Destiny

By Bridgitte Lesley

Dating was an absolute nightmare for Andrew. Internet dating seemed to be what could work. It was his last resort to try and meet someone. He felt so guilty though when he loaded his details on the site. After a while Andrew started losing hope. He didn’t even get a mail. One night in the pub, as he sat having his beer, he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Andrew ended up giving her a lift. He was smitten. He had fallen head over heels in love. Little did he realize that she was also on the dating site. They eventually started communicating without realizing that they had already met. It wasn’t as easy as it sounded though. Andrew got cold feet when he realized that she was a doctor. He felt that she was way superior to his own qualification. He had to let her down easy. Let her make a choice whether to continue their relationship. Until he realized what he had done. He didn’t want to lose her. And he almost let her slip through his fingers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Apr 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311567611

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

Book preview

Destiny

By

Bridgitte Lesley

Version 1

Published by

Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

Destiny

Copyright © 2012 Bridgitte Lesley

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

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Destiny

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CHAPTER 1

Andrew looked up guiltily from behind his laptop screen. He took a deep breath and started typing in the details. He looked at every question and answered each one honestly. Giving every question the thought it required. If anything, Andrew was always thorough and very honest. This was serious business. Andrew had made a big decision in his life. This was it. He took a deep breath and shook his head.

I can do this. But not a photograph. Andrew smiled. He read.

Registered as Androo. Andrew nodded. He submitted the details and sighed.

Oh let’s hope. He stared at the screen for ages and smiled.

Who knows?

Michelle walked in.

Mister Blake, Sir, you haven’t touched your in tray today. Andrew nodded.

If you close the door I can get busy. She nodded.

Just shout if I can help. Andrew nodded.

Thank you Michelle. She nodded as she walked out, frowning. She sat down at her desk and got busy with the reports that he had dictated from the previous day. She took her head phones off and put them back on again. She hated the Dictaphone machine that he insisted on using. It was so outdated. David walked through.

Is Andrew in there? She took her headphones off and sighed.

Yes he is. But he is a little. Uhm. Busy? David smiled and knocked and walked through.

Andrew looked up.

What can I do for you little brother?

What is with you today?

I don’t know what you mean. David shook his head.

We are going out for drinks later. Are you coming? Andrew nodded.

Sure. Just one beer. David nodded and looked at Andrew.

Andrew why do you look so guilty? Andrew roared with laughter.

Me? David nodded.

I haven’t done a thing. David nodded.

Maybe that is why you look so guilty. Andrew chuckled.

Get out of here. David smiled as he walked out.

Andrew kept checking his e-Mail box. Nothing. Not a mail. Nothing. Well, there were mails, but they were all work related. He sighed as he leaned into his hand and stared at the screen. He wondered if internet dating really worked. He had heard a few men discussing internet dating the last time him and his brothers had been down at the pub. He looked up as Michelle walked in. She put a blotter in his in tray and stared at the empty out tray.

Night Mister Blake. Andrew looked at his watch.

Night Michelle. She nodded as she walked out. Hiding her little smile. She would be able to take it easy tomorrow. Unless Andrew decided to work through the evening. Michelle sighed. She would probably come to the office and find an overloaded out tray. More reports to type.

Andrew walked out of his office and joined David and Neil as they came down the passage. David smiled.

Ready? Andrew nodded.

Just one beer. They both nodded.

They headed over to the pub. David and Neil always travelled together. Andrew always drove alone. They pulled up to the pub and walked through the door and took a seat on a bar stool at the bar counter. Everyone greeted them as they walked through the door. A young woman walked through the door and turned and waited. Facing the entrance and holding on to the door. Obviously waiting for someone. Andrew looked in the mirrors behind the bar and stared. She was absolutely beautiful. She wore her hair in a neat little bob just below her chin. She was blonde. Andrew turned around and looked. He looked her up and down. David turned and looked.

Yeah right. Andrew smiled.

I can look can’t I? Neil shook his head.

I have never known anyone who just looks. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to actually reach out and touch? Andrew closed his eyes.

Just because I haven’t met the right woman doesn’t mean I have to physically paw my way through every one you know. David shook his head.

You are hopeless. How are we ever going to get you married off? Andrew shook his head.

I will sort myself out thank you. Neil nodded.

Yeah. That is exactly what we are worrying about. Andrew smiled to himself as he watched the woman. He couldn’t help it. There was something about her which drew him. He could not take his eyes off of her.

