CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

 

Michel made his way to the tavern around the block. He needed something stronger than the beer he had grown accustomed to drinking. The place was mostly empty this night, which suited him just fine. He wasn’t in the mood to talk. Unless Selene walked in the door. But he didn’t expect that to happen.

He didn’t believe in miracles, other than the kind brought about by a man’s raw determination. As far as he was concerned, you had to meet the ship at least halfway rather than wait for it to come in.

Somehow he had to convince Selene to see things his way. Michel expected he would be able to do just that when the dust settled and she realized it was in their best interests.

Michel sat at the bar and ordered a drink. A moment later, he was drinking alone as he listened to a B. B. King song blaring from two speakers hanging above the bar.

“Mind if I join you?” a silky voice whispered in his ear.

Michel looked into the face of an attractive woman. A quick scan revealed that she was shapely with big breasts and an even bigger ass. She had on tight little red dress and matching heels.

Was she a hooker?

Not that it made any difference. Selene wasn’t there to keep him company so the buxom blonde would have to do.

He shrugged, meeting the woman’s enchanting eyes. “Sure, why not?”

She sat on the stool beside him. “I’m Lesley.”

“Michel,” he said.

“Buy me a drink, Michel?”

He thought about it. Somehow it didn’t seem right. It was like he was being unfaithful to Selene. Then Michel realized that the bitch was being unfaithful to him with that bastard she was living with. So why not buy the pretty lady a drink or two?

“Yeah, sure,” he told her. “What do you want?”

“Whatever you’re having, sugar.” She licked her glossy lips.

Michel was starting to like her.

“So what’s a good looking man like you doing sulking around in here?”

“Just needed to get away,” he muttered. “You know what I mean?”

“I think so.” She touched his hand. “You know, sometimes it helps to talk about it.”

Michel doubted that. Some things were better kept to himself.

“Why don’t we talk about you instead?” he countered.

Lesley flashed him a look of disappointment, but just as quickly seemed more than willing to do so.

As Michel listened, his hesitation started to wear away like the tread on a tire.