Free Misty Nights: A Short Romance by Donna Hernandez Page B

tonight was the
night when Thomas would grant her the freedom she deserved after three years of
marriage. In the end she had married Thomas. The wedding had been a small
affair with Roxi, her uncle’s lawyer and one of Thomas’ friends there to
witness it. She had signed her life away and got out as quick as she could, not
hanging around to exchange pleasantries with Thomas who was actually not bad
looking. Long messy black hair that curled around his ears and light blue eyes,
he was quite an attractive man, and Sandra did find herself physically
attracted to him, despite the fact that he was almost twice her age. She had
avoided him for 3 years though, and met the full requirements of her uncle’s
will, now she wanted her life back.
    Thomas eventually showed up and joined them at their
table, not before being swarmed and fawned over by both women and men as he
made his way across the dance floor, pumping fists and high fiving. Sandra felt
sick as she watched him, a wide grin plastered across his handsome face as he
finally found himself alone and standing before their table like a visiting
king.
    “Hey.” Sandra said, not sure what else to say.
    “Sandra, it’s nice to see you after all this time.”
Thomas leaned in for a hug but Sandra merely offered her hand which he shook, a
look of surprise momentarily flashing across his face.
    “Roxi, isn’t it?” Thomas said leaning across Sandra to
take Roxi’s hand.
    Roxi took his hand and nodded, “Yes, long time no see
…Thomas.” She said her hand lingering too long on his and Sandra shot her a
look of warning from behind Thomas, Roxi winked and let go.
    “You girls like a drink?” Thomas asked.
    “Sure, I’ll have another beer.”
    “Me too.” Sandra said, and watched as Thomas made off for
the bar, his fancy suit standing out like a sore thumb in the younger crowds of
the club.
    Roxi snapped her gum and raised her eyebrows, “That man
is hot, Sandy!”
    “He’s not bad.” Sandra shrugged.
    “Who are you kidding?” Roxi said, watching him as he
leant over the bar, “I can’t believe you didn’t even sleep with him once.” 
Roxi shook her head, a puzzled look on her face.
    “Because I’m not you, Roxi.” Sandra said, laughing. “I’m
looking for a man who will romance me and treat me like a real woman, not some
playboy who expects sex on a plate.” She said, beginning to slowly peel the
label off her beer.
    “Good luck finding that, Sandy. There are men like that
out there but I ain’t ever had one.” Roxi said.
    “I’ll find one.” Sandra said, knowing it was that or
celibacy and she shuddered at the thought.
    Thomas came back with not only beer but a bucket full of
ice in which rested a bottle of champagne. He smiled, “Ladies, let’s have us a
party!”
    For the next few hours they drank and talked, Sandra
getting to know Thomas a little more and even beginning to see glimpses of a
different side of Thomas. A gentle side that lacked the vanity and arrogance of
his usual manner and began to grow on Sandra as the night wore on. They even
danced towards the end of the night and in between Roxi gyrating between them
and getting a little too close to Thomas for comfort, Sandra managed to get close
to him, smelling him. He smelled good, she didn’t know what it was but he
smelled like security, strength and masculinity, all the things she needed. It
was crazy but she felt the attraction between them, she and this man who was
twice her age.
    Still, the end of the night came and it was time to get
what she came for. Roxi waited by the road as Sandra talked it out with Thomas,
her red blouse drastically unsuitable for the cold night air and she shivered
as she tried to convince Thomas. She wasn’t even convinced herself anymore, but
it had to be the alcohol that was causing her to feel that way. When Thomas put
his arms around her gently, Sandra didn’t protest, she was freezing and Thomas
was so warm and strong. It felt good to be held,