LOCATION: PARIS
“I’m happy you’ve finally gotten over her, Tony. I agree that Harriet is a wonderful lady, but she is not for you. She loves someone else. You should find someone to love, too.” Rachael said, glad her brother was finally moving on from his long-time unrequited love.
Tony sighed and leaned on his chair. He had just returned from New York after witnessing Evelyn’s arrest. He had to leave New York to get over Harriet. He knew that if he stayed with her, he’d never fully get over her.
“You know what? To celebrate this, why don’t you go out and have some fun? I’ll call some of your friends and have them join you.” Rachael suggested, and before he could refuse, she was already on a phone call with his friends.
It had only been two days since he returned. Tony was sure he wasn’t in the mood to party, not after everything that had happened in New York. He just wanted to lay low for a few days, resume his work at the hospital and slowly get his life back in order.
But, with a sister like Rachael, that wouldn’t happen.
Four hours later, Tony was sitting in a club with three friends dragged out of their houses by Rachael and given the responsibility to make sure Tony had some fun.
“I had no idea you liked Harriet that much. I thought you guys were just friends. I mean, she has two children for a man like Damien Daniels. How did you even fall in love with her?” One of his friends, Jaime, said, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Mother or not, Harriet is a beautiful lady. If Tony weren’t interested, I would’ve gone for her.” Another friend, Leo, said, and Tony chuckled, drinking his whiskey.
“Well, she’s back with her ex-husband and is happy with him.” Tony’s heart ached as the words left his lips.
Soon, his friends went to the dance floor and found some company for themselves but, Tony was in no mood to dance so, he walked back to the bar.
“Another glass of whiskey.” He ordered, and a female bartender walked up to him.
“Coming right up, Sir.” Her voice was soft and innocent. It made Tony raise his head and see who the voice belonged to. When he did, Tony felt his body tense up and suddenly couldn’t breathe.
She was gorgeous.
With blonde hair packed in a messy bun, blue eyes that held innocence in them and delicate pink lips that could bring any man to his feet.
Tony was too busy staring at her; he didn’t notice that she had already brought his whiskey.
“Sir? Your drink is here.” She called out, bringing him out of his daze. Tony blinked his eyes, cleared his throat and thanked her before grabbing the glass.
“You shouldn’t drink so much. It’s not good for your health.” He heard the lady say, and when he looked at her, she immediately bit her lips and shook her head, regretting her sudden boldness.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be saying that, especially when I work here. I just… I saw you drinking with your friends earlier and thought you were having too much. Don’t mind me, Sir. I’m sorry if I spoke out of place.” She bowed her head and apologised before leaving, but Tony stopped her.
“You’re right. Too much alcohol isn’t good for the health. I should put this down.” Tony said with a kind smile, and the lady looked around nervously.
“Oh, uhh… It is my job to make people buy more drinks. I don’t know why I said that.” Her voice was low. With the loudspeakers and noise in the club, Tony could barely hear her, but he strained his ears and focused on her lips.
“No, no. Health should always come first. As a doctor, I should have been more careful.” He said, and her eyes widened.
“You’re a doctor?” She asked, and Tony nodded slowly.
“I look nothing like it, right?” He asked and laughed in an attempt to make her loosen up. He could sense how tensed she was from where she stood.
“Well, yes. But then, this is a club, so I wouldn’t expect you to dress like a doctor.” She laughed softly, biting her lips as she spoke.
Tony saw that she was timid and reserved, so he wondered why she worked in a club. Unlike the other girls, who were dressed in a sultry manner, she was appropriately dressed in jean trousers and a black T-shirt.
She looked nothing like a club worker.
“Tell me, Miss?” Tony started, trying to get her name.
“Lily. Lily Arnold.” She replied with a smile that made Tony forget all about Harriet.
“Tony Martinez.” He said and held out his hand for a handshake. Lily gazed at his hand briefly before taking his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” She smiled. Tony was glad no one in the club was coming to her table. It gave him more time to talk to her.
“So, tell me, Miss Arnold. What are you doing at a place like this? I can tell you are not comfortable here. What’s your story?” He asked, and Lily’s face fell as sadness took over her.
“I… I don’t think I should be telling my story to a stranger.” She chuckled and grabbed his glass to clean.
“Well, what if I tell you my story? Will you tell me yours?” Tony asked with a smile, and Lily sighed, looking around the club to see if she had anyone to attend to.
“What do you say, Miss Arnold?” Tony pressed further, and after much hesitation, Lily finally gave in.
“Alright.” She whispered and dropped her arms on the table. “Let’s hear your story, Mr Martinez.” She said, and a smile appeared on Tony’s face.
He took a glass of water she had put in front of him and began talking. For some reason, speaking to her made him feel better. He never thought he’d be able to tell his past to a stranger, but with Lily, it felt right. It was as though he had known her forever.