BLOOD BY THE HAND OF GUILT

Chapter Twenty Five

Brendan was a man with the looks, the words and the impression that kind of first impression that was enough to give in to his charms and not think twice. He was simply adorable. Leia liked him at once. Brendan rang her doorbell and when she opened it she knew at onceit was him.

"Brendan?" She was first to say.

"Here to serve" He gave a slight bow.

"Do come in" She had said.

Thr next few minutes saw them talking like friends.

"I never knew Jamal had a sister"

"Well, voila" Leia said as she picked up Dre. Dressed like a cowgirl in blue jeans, leather boots and a white long sleeved shirt with its sleeves folded to her elbows.

"Good to go, I hope Dre won't be much trouble"

"He won't" Brendan smiled.

The drive in Brendan's sleek Ferrari was a pleasant one. She had confessed it was her first time in New York and eh had offered to show her around. She loved every bit of it.

Soon they arrived at their destination and there they were, the cars she had seen previously on her eyes pad. Eye watering.

"Damn, I'm so taking the black one, and it's in matte"

Brendan spoke to the sales man and then he turned to Leia"

"Are you ready to take this for a test drive?"

"Hell yeah" Leia said in glee.

"Hop in then" Leia took the passenger seat, Brendan got in the driving seat and the sales man in the back and soon they were on the streets. Leia took the wheel when they returned and instantly she loved the car. Satisfied, she began processing payment with Brendan's help.

Brendan advised that she pay in installments so she doesn’t raise eye brows since that option was available and soon drove away in her new car.

They drove to a reastaurant to have lunch and it was evident people admired her ride.

"Would you look at that….you're wearing power already"

Brendan said as they walked in.

"I'm getting there"

As they ate, Leia spoke of the art show she was attending, Brendan offered to be her chauffeur to create the impression. Although he knew nothing of her plans, he didn't ask. Leia wondered if Jamal had said anything but concluded he hadn't, Brendan didn't even know he had a sister. He was oblivious.

"What is next?"

"I still need a dress"

"I think I can help with that"

"Do you know every nook and cranny?"

"I grew up in New York" He laughed in answer.

"Wow, surprise me" She said. Once they were done with lunch, Brendan took her to a shop where she picked a royal blue Arabian design one shoulder kaftan gown with a touch of silver at the hem It wa so pretty even Brendan had told her it was the perfect choice. She got silver shoes and soon they were on their way back.

Brendan got ice cream and they drove to his place where Leia was wowed instantly.

That was when he confessed he was an interior decorator.

"I love what you have done to this place" She placed Dre down and began to give herself a tour even before Brendan said "Make yourself at home".

"She's pretty" Leia said and Brendan traced her gaze to the picture she was looking at.

"That is Charlie, my fiancée"

"Nice, she is a climber?" Lei spotted another picture of her.

"She loves to ski"

"Oh"

She is quite adventurous" Brendan confessed.

"She seems nice" Leia said and continued to take in the antiques and décor. She finally took a seat and Brendan handed her a beer.

"I don't do beer" She said shyly.

"Oh, you're just like her thankfully I always have cranberry juice because of her"

"Neat, she's a winner" Leia said and he laughed. Brendan poured her a glass and gave Dre some milk too.

"Can you do me a favor" Leia said.

"Sure"

"Could you keep the jeep in your garage, I don't think I'm ready to flaunt it about yet"

"I would love to" He was obviously happy about that.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow then, can't wait to see you in that gown, you will definitely rock in it"

"Thanks Brendan.

After talking for almost an hour, Brendan took her home. Leia took a quick shower, fed her dog, made supper and went back to studying. At ten, she retired to bed. She needed rest for the following day.