A Perfect Fit, page 2
Curiosity stirred in Ella. Remembering this was a place which Danna frequented, she decided to probe a little further for information on the sultry Miss Parker.
Danna held up a hand, stopping her questions before they even started. “She has worked here for about a year. Everyone is in love with her, and she takes full advantage of their affections, if you know what I mean,” Danna said. Ella raised her eyebrows and shook her head. Danna sighed.
“She’s a bit of a...heartbreaker,” Danna said. “She doesn’t always take a woman home when the night is over, but if she does, it’s always someone new. This causes problems. I mean, just look at her. They can’t seem to stop themselves from falling hard.”
Ella searched Danna’s eyes, but Danna wrinkled her nose and shook her head.
“No, that’s not my style. She is one of the most beautiful women in the bar, but I am not a one-night stand kind of girl. I’m looking for wifey,” Danna said with a grin.
Ella smiled back and nodded, because isn’t that what she wanted, too? Did she even know what she wanted? She took another sip of her drink and looked back to where Parker stood as her fans fell over themselves trying to get her attention. She looked up at the same time and met Ella’s gaze with an amused smile. She held up her hand as if there were a drink in it, pointed at it, and gave a thumbs-up before raising her eyebrows in question. Ella nodded with vigor, assuring her that the drink was indeed delicious before taking another sip to prove her love for the concoction.
Parker once again laughed, followed by a wave, and Ella couldn’t stop her heart from racing. She thought about downing the drink in one gulp so she could head back over and become one of the thralls flocking for Parker’s attention. Instead, she took Danna’s hand and led her out to the dance floor.
After bumping, grinding, laughing, and joking their way through four or five songs that all sounded the same, both Ella and Danna pointed to a side area where a few tables and chairs were catty-cornered to the bar area. Ella dropped down on an overstuffed leather loveseat and patted the area next to her in invitation.
“Oh man, I needed this for sure,” she said to Danna. “I think I’m going to come here every Friday night I don’t have AJ.”
Danna nodded as Ella closed her eyes and nodded slowly to the music. “Anytime you need a dancing buddy, I’m there,” she said.
Upon opening her eyes, Danna looked like she was in conversation with someone. Ella turned to look behind her just in time to see Parker still behind the bar but pointing at her watch and making a motion like she was breaking something between her fists. Confused and addled by the alcohol coursing through her system, she looked back to Danna who looked between her and Parker before shaking her head in defeat.
Ella felt her cheeks turn pink as her eyebrows made a break for her hairline.
Danna continued, “I’ve told you what I know about her. I’m not going to tell you whether you should talk to her or not. You’re a big girl and can make those decisions on your own. I just wanted you to know. Now, what do you want to do?” Danna waited for Ella’s response. Thinking seemed to be getting harder as the alcohol continued to take effect.
“Well, I mean, I was thinking I was going to go back for another drink. I don’t think saying hello can hurt anything, right?” Ella said.
Danna pressed her lips together and nodded. “All right, let’s go get a drink. Just remember to keep your faculties about you. That woman is spellbinding,” Danna said, standing up and reaching her hand out for Ella. “Here we go, Odysseus, I’ll tie you to the mast to protect you from the siren’s song.” Ella barked out a laugh at the literary reference but shook her head good-naturedly as they walked back to the bar.
Chapter 3
"Hey, welcome back,” Parker said and motioned Ella closer. “I saw you guys headed over here so I went ahead and put something together for you.” She pushed a tall glass toward Ella. “I went on what I know: you like vodka and lime, so I am hoping you like other sour fruits as well,” she said as she tossed a stemmed cherry into the air. It plopped into the drink, resting on the ice.
“Oh wow, thank you,” Ella said, staring into her eyes, enchanted. “It’s beautiful.”
Parker raised her eyebrows but smiled. “Well, I have never heard someone call a drink beautiful before, but thank you,” she said, leaning toward Ella. “It suits you.”
