Unexpected Chances (2 page)

Tabitha

I’ve been out of sorts since I hit the end button on the meeting this morning. I left right after to search for coffee. As soon as I finished that large cup of joe, what do I do? I spill what’s left down the front of me. With no time to change, I end up having to spend the rest of the day covered in it.

I broke the printer, which ended with me wearing all the toner. I couldn’t even find the files that I need to review for Angela’s meeting in New York this week. Lucky for me she doesn’t leave for another two days whilst she finishes up her meetings.

Since I can’t shake those blue eyes from this morning, I search around my desk that’s littered with files for my phone. I know who to call, and what I need. Sliding my phone open, I text my brother Seth.

T: I need to clear my head. You up for some fun tonight, big bro?

Waiting for his response, I log off the computer, and try to clean up my crap from the day. If I check the mirror, I’ll look as if a train ran me over, and then flagged down another ten to back over me.

Being a wreck, covered in toner, coffee, and last night’s party makes for an unhappy Tabitha.

Bro: You know I’m always up for fun. Where and when?

T: You know the place; 9 p.m. Bring your game.

As I hit send, I throw myself into the chair. Pretty sure I’ve never had a man affect me the way Carter Northwood is.

I know nothing about him, other than he is pure sex on a stick, and I want to have a party with his stick. I didn’t see a wedding ring during the meeting, and I’m pretty sure he was flirting with me. Throwing a few winks my way, acting as if it was nothing. The only thing those winks made me want to do was climb through the laptop and see if he was all that.

I’d noticed a couple times that he had to shift his weight around. That right there made me squeeze my thighs together.

Ugh… I need Angela here. She would distract me from the thoughts I have in my head. But no, she’s off again, and I won’t be able to call her and tell her about this. She’d freak out and lecture me on how I need to slow down and find my fish in the water. Nope… Not happening.

I’m going home to shower, dress in my killer red heels, and throw on my slinky black mini dress. After I dress to the nines, I’ll meet my brother at our usual place, The Hill. It’s a mix between old and young; the perfect combination for someone on the prowl, or who wants to defrag their head of a blue eyed monster.

I’ll have to keep it toned down some, tonight, Seth almost had us arrested last night for starting a fight. I know I like to have a goodtime, but he takes it to another level. I don’t see him ever settling down; simply because no one could handle him. You mix the two of us together, and it’s a boiling pot of lava.

Seth and I are two years apart, him being the oldest and the wildest. Yes, I know. How can someone possibly pass me on being wild and crazy? Well let me just say, he does. He makes me look like a nun on a good day.

He’s been my rock and a pain in the ass more than I care to count, but when I need him, he’s there. We drive my parents crazy; with our non-sense and no relationship moto.

I remember back when we were younger, we’d fight tooth and nail. Now, we go that extra mile to protect one another. When my heart was ripped from my chest and I didn’t care to see the light of day again, it was Seth and Angela who picked me back up.

Seth drove all the way to the university when Angela couldn’t get me out of bed for days. He laid beside me and rub my head, like he did when we were kids; understanding that all I needed was my big brother to comfort me.

Ever since that low point in my life, Seth has kicked the switch up on being the overprotective brother. I guess it makes me feel more secure to go out with him. When my brother finds his next victim, I’m assured to have the replacement brothers.

Who else is lucky enough to have not one, but four other men in her life that will pick her up when she’s down?

****

Carter

What the hell was that? No… Better yet, who the fuck is this woman? I’ve never wanted to jump on a plane so fast in my life, and screw someone against everything and anything I can find.

I have to figure out a way to make her mine. I’ve got to move along the divorce from Bethany. She’s been holding me back since I was eighteen years old. I should’ve listened to all my friends back then, but no. I had to screw her, and then be blackmailed into marrying her crazy stuck up ass.

My assistant gave me a compliment when I left the office this morning to head out and check on the job site. In the past, I’ve been told I have a killer smile but don’t show it off very often. Kelly was curious if I had a meeting with a hit man today. She said the smile on my face could go for days.

