“Thank you so much for this. I never dreamed I’d be in New Orleans only one day and meet the most beautiful, magical Faery on the planet.”
Lilly blushed and laughed nervously, “I’m no tiny Faery, I am 5 foot 2.”
Roland drew her into an embrace. “Yes, a delicate and beautiful 5 foot 2.”
Alarms went off in her head. Her vision of Roland, as a benevolent friend, wavered as memories of Alex’s easy embrace and initial gentleness warned her away from physical closeness.
“I’m sorry. Did I frighten you? I am so drawn to you. I thought maybe...”
“No, Roland, it’s not you, it’s me. I am afraid. I’ve had a bad relationship, worse than a bad relationship, a scary marriage.”
Roland’s eyebrows flew up, his jaw dropped, “Your married?”
Lilly shook her head, “I’m getting divorced and I will never go back.”
“Good news, I’m glad you’ve chosen freedom.”
They walked in silence, watching the rippling waters of the river, enjoying the absinthe’s emerald haze tinting the moon.
“I better get home, Roland, it’s getting late,” Lilly said, breaking the spell of the walk. Roland nodded as they reluctantly retraced their steps along the riverbank, climbed the levee and walked slowly through the Square.
Lilly unlocked the gate and stepped into the carriageway. She smiled, but did not invite Roland further. The night had surprised her. She needed time alone to sort out her feelings and confusion.
Roland kissed her softly on the lips, expecting nothing more. He squeezed her hand and backed away as she closed the gate.
She had every intention of getting to sleep and being fresh for work in the morning, but Roland’s beautiful face swam before her every time she closed her eyes. The warmth he exuded, the safety she felt with him was wonderful. She was terrified. Letting her heart lead the way had gotten her into the dangerous mess with Alex. Fear and doubt begged her to be strong and resist the handsome musician. As soon as she resolved to resist him, she recalled his smiling brown eyes. She lay awake, questioning the fear and joy Roland stirred in her heart. The sky turned dove gray as she continued to twist and turn in the rumpled bed sheets.
Chapter 13
Resistance is Futile
Lilly stared in the bathroom mirror at the dark circles under her eyes. Her drooping eyelids and pallid face were the result of a sleepless night. She pulled herself together and went down to work in the shop. Jolene took one look at her and put a cup of coffee in front of her and assigned her busy tasks in the store rather than waiting on customers.
Lilly sighing with relief, sat on a tall stool and began arranging the book shelves. Absorbed in her task, she yelped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she spun around to find Roland smiling at her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, taking a step back.
“No, that’s cool. I’m fine,” Lilly said, smiling.
“I’ve come in to see if I can take you out to dinner tonight. Last night was wonderful. I would love to continue our tour.”
Lilly almost blurted out, “Yes, of course,” but remembering her resolve, she declined his invitation. Roland’s face fell and he looked puzzled and more than a little hurt.
“I’m not in the mood to go out tonight,” Lilly explained. Her stomach clenched as a wave of panic washed over her. Her mouth opened and she blurted out, “Maybe, you could pick something up for dinner and come over to my apartment.”
A smile stretched across Roland’s face as he quickly took her up on her invitation. “Yea, man, that will be great. I’ll be over around 7:00,” he said, kissing her on the cheek and sauntering out of the shop.
‘Why did I do that?’ Lilly plopped down on the stool wringing her hands and chewing her bottom lip. ‘What’s the difference if I go out with him or have him in my apartment?’ She felt her heart flip flop in her chest. She was terrified of her own feelings.
Roland arrived with a bag of take out from Felix’s Restaurant, a six pack of Dixie beer, a bouquet of flowers and his mandolin strapped across his back. Lilly put the flowers in water in an empty mayonnaise jar and lit a couple of candles on the coffee table.
They sat across from one another on the floor eating spaghetti and meatballs. Lilly was quite but Roland couldn’t stop smiling. “What are you grinning about?”
“I’m happy. All this time on the road, traveling with the band, I was having a good time. Tonight, however, I am truly, deeply happy. There is nothing like a beautiful woman and good food to put a smile on my face.”
A smile played on the edge of Lilly’s lips, “I’m happy too. It is good to see you again.”
Roland came around the coffee table and sat next to her. He took her hand in his and gently turned her face towards him. Looking into her eyes, he asked, “What is bothering you? Did I get my signals crossed? I thought we hit it off spectacularly last night. Am I wrong?”
“No, you are not wrong and that’s the problem.”
“How’s that a problem?” Roland wanted to know.
“You don’t know anything about me. I’ve escaped my husband. He was cruel and abusive. I didn’t know this at first. I misjudged him. I thought we were in love and would be happy together. I don’t know how I could have been so blind and stupid. Now, I am scared to....”
Roland pulled her gently to him, “I’m so sorry he turned out to be a jerk. What kind of man would do anything to drive you away? He obviously didn’t know who or what you are.”
Lilly’s head lifted, “What do you mean, who or what I am?”
“Lyla, I know one of the Fae when I see them. You are the embodiment of enchantment with the charm
