks, his job, the guy’s weight, whatever … we are talking two ‘million’ dollars here.”
“So?” Sandra shrugged, listening.
“Think this through. You’re about to go to college. You have no job and no hope of getting one the way things are around here unless you want to do what I do, of course?” Roxi winked and lifted up her long red hair in one hand, pulling it high up on her head seductively revealing her slender neck, and rubbing one hand over her breasts as she gyrated at the table, licking her lips, drawing stares from a group of truckers at the bar who she loudly snapped her gum at before looking at Sandra once more.
Sandra looked disgusted, “eewww, no way on this earth would you catch me doing that … no offence Roxi but look at your customers!”
Roxi laughed and but didn’t show any sign of having taken offence. She was after all, a happy-go-lucky gal who lived life to the full. She had neither the time nor the inclination to ever be serious about anything … except money. “So, in that case little miss Sandy, your options are … continue to be poor and in fact be ‘even’ poorer once you’re in college ‘or’ marry this mystery man, and get paid your two million dollars. Geez, you don’t even have to live with the guy for Christ sakes … just do it, Sandy.”
Sandra thought for a moment. Roxi was right. She didn’t have to live with the guy; and the will only stipulated that she simply marry him, not fall in love with him or spend any time with him. It didn’t look so bad after all. Sandra smiled and Roxi, seeing her smile broke out into a huge grin. “Another beer?”
“Don’t mind if I do, Roxi.”
Chapter Two
Three years later …
The music in the club was electronic house or something similar and it was a little repetitive for Sandra’s taste, still, she preferred it to the usual pop and hip-hop that had suddenly grown popular throughout the world. Her students were forever playing it on the radio but she didn’t mind, as it somehow seemed to fuel their creativity as they worked. Roxi sat opposite her chewing gum manically as she conversed with a young man who had latched onto them both as they made their way through the club. Sandra watched the exchange, a bored look on her face as the man, dressed in baggy jeans and t-shirt gestured to Roxi again and again, that sly smile creasing up one side of his face as he said something apparently clever because Roxi snapped her gum and laughed, patting his arm flirtatiously. Sandra glanced over her shoulder and spotted the man’s playmate, still watching her but she shot him a dirty look and waved her hand at him dismissively. He had tried it on with her but Sandra had blown him out in a heartbeat. She didn’t go for that macho, over-confident, cocky crap that Roxi was so obsessed with in a guy; after all, didn’t relationships based on that ‘bad-boy’ infatuation always end badly for the girl?
She felt underdressed and woefully out of place. Hurry up Thomas.
She was in a good mood though, after all, tonight
was the night when Thomas would grant her the freedom she deserved after three years of marriage. In the end she had married Thomas. The wedding had been a small affair with Roxi, her uncle’s lawyer and one of Thomas’ friends there to witness it. She had signed her life away and got out as quick as she could, not hanging around to exchange pleasantries with Thomas who was actually not bad looking. Long messy black hair that curled around his ears and light blue eyes, he was quite an attractive man, and Sandra did find herself physically attracted to him, despite the fact that he was almost twice her age. She had avoided him for 3 years though, and met the full requirements of her uncle’s will, now she wanted her life back.
Thomas eventually showed up and joined them at their table, not before being swarmed and fawned over by both women and men as he made his way across the dance floor, pumping fists and high fiving. Sandra felt sick as she watched him, a wide grin plastered across his handsome face as he finally found himself alone and standing before their table like a visiting king.
“Hey.” Sandra said, not sure what else to say.
“Sandra, it’s nice to see you after all this time.” Thomas leaned in for a hug but Sandra merely offered her hand which he shook, a look of surprise momentarily flashing across his face.
“Roxi, isn’t it?” Thomas said leaning across Sandra to take Roxi’s hand.
Roxi took his hand and nodded, “Yes, long time no see …Thomas.” She said her hand lingering too long on his and Sandra shot her a look of warning from behind Thomas, Roxi winked and let go.