I shook it off and didn’t need to elaborate on how this smile could go for days if I only lived closer to my Tabitha.

Tabitha

Arriving at The Hill a little after nine, I search the dark room for Seth. I spot him leaning against the bar flirting with the bartender, who will not give him the time of day. Not for his lack of trying, however.

I sway my hips with a little more gusto. I need to vanish the day’s events. The only way I know how, is to find someone in this joint to dance with and buy me drinks.

I nudge Seth’s shoulder, “Hey, big bro.”

“Look at you, Firecracker. Want to explain the emergency text and the way you look tonight?”

“Huh? Nope,” I say popping the p. “Long day.”

Seth pulls me to him for a quick embrace. Releasing me, he says, “I know what that means.”

“Get us drinks, and I’ll find a seat,” I say as I turn around in search of a table.

Our usual corner booth is open. Sliding in, I look around the dark room, spotting a gentleman I’ve never seen here before. He’s with a few guys drinking beers, laughing and telling jokes. Seems to be around my age, business attire, not too stuffy.

I’ll up the game, to see if I can attract his attention tonight.

Usually, I meet Seth here for a few drinks and some light dancing. We start here, and move along to other hip places throughout town. He’s been crushing hard on the bartender for years. I think it’s more because she says no, and he doesn’t respond well to the word.

“Here. I ordered you a martini and told them to keep them coming.”

I grab my glass to take a sip. As the cold liquid slides down my throat, I feel my shoulders relax.

I look over to Seth, “Thanks. Needed this one.”

“So, what’s the plan tonight?”

“I have a long day tomorrow; we’ll just stay here. Have a few drinks and dance some.”

“You’re telling me that you look like that, for a few drinks and some dancing?”

“Yes. I need to feel good tonight, and I had a long day, thanks to you.”

“Oh, you can’t blame me,” he says with a chuckle.

“I can and I will.”

“Whatever, Firecracker,” he says as he throws back his beer.

Taking a few more sips of my martini, I close my eyes. I do this to see if Carter’s eyes have disappeared. Ever since this morning when I shut them, he’s what I see.

Angela will be back later in the week, and I’ll have to tip toe around this but I’ll ask her opinion. If I ask Seth, he’ll use it against me.

A few years ago we made a pact. Yes, it was at the Waffle House at two in the morning, but still it was legally bound with waffles.

Seth was just coming off a long relationship, and I hated men.

We vowed never to fall in love.

Never allow another human being to destroy our hearts like the ones in the past. We even did this cross your heart, turn the lock and throw it away, motion.

Yes, we were dramatic.

“I’ll be back,” Seth yells over at me as he slides out, and I watch as he finds his way over to a table full of ladies. He thinks he’s so smooth. I’m not even sure if he asked to join them. He just reaches around for a chair and pulls it up to the table with him. All I can do is shake my head at my brother.

I look down at my watch to check the time when I hear a deep voice ask, “May I join you?”

Tilting my head up, I see it’s the guy I’ve never seen here before and gesture for him to join me.

“And you are?” I ask.

“Jack McIntyre and you?”

“Tabitha.”

“Does Tabitha have a last name?”

“Not tonight she doesn’t,” I say as he leans back against the leather booth and raises his arm up to rest on the back.

“Well, Tabitha with no last name, can I buy you another drink?”

“Yes. Dirty martini, three olives,” I say and watch him motion over to the waitress to order us another round.

“Why is such a beautiful lady like yourself sitting in the corner on a weeknight?”

“Long day, and keeping my brother company,” I say, gesturing my head over towards Seth and the girls he’s laughing with.

“You his keeper tonight?”

“No smart ass, I came out to have a few drinks, and he got distracted. What brings you out?”

“Feisty huh? Work brings me out.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“That’s for me to know.”

“Secretive?” I ask in a hushed tone, leaning over a bit to grab my fresh drink.

“You could say that.”

I’m not sure how two hours pass by in a blur.

I’ve spent the whole time sitting here talking with Jack. He asked question after question. Buying me drink after drink, only to answers the simple questions I asked him.