Ella lifted the straw to her lips and drank. The flavors were explosive. Multiple tart citrus notes danced on her tongue before the powerful kick of the vodka hit her. This was stronger than her last drink. She knew she was going to have to sip this one. “Oh my God, Parker, this is amazing. It’s like a vodka soda on a different level. What do you call it?” Ella said, unable to stop herself from taking another deep drink.
“Sex with the Bartender,” she said, folding her arms and grinning. Ella choked on her third sip, and Danna smacked her on the back for good measure.
“You all right there, friend?” she said, smirking.
Ella nodded and felt her face flush from the combination of the alcohol and brief lack of oxygen. “Yes, very good, thank you,” she said as she moved out of the line so others could place their orders.
Parker placed a gentle hand on her forearm, stopping her. Ella turned around to find her leaning in again. She felt compelled to do the same. “I’m getting ready to go on break in five minutes. I was going to head outside to the patio to get some air. Would you like to join me?”
Ella didn’t have to think about it. “Sure, but I’ve never been here before. I’m not sure where to go.”
Parker leaned in closer. “Just hang out here, and I’ll be with you in a minute. You can bring your friend, too, if you want,” she said, indicating Danna.
Ella nodded and moved to the side as a girl who couldn’t have been drinking legally moved up to the bar and leaned in, whispering to Parker. She couldn’t hear what they were talking about from this distance, but Parker was disagreeing as the girl kept trying to grab her hand, on the verge of tears.
“See, this is what I was talking about,” Danna said from behind her, placing her hand on the small of Ella’s back.
“We don’t know what’s going on with them, though. There’s no reason to judge. Besides, she invited you, too,” Ella said while looking back over at Parker, who was trying to keep things from escalating. The girl now had tears streaming down her face as she pulled her hand back and turned to walk away in a huff. Parker lost her trademark smile for a few moments but gathered her resolve as the next young man with glitter all over his shirtless torso came up to place his order.
Danna looked back and forth between the two of them and shook her head. “I’m just going to stay here and dance. Don’t drink that too fast. Keep your wits about you and don’t fall in love, okay? She’s not the sort for a relationship,” Danna said and pulled her in for a hug.
“I appreciate your concern. I really do, but we’re just going to get some air and chat,” Ella said as she felt a warm hand clasp hers. She turned back around to see Parker at her side. The contact was electric as she intertwined her fingers with Ella’s and nodded to the back of the club where people appeared to be going in and out of an almost imperceptible door.
Ella couldn’t seem to look away from Parker’s outfit. A laced-up black leather crop top barely contained her ample chest. Skintight, black-and-white checkered pants and white Doc Martens completed the mouth-watering look. Parker cleared her throat, bringing her out of her daze. Ella looked back at Danna and smiled as if to say “I’m fine, thanks for caring” before allowing Parker to lead her through the throngs on the dance floor swaying to the beat. She never spilled a drop of her drink.
Once they got outside, Parker let go of Ella’s hand, and she felt a coldness that wasn’t there before, as if they should always hold hands. Many of the patrons called out, waved, hugged, and kissed Parker as they made their way to a porch swing that hung over a reinforced area at the corner of the patio.
“Is this good?” Parker said with a gallant sweep of her arm. When Ella nodded, she braced the swing to allow a tipsy Ella to sit before joining her. “So, you didn’t need to tell me you had never been here before. I would have remembered someone as beautiful as you,” she said with overt charm.
Ella couldn’t stifle a laugh. “Wow, that was cheesy. Do you have a pickup line for me, too? Like, ‘is it hot in here or is it just you?’” Ella said as she took another sip of her drink. When she looked up, Parker’s smile was fleeting, deflating before her very eyes. Oh shit. She was well on her way to being drunk and way too honest. “Oh hey, I’m sorry. I’m more than a little tipsy here and that always results in speaking before thinking. I appreciate the compliment. Really,” Ella said, placing her hand on Parker’s knee in a gracious gesture.
Parker pursed her lips before smiling again. This one looked more genuine. “No, it’s okay. I appreciate people who call me on my bullshit. I have this persona that I do here to try to get tips. You know, the bartender is supposed to be the epitome of sexy and unattainable.” She paused and looked down at Ella’s hand on her knee before covering it with her own. “Let me try again. You are stunningly beautiful, and from the moment I met you, I knew I wanted to talk to you. How’s that?” she said, looking back at Ella with a hopeful expression.
