13

Alistair

Benedict had persistently set me up on a blind date, eventually convincing me on his fourth attempt. He had been trying to pull me out of my rut.

Little did Benedict know, my fixation wasn’t on my ex-wife. It was on my brother’s girlfriend, Liliana.

Kristen, my date for the evening, was lovely—gorgeous, funny, and perfectly pleasant. However, I found myself not very invested. There was no real spark between us.

Not like the spark I felt with Liliana.

I nodded and smiled as Kristen chatted away, but I found myself waiting for our date to come to an end.

During a trip to the restroom and on my way back, I noticed a woman at the bar who looked remarkably like Liliana. I paused, uncertain if it was just my longing imagination conjuring up the woman I desired.

Then, I chuckled quietly to myself when I realized it was indeed Liliana. She was dressed in a form-fitting little black dress that accentuated her every curve.

I could only see her back, but I would recognize that silhouette anywhere.

She seemed to be waiting for someone, glancing around and occasionally checking her phone.

As if sensing my presence, she turned and spotted me standing there.

Our eyes met across the crowded restaurant.

I raised my hand in a greeting wave, and she responded with a smile, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

I assumed she was waiting for Julian. For his sake, I hoped he would show up tonight.

"Hey," I greeted, walking up and leaning against the bar beside her.

She turned to me with a bright smile. "Hey yourself."

"Waiting for Julian?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

She sighed softly. "He should be here soon. I came a bit early, so it's my fault for waiting."

I nodded in understanding.

"And you?" she inquired.

I grimaced slightly. "On a blind date."

Liliana chuckled softly. "And?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, debating how much to reveal. "And... she’s nice."

Liliana raised an eyebrow. "Just nice?"

"Well, if you want the truth, she’s beautiful and smart," I admitted honestly.

Liliana glanced down, a faint smile playing on her lips. It might have been my wishful thinking, but she seemed disappointed.

"That’s great. Sounds like you’re a lucky guy," she remarked quietly.

We held each other’s gaze for a moment. Something in her expression tugged at my heart. She looked so lonely sitting there by herself.

She finally looked away, clearing her throat. "Well, I should let you get back to your date. Julian will probably be here soon."

"Yeah, of course," I replied, tapping the bar counter lightly. "It was good to see you, Liliana."

I walked back to my table slowly, wishing deep down that it was me she was waiting for, although I knew I would never keep her waiting like this.

Sitting across from Kristen, I tried to refocus on our date. But my thoughts kept drifting back to Liliana at the bar, alone.

"Alistair?" Kristen’s voice broke through my thoughts.

"I’m sorry," I apologized, shaking my head lightly. "I just have a lot on my mind."

Kristen nodded calmly, her expression neutral. I felt guilty for not giving her my full attention, but my mind was fixated on Liliana.

She sat there alone, nursing her drink, waiting for Julian who was late again. Deep down, I sensed he was out partying, unlikely to show up.

The image of Liliana ending the night in tears haunted me.

I had been keeping my distance out of respect for their relationship, but seeing her alone stirred something inside me.

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Kristen sighed softly. "Well, Alistair, this has been... nice, but I think I should head out."

I tried to appear disappointed. "Really? So soon?"

She gave me a knowing look. "Yes, clearly this isn’t working for you."

I winced, acknowledging my fault. "I’m sorry for being a lousy date."

Kristen softened, understanding my distraction. "It’s okay. We can call it a night."

After ensuring Kristen got into an Uber safely, I lingered on the curb for a moment. Liliana was still seated alone when I glanced back at the bar before leaving.

Part of me wanted to go back inside and keep Liliana company, but I knew that would be walking a fine line.

I decided to head home and gave Liliana a last look through the restaurant windows. And what I saw made my blood boil.