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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 deserve 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.
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 with 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.