Chapter 3 -Fate

We still can't find the person that shot Nadia Burrows. That heartless monster's life was mine to take. I need to clear my head. I pull my hair into a ponytail and slip on a black maxi dress with dark brown heels. I grab my keys and head towards the door. The worst sounds echo from Margo's room

"Yes Papi Just Like That! Smack my ass harder"

If I hear her moan one more time im going to loose my shit.

Walking along the beach, I notice a small bar called "NightingGale" its 11am but what the hell, I need a drink.

Stepping into the bar, I notice a cabin theme, wooden tables, 4 flat screens in each corner. Lounge couches are placed amongst the glass windows. Loving the vibe.

Lucky for me it not to crowded. I take my seat at the bar. An older man in his late 50s greets me with a bright smile

"What can I get you young lady"

I came in here wanting to day drink but now the thought just makes me want to throw up

"Um actually I changed my mind sir but thank you"

He ignores me and pours a glass of orange juice and places it in front of me. I smile and take a sip. Oh my god this juice is heaven.

"I'm Don Evans. You look like you had a rough morning, it's on the house" he says sympathetically.

"I appreciate it Mr Evans"

He waves his hand and flips a towel over his shoulder "Call me Don, I'm not that old"

He sets a napkin down and refills my glass "Wait here, I just finished breakfast upstairs. I'll go grab you a plate"

I try to save him the trouble "No Don please, it's not necessary"

He shakes his head and walks from around the bar "I won't take no for an answer"

Before I could try to reason with him, I hear a familiar voice.

"Alena"

I snap my head around to a staircase leading to the second floor. I lock eyes with the man I thought would only be a memory.

"Khar?"

He smiles and walks down the stairs looking just as confused as I am. He walks behind the bar, never breaking eye contact

"Just when I thought I would never see you again, here you are"

I laugh loudly. How embarrassing.

"And here you are"

Don looks between us curiously "Son you know this lovely woman?"

I blush as I hold out my hand to him "I'm Alena Fields, I met your son yesterday at a charity event at the Opel Hotel"

He shakes my hand firmly while turning his attention to his son. Khar's eyes are on me intensely.

"Son stop staring and bring her a plate of breakfast?"

I watch as he runs back upstairs. Don grins as I never break my eyes away from his son. He leans down on the bar and clears his throat

"That boy of mine drives me crazy but I would be six feet under by now without him"

It warms my heart how much he loves his son. I can tell Khar is a good person.

A beautiful woman in her late 20s with long brown hair, walks in with 7-year-old girl.

"Hey Mr. Evans. I'm dropping Cassie off with Khar for a few hours".

The little girl runs over to Don as he picks her up and kisses her cheek.

"Hey there butterfly, your dad should be upstairs in the kitchen"

My heart dropped. I'm not surprised Khar is husband and father I mean look at him. I just don't understand why I'm feeling this way. I don't even know him

"Hi! Im Cassie"

The sweet angelic voice warmed my heart. I usually don't interact well with kids but she's a sweetheart.

"Hi Cassie. My name is Alena"

She smiles and hands me a red jolly rancher. I notice her mother giving me a curious look. I hear a loud thud coming from the stairs. Khar nearly falls seeing all of us together

"Daddy!!"

He speed walks towards his daughter and lifts her in the air "Hey princess, do your dad a favor and run upstairs to your room while I talk to your mommy" She nods and jumps down heading up the stairs.

He looks up at me then back at his wife. I start to get uncomfortable and slip out my seat ready to head for the exit. I don't need to be in this situation.

"Wait Alena don't disappear on me again"

I refuse to look him the eyes. I don't understand why he's still trying to keep me here. I look up to notice his wife staring at me

She decides to speak first. "Um, this is weird. Look Khar I just need you to watch Cassie for a few hours while I run some errands for my dad if that's okay"

He turns in her direction "You know I don't have a problem keeping our daughter but next time I would appreciate a phone call or heads up"

She rolls her eyes and holds her hand out to me

"I'm Amberus"

I take her hand and firmly shake. "I'm Alena. Nice to meet you Miss Evans"

She gasps, causing a hysteric laugh from Don and Khar. Why the hell is everyone laughing.

Khar finally recovers and hugs her briefly "She is my child's mother and good friend"

I notice her eyes looking down at her feet. Her eyes find her way back to mine

"How do you both know each other" She asks curiously

Khar smiles at me, my eyes finally reaching his. "I met Alena here at your dad's hotel. She came in here this morning. I thought I would never see her again"

My heart is beating faster, how is he making me feel this way "It was really nice meeting you all but I have to run"

I notice the disappointment in Khar's expression. "Running away from me again huh"

"Or maybe she seeing someone else" Amberus says, clearly irritated.

I notice Khar is on edge as if he's going to break into a million pieces

"I have to go to work actually" I grab my purse and head towards the door

" It was nice to meet you Don"

He walks over and hands me a packed up breakfast. "Don't be a stranger dear, your welcome around here anytime"

This man is the sweetest, reminds me how much I miss my father.

Khar opens the door for me and slightly blocks it "Just like my dad said your welcome here anytime. I hope you come back so we can get to know each other without all this weird mess I seemed to drag you. Not a good first impression"

"Your family is amazing. There is no mess. Just bad timing, I would stay if I could"

He moves aside holding the door open for me "Since your busy in the mornings, how about I take you to dinner when your off"

I bite my lip and slip past him. I won't waste his time and promise him something I can't.

"Khar I..."

He notices my hesitation and places his hand on my shoulder "You don't have to answer now. Think about it. No rush, I'm not going anywhere"

I nod my head and start walking backwards

"Bye Khar"

He has a scared look as if I meant goodbye for good. Maybe it should be. I shouldn't start something I can't finish

"Alena don't waste your time" Amberus catches up behind me. Why is she here.

"Amberus I'm sorry about that back there, I can tell you have feelings for him and it's not my intention to mess up your family"

She laughs and starts walking next to me "No there will never be an us again. I'm warning you don't waste your time. He's in love with a ghost from his past. Her name was Alexandra Romanaugh. He even has her branded on his arm like some shrine. No one will ever live up to her. He will love no one but her. It's the reason why we never worked out. No of his relationships do"

I'm not going to lie, I feel a stinging sensation in heart. I remember him telling me that it was a childhood friend but I didn't know it was so deep. How many relationships have he been in?

This is why I don't bother falling for someone. I'm back home for two days and I'm hit with distractions. I cant deal with this shit.