That day I was able to see why people were afraid of him.
When the time came, we were divorced and agreed on a fifty-fifty split custody. Though, I’m sure I should be thankful things turned out as well as they did. Things could’ve been far worse from my understanding.
Now here I am, standing at a luxurious hotel bar waiting on a friend to meet me for a drink. The last few minutes the bar has really gotten packed and I can’t help but look around at the people entering. There’s a decent sized sign at one of the bar entrances but the way I came in didn’t have one. Is this some sort of event, or party?
“Hey, I’m Rick.” The man standing beside me says with a beaming expression.
“I’m Keira,” I don’t really know what else to say. Charity should be here at any moment, but she isn’t and she didn’t text me to verify we were meeting here for our usual Friday night drink.
“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman,” God. How many times have I heard that line? I almost fail at refraining from gagging. No doubt about it, he’s one of those typical sleazeballs looking to get lucky while he’s in town.
“Aw, how sweet, Rick.” I mutter, looking around for Charity. Good god. Now would be the time for her to swoop in and save the day so I don’t have to keep talking to this man who obviously won’t be getting a damn thing from me.
“I try to be a cool cat when I can, you know?” He chuckles lightly while his eyes shift a little lower, looking at my cleavage.
“My eyes are up here, Rick, and I’m waiting on someone so I’d really appreciate it if you could go get what you want from someone else.” I quip.
Seriously, why must all men be like this? I didn’t notice it in the beginning, but they’re all dogs. Every single one of them. It’s why I’ve recently started going on a few dates with women. I mean, I don’t have time to get into a full-blown relationship, so I downloaded one of those apps. You know, the one where the people in their early twenties use. It’s labeled as a dating app, but let’s be honest, people only go on there to screw. I met a few nice girls on there since that’s what I prefer these days. I hadn’t ever really been with a woman until my divorce from Vic, though I’m happy to say it’s something I discovered was obviously missing from my life.
“Yeah, like I haven’t heard that line before.” He grumbles, not pleased in the least bit.
“Hey, there you are.” A woman’s voice says from behind me so I turn and see a woman with the most angelic face I’ve ever seen in this lifetime. Her skin is a light ivory, making me think she’s Irish or maybe Eastern European. She has the prettiest stone blue eyes and one thing’s for sure. I don’t know her whatsoever, but I’d be a fool not to take up the help she’s offering.
“Goodness, I thought you weren’t going to make it!” I laugh, wrapping my arms around her like she’s one of my closest friends.
“Yeah, well you know the traffic around here. It’s horrible.” The woman laughs, looking over to Rick.
“Who’s this?” She almost seems annoyed, like she found her date with someone else.
“I’m Rick, and you are?”
“I’m Gemma, and you’re in my seat, Rick.”
His face contorts in aggravation. “Whoa. Hold up a minute. Are you for real? You’ve been waiting on some chick?”
I nod, “This is Los Angeles, Rick.”
“Jesus. I can’t wait to get back home to Iowa.” He grumbles and walks off, thankfully disappearing from my sights.
I take in a deep breath and look back at Gemma, otherwise known as my lifesaver. “Thank you so much for that. He was starting to get on my nerves.”
She giggles lightly, “It wasn’t a problem at all. I saw you looking around, trying to find some sort of out.”
“I had one, or at least I thought I did.” I reply, looking at my phone to see I have a new text.
I unlock the screen and see it’s from Charity.
From: Charity
Hey, sorry to do this. Can’t make it tonight. A friend came into town.
Well, well. I just got stood up for another bitch. Dammit.
“Everything okay?” Gemma questions, and as I glance up, I’m caught in her eyes. Gosh. They’re so beautiful.
“Yeah, just got stood up.”
“Well, he didn’t know what he was missing.” It’s so odd that she’d assume I’m meeting a man, but here we are.
“She, not he.” I reply, wanting to see if she’ll take the bait. Usually I can tell if women are into other women just by a reply like this.
A slight tug pulls at Gemma’s lips and I know one thing for certain. She’s into women, and I might not be shit out of luck tonight.
Chapter Seven
Gemma
I know I just blew up my spot, but I can’t help it. She said plain as day, out in the freaking open how she was waiting for a woman, not a man. I’d kill to have that sort of confidence. “I don’t believe I caught your name?”
An adorable laugh escapes her lips. “Oh boy, I’m so sorry. I’m Keira. Keira Kane.”
“With a name like that it sounds like you’re determined to take over the world,” I tease, loving the way a flush of pink crosses over her cheeks.
“Alright. What’s your last name?”
“Storm. Gemma Storm.” I reply. Usually this is the moment where someone instantly recognizes me for one of my brothers, or even my dad, but not Keira. It doesn’t even phase her. It’s refreshing to be completely honest. I’m not a Storm right now, I’m simply a woman in a bar, speaking to another beautiful woman.
“Well, sounds like we’re both destined to take over the world.” Keira chuckles lightly, running her hand through her long, curly, red hair. It’s the natural beautiful color, not dyed in the least bit. It offsets the light gray eyes she has, giving her the face of an angel.
“Maybe. So, are you a gym owner?” My question completely catches her off guard.
“Sorry, what?” She laughs.
“You’re at a mixer for the conference tomorrow, so I assumed you’re a gym owner.” I say, causing her to giggle.
She shakes her head, “No, I’m not. Wow. What a coincidence. I came here to meet my friend since we like this bar, but now it makes sense. It’s not usually so packed like this,” she motions with her hand and the bar is filled with people.
“Oh, well, I guess it’s my lucky day.” I comment. Shit, I’ve never been more thankful Brax’ went off to talk to this acupuncture lady who’s speaking tomorrow. He’s really trying to expand what we offer at the gym, but he’ll have to talk the others into it first.
Keira nods, “Yeah, I guess it is.”
“Can I get you a refill, miss?” The bartender asks Keira.
“Yes, another martini would be fabulous. And could you grab another for my friend here?” She smirks, not even asking if I like martinis in the first place. I’d be happy with a beer, but I’ll drink whatever she’s offering.
“Sure. I’ll whip those right up for you both.” He replies, scurrying off to the other side of the bar.