The young woman smiled and held the door for her friend to walk through.

What took you so long?

No parking. Tessa shook her head.

Please do not tell me you parked around the corner again. Debbie nodded.

I can’t park like you. Tessa put her hand out. Debbie chuckled as she handed her the key to the car. Tessa walked out and walked over to the car. She drove up to the pub and parked right in front. Andrew kept his eyes on the door. Waiting for her to come back. He smiled as she walked through the door. She smiled at Andrew and quickly looked away as she walked in.

Right outside the door. Heavens Debbie. You have to practice parallel parking. Debbie rolled her eyes. They both walked in and sat at the bar counter. The barman stood and looked at them. Debbie nodded.

I’ll have a draft thanks. He looked at Tessa. She looked down and spoke rather quietly.

Passion fruit and Lemonade for me please. The barman looked at her and she smiled.

This is a pub. Tessa put her hand up and barely whispered.

Don’t worry about me. Okay. I know when I am not welcome. The barman stared at her. She looked at him.

Just don’t bother.

Mike, the barman, stared at her.

Look, don’t get clever with me lassie. Tessa slowly slipped off of the bar stool. She handed the car key to Debbie and looked at Mike and then at Debbie.

I’ll catch you later. Debbie frowned.

Aw Tessa. Tessa smiled. Two more women walked in. They both walked up to Debbie and Tessa. Tessa waved.

See you tomorrow. They all nodded. Claire looked at Tessa.

Where are you going? Tessa shrugged as she walked outside.

Anywhere else. Mike looked and listened. He quickly took the women’s orders and got the drinks ready and put them on the counter. Mike walked out from behind the bar and walked outside. He ran up to Tessa and put his hand on her shoulder.

Excuse me. Tessa turned and she looked up.

Yes.

I apologize. Tessa smiled.

Oh it isn’t you. I can’t drink when I am on duty. I would have preferred a coffee. But I didn’t think I should ask. Mike smiled.

Come back inside. I will do you an Irish Coffee without the Irish. Tessa smiled and nodded. She followed Mike back inside. He held the door for Tessa as she walked through. Andrew sighed as she walked back inside. Mike looked up and smiled at Andrew. He showed the briefest hint of a smile. Mike had been watching Andrew for a while. And it was the first time Andrew had ever even looked at a woman. He hoped that Andrew would say something even if it was ‘hi’.

Claire and Debbie giggled.

You came back? Audrey shook her head.

You are so difficult to please Tessa. Tessa sighed.

You don’t seem to understand. Audrey shook her head.

No. We don’t. And frankly. I don’t want to. Claire looked at Audrey.

Stop being so nasty. Audrey looked at Claire and then at Tessa.

No. Actually. I am tired of always being told to stop being so nasty. We are all supposed to go out for a drink. Every time we go out she has a problem. Either it is drinking a soft drink or coffee. And then that stupid Passion fruit and Lemonade drink. It isn’t cool. Mike walked up and smiled. He winked.

Your Irish Ma’am. Tessa smiled as she took the glass with the little saucer.

Oh thank you. She peeled the wrapping off of the chocolate and popped it in her mouth and smiled. The mint oozed into her mouth. She closed her eyes and sighed. She sucked the chocolate and swallowed. She sipped at her coffee. Audrey stared at her.

Now she is drinking. Irish coffee! I just don’t get you Tessa. And this is the last time we ask you out. Tessa sat on the bar stool. She sat at the very end next to Debbie. Debbie, Audrey and Claire chatted. She was basically given the cold shoulder and ignored. Andrew watched as she slowly slid off of her bar stool. He knew she was ready to leave.

Andrew climbed off of his bar stool. He had been listening to every word that the women had said. He had watched her enjoy her chocolate. He had almost ogled her the whole time. He had even imagined himself holding her in his arms. The way she would feel in his arms. He had been watching them ignore Tessa. He looked at David and Neil.

Ready? They both nodded. Mike looked at Andrew and smiled. Andrew looked away and smiled.

Thanks Mike. Mike nodded.

I did try. Andrew smiled and nodded.

Thanks. Tessa took money out of her purse and paid Mike. He pushed the money back towards her.

This one is on the house. Tessa smiled.

Well then I definitely will be back again. Now that is a really good Irish Coffee. Mike chuckled.

Get out of here. Tessa smiled and gasped. Mike chuckled.

Thank you for your hospitality kind Sir.

Any time Ma’am. She smiled and slipped right off of the bar stool.