“You girls like a drink?” Thomas asked.
“Sure, I’ll have another beer.”
“Me too.” Sandra said, and watched as Thomas made off for the bar, his fancy suit standing out like a sore thumb in the younger crowds of the club.
Roxi snapped her gum and raised her eyebrows, “That man is hot, Sandy!”
“He’s not bad.” Sandra shrugged.
“Who are you kidding?” Roxi said, watching him as he leant over the bar, “I can’t believe you didn’t even sleep with him once.” Roxi shook her head, a puzzled look on her face.
“Because I’m not you, Roxi.” Sandra said, laughing. “I’m looking for a man who will romance me and treat me like a real woman, not some playboy who expects sex on a plate.” She said, beginning to slowly peel the label off her beer.
“Good luck finding that, Sandy. There are men like that out there but I ain’t ever had one.” Roxi said.
“I’ll find one.” Sandra said, knowing it was that or celibacy and she shuddered at the thought.
Thomas came back with not only beer but a bucket full of ice in which rested a bottle of champagne. He smiled, “Ladies, let’s have us a party!”
For the next few hours they drank and talked, Sandra getting to know Thomas a little more and even beginning to see glimpses of a different side of Thomas. A gentle side that lacked the vanity and arrogance of his usual manner and began to grow on Sandra as the night wore on. They even danced towards the end of the night and in between Roxi gyrating between them and getting a little too close to Thomas for comfort, Sandra managed to get close to him, smelling him. He smelled good, she didn’t know what it was but he smelled like security, strength and masculinity, all the things she needed. It was crazy but she felt the attraction between them, she and this man who was twice her age.
Still, the end of the night came and it was time to get what she came for. Roxi waited by the road as Sandra talked it out with Thomas, her red blouse drastically unsuitable for the cold night air and she shivered as she tried to convince Thomas. She wasn’t even convinced herself anymore, but it had to be the alcohol that was causing her to feel that way. When Thomas put his arms around her gently, Sandra didn’t protest, she was freezing and Thomas was so warm and strong. It felt good to be held, and Sandra’s defenses crumbled all at once. Before she knew what she was doing she had agreed to stay married to Thomas for 6 more months, why, she didn’t know exactly, but what was another six months anyway. The hell with it.
“I’ll be seeing you very soon, Sandra. You take care darling.” Thomas said, his hands reluctantly releasing her.
“Bye Thomas.” Sandra said, feeling confused and unsure of herself. She definitely felt something for him … maybe it was the alcohol.
Chapter Three
The next day, Thomas sat alone at one of the tables sipping a scotch on the rocks, deep in thought. The loud thumping music reverberating throughout the club didn’t penetrate into his space; he was lost half in thought, half in feeling. He hadn’t felt this way before, at least not in many years, since he was a teenager. That seemed like an age ago. It was an age ago. Running his hands through his long black hair, Thomas sighed and reluctantly admitted to himself he liked Sandra. She was … unusual, completely the opposite of the girls he usually went for but then there was something about her that called to him, beckoned him. He couldn’t put his finger on it but it was there and he couldn’t escape the feeling that held him tightly in its grip no matter how much scotch he drank, or how many beautiful girls he spoke to. It was getting worse.
“Tom, baby.” It was Miranda, again.
Thomas ignored her, staring into the depths of his glass of scotch, watching the bubbles make their way from bottom to surface, again and again hoping she would just disappear.
“Tom, are you okay?” He heard her voice again, sensed her looming over him in her miniskirt and tank top too tight for her large breasts. Normally, he would have sat her on his knee and had some fun, but something was different tonight.
“Look, I’m not in the mood Miranda, just leave me alone okay?” He said without looking up, knowing he was being weird and not wanting to see the hurt look in her eyes.