The blush that was threatening took over Ella’s face now as she looked down at their joined hands. “That,” she said, pausing to let out a slow, calming breath, “was perfect. Thank you.”
Parker beamed at her before tracing her thumb over Ella’s in a slow, subtle motion.
“I don’t understand the bravado. I mean, look at you. You are the epitome of sexy. I have to say I prefer the real you. There’s no need to try so hard. Just be yourself.”
Parker’s smile dropped again, but instead of looking upset as she had moments before, she seemed caught off-guard. Without warning, she leaned in and Ella’s breath hitched in expectation. Was she going to kiss her? “I don’t get to meet a lot of people like you. I mean, have you ever met someone and just knew you want to get to know them better?” Parker looked so honest and vulnerable now.
Ella understood with all her heart. “Yes, I mean, not often, but I was drawn to you immediately. I’m glad you wanted to talk,” she said, leaning back as the world started to spin. Parker was oblivious, but she only knew about the few drinks in the bar. Ella was trying to force her addled brain to hold on a little longer to have a meaningful conversation with the stunning person sitting with her.
“Let’s play twenty questions,” Parker said. “We can do ten questions each. Nothing’s off the table. I am an open book, and you can ask me anything.”
Ella scoffed but nodded in agreement. Parker scrunched up her face like she was deep in thought before nodding to herself and turning back to face Ella.
“What’s your favorite food?”
Well, that was unexpected and tame. “Indian,” Ella said in response. “Vindaloo is my favorite. I like spicy food a lot.”
Parker nodded. “That’s one I haven’t tried. Maybe we could go for dinner sometime?”
Ella looked at her, crossing her arms. “I thought we were alternating questions. That was two for you. Not fair,” she said, and Parker laughed out loud.
“That wasn’t fair, was it? Sorry. You ask me a question,” she said as she placed the hand that wasn’t holding Ella’s over the back of the swing.
Ella was trying to keep things light, but with the alcohol flowing through her system, she wanted to go ahead and shoot her shot. “If you’re really interested in dinner, could I get your number?” she said, with a confidence she didn’t really feel inside.
Parker clapped her hands together and thrusted her fists into the air. “Yes, you can have my number! See, that’s where I wanted this whole conversation to go, and you just cut to the chase with your first question,” she said, pulling a Sharpie out of her pocket and leaning toward Ella. She took her hand again and pushed up the sleeve of her sweater while looking to her for permission.
Ella sat forward and leaned toward her to give her better access, putting their faces mere inches from each other.
Parker uncapped the marker and started to write, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Ella’s. “I have my next question ready,” Parker said as she looked at Ella, who licked her lips nervously.
“Go ahead,” she said as Parker finished writing and capped the pen before tracing a feather-light fingertip along her arm all the way up to her jawline.
“Could I kiss you?” she said softly as Ella’s eyes went wide.
Yes. Yes! That’s the answer! The only answer, right? But she didn’t even know Parker. Did she want to move this fast? Suddenly, that last drink kicked in and sent her reeling. “Wow, okay. Let’s just take a second here,” Ella said as she sat back. The world was full-on spinning now. She looked down to see that the drink was almost gone. How long had they been out here? It couldn’t have been long. She put the glass on the table, almost dropping it before righting it again. She put her head in her hands and leaned forward.
“Hey, are you okay?” Parker said, leaning up to place a hand on her forearm. “Do you need some water? Hey, wait, whoa, hang on,” she continued as Ella started to freak out.
“So, here’s the deal. I’ve had way too much to drink and very little food. I just want to get home and go to bed, but I need to go say goodbye to my friend. What’s her name again?” Ella said as she used Parker’s hand to ground herself.
“Wait, hang on. Ella, wait, I’ll help you,” she said, standing up as Ella struggled to her feet before swaying back and forth. “I’ve got you. Just hold on to me. You’re good,” she continued, guiding Ella’s arms around her.
