Her Flaws, His Bliss

Hello Mr. Stranger

Patrick

I was on my way to pick up Philip from the airport when I met April in the hallway. His pick-up driver had just informed me of his disappearance. Although I was certain it was another of his playful escapades, I didn’t mind bringing him home myself.

“But I have a condition.”

Really? I was going to be quick about the marriage deal but here we are again with the most daring woman.

“Condition? What is it?” I folded my arms, ready to hear her out.

She hesitated for a moment, as if summoning the courage to say what was on her mind. She met my gaze but quickly looked away. She ain’t that fearless after all.

“My mom is sick. She has coronary artery disease. I want you to pay for her medical bills and cover my sister’s tuition while I’m married to you…”

“And why would I do that?” I interrupted.

One thing being my father’s son has taught me is to mask my emotions. The moment she mentioned her sick mother, I had already done the calculation in my head. How could she take care of such an illness with a job at a bar? And then a sister? I surely felt pity for her.

“Because I’d be busy being your wife instead of working to pay the bills.” She snapped.

“You lost your job. I didn’t stop you from working.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t know you wouldn’t mind your wife being a waitress as the manager of the biggest wine company in the country. Well, I think I have to get another job at the bar.”

Smart! I studied her for a moment, the wheels in my head turning. She sure knew how to play her games. I can do that. It’s a win-win for me anyway.

“That’s a deal. But I promise, if you mess with me, they will be the first to die.” I whispered before walking away. For now, I need to find Philip before he does something stupid again.

“Is that all you’re gonna say? Nothing more?” She yelled.

“Except you’re in such a hurry to be my wife. If not, don’t litter my office with your presence.” I responded without looking at her.

**************************************************

April

“What an arrogant man.” I muttered under my breath, replaying my conversation with Patrick over again.

He was everything I despised in a person. I couldn't believe I made that decision to be his wife, but if it’s what I had to do to protect my mom and sister, then I’d make the decision over again. It’s just a year anyway.

If I was going to be married, I’d better inform Zina. As much as I dreaded telling her, I couldn’t hide it. She’s the only friend I have, anyway, and she’d eventually see right through me.

“Sorry…sorry. That’s my stop.” I almost missed her house’s bus stop, deep in thought. I hurried toward the back.

“I think that’s the way out.” A young lady pointed in the other direction.

Fuck! I can be that clumsy when my mind is clouded. I got down and hurried down the street. I was still trying to shake off the mood when I realized I'd done it again. This time it might cost my life. Maybe I wouldn’t have to be married to the tattoo guy if I died from being hit by a car on a highway.

Or maybe not. Someone pulled me. Damn! When I saw his face, I forgot I almost lost my life by walking onto the highway without checking for oncoming vehicles. It wasn’t even the right direction to Zina’s house in the first place.

My gaze lingered on him, taking in his strong jawline and unruly dark hair. He looked down, catching me staring. I froze, feeling my cheeks burn. But instead of looking away, he smiled, a small, almost teasing grin.

“Do you really want to die? I might have a better way.”

I quickly dropped my gaze, embarrassed at being caught. It gave me time to process what he said.

“I think you should let go of me first. Except that’s your alternative for having me dead.” I responded.

He laughed, releasing his grip gently but still standing close. I could see his dark eyes glinting with amusement. “Well, you’re welcome, by the way. I just saved your life.”

I crossed my arms, trying to play it cool, though I could still feel the heat in my cheeks. “Yeah, thanks. But maybe next time don’t make jokes about it.”

“Fair enough,” he said, flashing me a disarming smile.

Jeez, he has a dimple…no dimples.

“I’m Philip, by the way. You are? Let me guess, beautiful?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile at his playful charm. “April.”

My heart was racing. Did he say Philip? Yeah, Philip’s presence was doing something to me, something I wasn’t prepared for and shouldn’t have been prepared for.

“April,” he repeated slowly, like he was savoring the taste of my name. “A fitting name for someone who just bloomed into my life out of nowhere.”

Oh, no. I’m going to blush to death. “Is that your line for every woman you pull out of traffic?”

“Only the beautiful ones.” His response was sharp, like he knew the exact words to say. “May I ask why you almost got yourself killed by a Ferrari?”

“Maybe you should tell me your best alternative.” I teased. I wasn’t going to tell a stranger about my life just because he’s cute.

“Well…that’s my…”

My phone rang, disrupting him. The call was from Sophia. Is something wrong at home? Is mom okay?

“Hello!”

“April, where are you?” Her voice sounded so urgent that it made my heart skip.

“What is it? Is there a problem?”

“There are some men here? They are huge and scary, you should…” The phone went off.

“Sophia, Soph…I need to go.”

I hurried down the street in the opposite direction before I realized I was going the wrong way again. s**t.

“Can you at least give me your digits…” Philip’s voice echoed as I tried to find my way home.

***********************************************************