She walked off without a word and Thomas immediately stood. Something had occurred to him. He made his way to his office, ignoring everyone on the way. There he saw Rob, his assistant, sitting, surrounded by sycophants and he motioned for Rob to join him outside the door, wanting privacy for what he was to say.
“What’s up Tom? You look … sick.” Rob said looking him up and down, concern on his face.
“I’m taking some time off.”
Rob looked surprised, “You okay?”
Thomas patted Rob on the shoulder, smiling, “I’m fine, man. I just need a break, that’s all. Listen, she’s all yours for a few weeks okay?” Thomas said.
“Okay, whatever you say, Tom.” Rob said, nodding.
“Good. Any problems, call me okay?”
Rob nodded once more. “I will. Enjoy yourself, Tom.” Rob winked and slapped him on the back.
Thomas smiled, “I got a feeling I am going to do just that, Rob!” Thomas said and slapped Rob on the back before he strode off, his spirits lifting with each stride.
He headed straight home and once there, not feeling like doing anything, he collapsed onto his bed and lay there, deep in thought. Sandra…
A plan began to formulate in his mind and he closed his eyes, the feeling of emptiness from earlier subsiding somewhat as his plan came together in his mind. Monday was to be the day.
“Don’t forget to hand your assignments in tomorrow okay?” Sandra called as she exited the classroom, her multicolored, patchwork dress billowing out behind her as she wasted no time in heading down the corridor towards the exit.
“See you tomorrow, Peter.” She called out as she passed Peter, the science teacher who had a crush on her and he looked up, eyes locking onto her,
“Erm, see ya, Sandy.” He said, pausing as if wanting to say something more, but Sandra giggled and kept going. She had had a good day, and she wondered if it had anything to do with the previous Friday night with Thomas but she waved the thought away, the jury was still out on that one. The bright sunshine outside warmed her face as she skipped down the steps and headed toward the car park, past the giant oak tree where students loitered and waved as she passed them, smiling.
“Hey, there.” She heard a familiar voice call. It couldn’t be
…
She looked up and there was Thomas, sitting in a bright red Chevrolet convertible, the top back and a huge bunch of roses in his hand as he waved, smiling. He was dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, his previously long, black hair was now cut short and neat, a little gel gleaming in the sunlight as he stood and presented the flowers to her.
“Hey, Thomas. This is a … surprise.” Sandra said, unsure of herself. She took the offered flowers awkwardly and thanked him.
“Sorry to surprise you like this Sandra, but I couldn’t stay away. I needed to see you after Friday night.” He said; his voice sincere and Sandra detected some emotion in there somewhere.
Sandra didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t expected to see Thomas again so soon and the feelings competing inside of her at that moment were hard to read. On the one hand she was pleased to see him again; on the other she was angry that he had thought it okay for him to just show up unannounced at her school and try to sweep her off her feet. She wasn’t that easy nor had she quite gotten over the idea that he was twice her age.
“So what do you want, Thomas?” She managed.
Thomas looked a little shocked at that, “I was hoping we could go for dinner and get to know each other a little more, ya know?” he said the look on his face, imploring, almost pleading.
Sandra opened the door to her car and threw the flowers onto the passenger seat, before turning to Thomas. “Look, I know what you are trying to do, Thomas. You … you are trying to woo me with flowers and fancy cars, so you can get me to stay married to you.” She said, looking up at him. She hadn’t realized how tall he was, he must have been six foot five.
Thomas laughed and threw his hands up in mock guilt, “What can I say?” he laughed, “You got me, that’s exactly what I’m trying to do, Sandra.” He said moving closer to her, his eyes betraying the hunger he felt for her but Sandra got into her car and closed the door, before starting the engine. Then she looked up at him, sadness in her eyes, “You’re a nightclub owner Thomas. You are completely different to me. I’m just a plain girl with simple dreams and simple needs.” She said, lowering her head. “I don’t want the life that you lead, that isn’t for me, I’m sorry…”
Misty Nights: A Short Romance Page 1