“You’re pretty. This is nice,” Ella said, smiling into her hair.
Parker couldn’t suppress a giggle. “Just hang on to me,” she said. “Hey, do you need me to go get your friend? You really don’t remember her name?”
Ella mumbled, “Nope. First date. But we’re friends, so it’s okay.”
Parker raised an eyebrow, but she knew she wasn’t going to get the answers she was looking for. Then, she yelled across the patio. “Robert, do me a favor and go in the back and get my keys. Tell Danny I’m having to cut out early.”
Her co-worker eyed her with suspicion. “Oh, you know he’s going to be pissed at you, cutting out on a Friday to bed some girl,” Robert said.
Parker stared blankly at him and indicated Ella in her arms. “Yeah, that’s what I am doing, Rob,” she said sarcastically. “Gonna take her back to my apartment and fuck her silly while she tries to maintain consciousness and not throw up on my bed. Just go get my shit, please. I’ll call Danny tomorrow myself, but I can’t leave her alone. Too many creeps in the world nowadays.”
“Oh yeah, you’re a regular hero, P. But hang on, I’ll get your stuff,” Robert said.
“Do you need to sit down?” Parker said as she caressed Ella’s back, praying she didn’t pass out. Ella sighed against her and began to move slowly to the music.
“No, wanna dance,” she said, and Parker couldn’t help but laugh again.
“Okay, we’ll dance till Rob gets back. Then you have to tell me where you live so I can take you home,” she said. Ella hummed into her shoulder.
Despite the less than stellar situation, Parker did notice Ella’s perfume: light and airy with notes of sandalwood and something fruity. Was it peach? She couldn’t help but realize how well their bodies fit together and how attracted she was to this woman she just met as she fought to keep Ella on her feet and slow dancing to the music. There was nothing more obstinate than a drunk person who didn’t want to move. And after additional evaluation, Ella had hit the sloppy phase for sure. There was no way she would let her sit down again.
When Robert returned with Parker’s belongings, she was able to shuffle Ella to her side so they could walk. She draped Ella’s arm over her shoulder while placing her arm solidly around her waist for support.
“Here we go. Let’s get to my car and I’ll take you home,” she said and encouraged Ella to start walking.
Despite the swaying and drunken pace, they made it to the vehicle. Parker propped her against the rear passenger door, pressing her body to Ella’s to stop her from sliding down while she worked on opening the door. Ella threw her arms around her neck and pressed their foreheads together.
“Do you still want that kiss,” she drawled, mere millimeters from her mouth. Parker swallowed hard at the proximity, but she wasn’t the type of girl who would take advantage of anyone.
“Well sure, but let’s do that when we drop you off at your house, all right?” she said, as she disentangled herself from Ella and helped her slide into the passenger seat. She got the door shut and walked over to the driver’s side before taking a deep breath to steady herself. This is not at all where she imagined the night would go. She opened her door, sat down, and started the car.
“Where to?” she said to Ella who sat with her eyes shut and a small smile on her lips. On her beautiful lips. But that was for another day. Tonight was just about making sure this woman made it home safe and sound. She did feel at least somewhat responsible for the state she was in now.
Ella opened her eyes and turned to her. “I don’t know my address. I just moved, and I’ve had a lot to drink,” she slurred.
Well, what next? “Let’s see your phone. Maybe we can get in touch with someone who knows it and can help us,” she said as she picked up the iPhone tucked between Ella’s legs. It wasn’t password protected. That was good. She looked at the most recent text message conversation. ‘Love you, sweetheart. Have a good weekend.’ That was to Anna. Was Ella already dating someone? A question for another day.
“Hey, so apparently you and Anna know each other well. Can I ask her for your address?” she said.
That drew Ella out of her stupor as she grabbed the phone, looking panicked. “No, no you can’t call her,” she said as her eyes welled up with tears. Parker was at a loss. Tears started to stream down her face now, and Ella sobbed into her hands. Maybe this was an ex? Either way, Parker wasn’t going to pry tonight.