Seth on the other hand, ditched me an hour ago for a random hook-up. Glad I took a taxi, this way I know I can get home safety.

“Well, Mr. McIntyre it was a pleasure to meet you. If you’ll excuse me, I have a long day tomorrow and need to head home,” I say, as I start to slide out of the booth.

“I hope you aren’t driving?” he asks, as I notice him sliding out at the same time.

“No. Thanks for the concern though.”

“Why don’t you let me drive you home or share a cab with you?”

“Look. Thanks for the drinks and all, but I’ll be going home alone.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

“I will be. I’m a big girl. Plus, I have mace in my purse,” I say with a raise of my eyebrows.

With a bow of his head I watch as he moves away, heading towards the door.

I walk out into the night, taking a deep breath in and release it all at once.

I’m not sure if tonight was what I needed.

Flagging down a taxi, I slide into the back, and spit out my address.

On the ride home, I go over the night, and the questions Jack was repeatedly asking.

Maybe I need to stop talking to strangers.

My loose mouth almost spilled my whole life.

******

Carter

Home in my condo, I notice a few missed calls from Bethany. She has some high society dinner to attend, and needs me on her arm. The day that I can stop wearing these stuffy tuxedos will be the best day of my life. It will mean that I’m free of the blood sucking rodent.

As I make my way down to the bedroom, I slide open my phone and dial Jack. He’s one of my longtime friends from high school, with his own private detective agency in LA.

It’s been a few months since we’ve talked, and I’m not even sure if he’s in town. Jack’s the only one I trust to look into Tabitha Michaelson.

Picking up on the second ring, “Carter, it’s been awhile?”

“It has. How’re things going man?” I ask, as I start sliding out of my shoes and look in the closet for my tux.

“Good man. Real good. How’re things with you?”

“You know, the same shit different day. Look, are you in town? I need a huge favor?”

“I am, and it must be for you to call and get straight to the point.”

“I need to see if you can look into a woman named Tabitha Michaelson. She works in Santa Monica. Not sure if that’s where she lives. Red hair, maybe around thirty or so.”

“Well, I can run her in my database and see what I find. Let me go check, and if I find her, I’ll give you a call back here in a few.”

“Perfect. Thanks, man.”

“No problem, Carter. Oh, do I want to know why?”

“No,” I say, as I hit the end button, tossing my phone down onto the bed. I need to shower and dress before Bethany shows up. I’ve learned over the last few years that if I’m dressed, she doesn’t expect a thing. 

Her text this morning stated to be ready by seven sharp. I’ll make sure to be ready, and downstairs in the lobby waiting for her limo to arrive.

I jump in the shower, making sure I conveniently forget to shave. It pisses Bethany off when I leave the scruff, and since I’d rather not be attending tonight’s event, I might as well start it off with a bang.

As I step out of the shower, I hear my cell ringing in my bedroom. Sprinting to grab it, I pant out, “That was quick,” I say to Jack.

“When you’re good, you’re good.”

“Did you find anything?”

“Yeah, I found out a shit load. She sure likes to party, and is very predictable.”

“What’s that mean? And what all did you find out?”

“Why the interest in this girl? I need you to tell me that before I hand over this information?”

“I don’t know man. It’s just something about her. I had a conference call with her this morning, and I can’t get her out of my head.”

“Look, I don’t know what to tell you regarding that. I can say she works for her best friend, and it seems that she runs the show pretty much. She’s single and likes to go out all the time with her brother and friends. You want me to tail her?”

“Single? No boyfriend?” I ask, as I towel dry my hair and place the phone on speaker.

“From what I can tell, yes.”

“If you can tail her without her noticing anything funny, then go ahead. Send me the bill and thanks.”

“I’ll see what I can do, man.”

“Thanks. I’ll catch up later,” I say as I click the off button.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I know that I need to move forward with her.

I just have to figure out how.

After I finish dressing, and I reach for my black tux jacket to head downstairs and wait for the driver.