Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 42: Strange Men Part 2

Keira's POV
The weatherman wasn't wrong. It's chaotic out there. It's not the delicate pelting of the rain against the the windows but loud violent winds. This house is old so it's rhythm is equally scary. The lights went out. We are seated with a single candle on the table and I'm watching it burn out. After this, we sit in the dark.

"I can't stop saying thank you for saving me from this weather."

"It's okay. Where do you fine from Tom?" I can't pick up an accent. I have an accent, a southern one. It's mild but it's there. Tom doesn't have any.

"I'm from Vermont."

"How did you end up here?"

"I was visiting some friends in Philadelphia. My car won't make it. I guess the road trip was overrated." He chuckled.

"You seem familiar." I noted. Is it his eyes or his smile?

"Maybe I have one of those faces. But you don't. You are beautiful." He whispered. He has a soothing voice. "Easy. Don't make a face. I'm married. But I can't forget to mention it when a woman is beautiful."

"Thank you." I noticed the wedding ring on his finger. I didn't notice it till now. Nick is also married but that didn't stop him...

He hasn't been returning my calls. Is he angry with me? I'm yet to know. Tomorrow I'll go to his house. I just have to see him. I won't enter but I'll go to his house.

"The man in your life must be proud."

"Why would you assume there's a man in my life?"

"Because you're too beautiful for any man to leave you alone."

"I have a boyfriend." I informed him. "Just putting it out there."

He chuckled. "Noted. No more complements. Are you from the South?"

"Yeah. What gave me away?"

He looked around the house. "You choice of decor. Your accent."

"This not my choice of decor. My parents... my father is from Texas. My mother is Native American... Red Indian... So... It's a mixture of ideas..."

"That's interesting." He smiled fleetingly.

Silence took over. We sipped from our mugs quietly.

My mind drifted back to Nick. His silence is troubling. If not for this storm I would drive over to see him. Think of the devil and he calls.

"Excuse me." I got up to answer in the dining room. "Nick."

"Hi." It's not him.

"Who is this? Why do you have Nick's phone?"

"Nick is passed out. I'm calling you from a bar in Manhattan. I need to close up and he can't stay here."

"How did you know to call me?"

"Because I asked him and he said Keira. You are Keira?"

"Yes. Yes I am. Text me the address, I'll pick him up." I returned to my guest. "I'm leaving for a bit."

I already locked all the doors except the guest room and the kitchen.

"In this weather?" He asked me.

"I need to pick someone up. It's important."

"I'll come with you." He offered.

I won't refuse the company. I just hope we make it there without incident.

*
The bartender has been patient with us. We encountered obstacles along the way but we have made it.

"Where is he?" I asked once he let us in. He pointed to a man on one of the booths. I touched his face. "Nickolas?"