A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

22 | Survivor

Disclaimer: This chapter contains sensitive topics that may trigger some readers. Though difficult to write, I had to describe Imani's experiences. Some of you may not have seen Grease, but this chapter mentions the movie. It's almost like a spoiler for readers who have no prior knowledge of the plot.

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Imani

Early on, Imani realized that friends can be more important than family. Good people helped you when life seemed hopeless. They listened to the details you were hesitant to share with your relatives. Things your mother couldn't know about. Things only your best friend heard without passing judgment. Luckily for her, Ellie was that friend.

She needed someone sympathetic and open-minded to listen because she had either made the biggest mistake by acting on her emotions last night or... Shit!

Imani sighed and reclined on the stool. Opening up to Garrett and forgiving him felt right, but she wasn't sure about their future now. She didn't leave him in bed for her friend this time. She stayed with him until he left to see Eugene, and then she drove Dylan to Isaiah's for basketball practice.

She'd been at the Paradise Lounge for about twenty minutes, and the business was nearly empty. That would all change in an hour when the band began playing. Even when it was pouring outside, the regulars would always show up.

"Need another drink?" Axel pointed to Imani's empty glass.

"I'm good," she said, pushing the glass toward him. "Hey, lay this behind the bar, and pass me a bottle of water, please. I'll see how I feel once Ellie arrives."

Imani smiled as the burly man worked. Axel's huge muscles strained his T-shirt so much that she thought it would tear. The lights above him showed off his bald head and thick, shaggy beard that went almost two inches past his chin. His tough exterior hid his gentle nature. He truly had a heart of gold. Two puppies at the animal shelter required 24-hour care, so he spent four nights last week bottle-feeding them.

"How are Harry and Ron these days?" she asked, taking the cold water.

He gave her a belly laugh right away, which lifted her spirits. "You mean Harry and Hermione? It turns out that the little brown pup is a girl."

Imani took a sip and scrunched her brows. "Hermione?"

He nodded as he poured a light amber draft into a pitcher under the tap. "Yeah. Hermione was always smart, logical, and driven, but also opinionated. It was Ramón's idea since he loves Harry Potter."

"Makes sense," she said, smiling at the idea of both men cuddling the puppies. "So, how are things going between you two?"

As he worked, Axel smiled sideways. "Things are going pretty well. Ramón is a great guy. He's the kind of person you can count on, ya know?"

"Oh, I know," she said. "I'm happy for both of you."

"Thanks. What's your son up to these days?"

"Well, since it's Teacher Appreciation Day, Isaiah is taking the basketball team to the campgrounds to practice. They left around eight this morning and won't be back until noon tomorrow."

"Cool." Axel grabbed a pitcher and two glasses. "Let me help this customer, and I'll be back."

"Sure. I'm just going to sit here and fill up with water. Ellie should be here any second now."

He laughed as he took two menus and went to a group of men sitting near the stage. Imani was about to look at her phone when her friend sat down next to her and kissed her on the cheek.