Good night ladies. They ignored her as she greeted them. She walked out and shook her head. Andrew followed and opened the door for her. She smiled as she looked up and looked straight into his eyes. They both stood and looked at each other. It was as if time had suddenly stood still. She looked away and whispered.

Thank you. He knew she had come in with the one woman. He wondered how she was going to be getting home.

Tessa walked outside and looked up and down the road. She took out her cell phone and dialed. Andrew kept his distance but he watched her and he listened.

Munroe, I am at. She looked up.

Mike’s Tavern on Reid Road. Are you anywhere near? She nodded.

Thanks. She made another call.

Yardley. Munroe is at work. Where are you? She nodded.

What is it with this family? All I need is a blasted lift. She listened for a while.

I’m sorry. No it is in for a service. I know you are studying. I am going to see if I can find a cab. She cut her call and muttered to herself.

This is like flippin’ internet dating. Senseless! Tessa started walking towards the road.

Andrew looked at her.

Excuse me. Where are you headed? She shook her head and turned and looked at Andrew, David and Neil.

Uhm. No, really. But thanks. David smiled.

He is harmless. Tessa shook her head and smiled. David and Neil walked over and climbed into David’s car and drove off. Tessa stood rooted to the spot and looked at Andrew. He sighed and shrugged. His hands falling to his sides almost in a show of defeat.

It’s just me. Where can I drop you? She smiled.

Saint Anne’s? Andrew nodded.

The hospital? Tessa nodded.

If you don’t mind. Andrew smiled and nodded.

Sure. No problem. He walked over to his car and opened the door and Tessa gracefully hopped in. She sighed as he closed the door. He walked around and hopped in.

Your car in for a service? Tessa nodded.

Yeah. Andrew smiled.

Those ladies were pretty mean to you in there. Tessa sighed.

They have just come off of their shift. So they want to live a little. I am just about to go on my shift. It is the last time I do that. You always want to do the right thing you know. Just a little annoying is all. Andrew smiled and nodded.

So what do they do if they work shifts? She sighed.

The three of them. They are nurses. Andrew nodded.

So what is it like being a nurse? Tessa shook her head.

Haven’t a clue. I am sure it can be pretty monotonous, mundane and boring. Andrew chuckled.

I guess. Tessa nodded.

I just don’t understand people like that. They don’t have any drive. You find so many nurses. Don’t they have any. What is the word? You know. Don’t they want to go the whole hog. Become a Doctor. That is why there are so many of them. Andrew smiled and nodded.

I gather you are not a nurse? Tessa shook her head.

What is that word? Andrew chuckled.

It is sitting on the tip of my tongue. Tessa chuckled.

Right there. I just can’t hit on it. She shook her head.

Next time I am going to say no. Full stop. I shouldn’t go out with them anyway. I hate being used. Andrew nodded and listened.

They only invite me out so that they can say, oh, guess who came out with us last night. Tessa chuckled.

I am rambling. Andrew chuckled.

Ambition! Tessa roared with laughter.

You stole that word off of the tip of my tongue. Andrew shook his head and smiled.

No. Don’t go out with them again. They aren’t your type. The one in particular. Can you imagine coming home to that razor sharp tongue? Ouch! Tessa smiled and chuckled.

So right. Do you ever feel as if you have sort of left people down there and you are up there. And when you start talking they just don’t get you? Or you are in the middle of a conversation and you know they have lost all interest. Andrew nodded.

Get that quite often. Tessa nodded.

So frustrating.

Andrew pulled up at the hospital.

And here we are. How are you going to get home? She smiled.

My car will be delivered in the morning. Then I can drive myself home. Andrew looked at his watch.

What time does your shift start?

Seven. I am working a double tonight. My shift, and then standing in for one of the others. Going to go right through I am afraid. Andrew shook his head.

I am glad I could help. Tessa smiled.

Thanks so much. You really have. She put out her hand.

I am Tessa by the way. Andrew smiled.

Andrew.

Thank you Andrew. I think the drive over here was more pleasant than my entire evening. Other than my cup of coffee. Thank you for going out of your way. He smiled as she hopped out and closed the door.

Sleep well. Andrew smiled.

Work well. Tessa smiled and nodded and started walking. He watched as she took something from her handbag and clipped it on to her skirt. It was probably her I.D. Tessa turned and waved. Andrew smiled as he waved and drove off.

He slowly drove home. All he could think about was Tessa. So Tessa had a sister Yardley and a brother named Munroe.