Beautifully Twisted by Jennifer Domenico Page B

table at Beau.”
    Alexa nods her head. She hates French food but he is the boss. She’ll play along.
    “I’m glad you could make it out with me tonight, Alexa. I’ve heard so many good things about you and the London office. It’s nice to meet the person responsible for it.”
    “Thank you. I’m proud of the work we’ve done.”
    “I also hear you’re tough as nails and your expectations are high.”
    “I ask nothing of anyone that I’m not willing to do myself.”
    “I like that. It takes guts to take on everything that you have. Scott was right to put his faith in you.”
    “He trained me well.” In more ways than one.
    “I can see that. It’s quite amazing we never met when you worked in New York,” he says.
    Alexa thought the same thing and had a feeling Scott never wanted them to meet but decides to keep that to herself. “Just timing, I suppose,” she says.
    “Do you like London so far?”
    “I do, except for the weather. I’m craving some sunshine.”
    “You should go to the South of France in the winter. Or Italy.”
    “Who has the time?”
    “You should make time to have fun, Alexa, always.”
    She rolls her eyes slightly. “I’ve been told that before.”
    They drive a short distance to Beau. Even though she doesn’t like this kind of food, she knows how exclusive this restaurant is and she’s impressed he scored a reservation.
    “How did you get us in here, Brett? I heard the reservation list is months deep.”
    “I have connections.” He smiles and winks.
    Alexa suddenly realizes without the bright glare of Scott in the room, Brett is quite attractive. She’s normally not drawn to the fair haired type, what with his lightly freckled skin and pale ginger colored hair. But his eyes shine a bright green and his smile is dazzling white. She’s not sure, but he must be a little older than Scott, maybe late thirties. Not bad.
    The valet attendant opens her door and she waits while Brett joins her. They walk in and are immediately seated at a table overlooking the Thames River. Even though it’s only November, the city is all lit up as everyone prepares for the upcoming Christmas season.
    Brett orders wine while Alexa sits staring out the window. Her thoughts drift, wondering what’s in store for this evening.
    “Penny for your thoughts?”
    Alexa turns her head back to Brett and smiles. “Just noticing how pretty the city looks right now.”
    “Yes it’s very nice. I always enjoy my time in London.” He places his napkin across his lap. “Where are you from originally?”
    “California,” she says, hoping he doesn’t ask too many personal questions.
    “Does your family live there still?” he asks.
    “Yes.”
    “Will you see them for Christmas?”
    She shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Talking about her family is never a happy subject. “Unlikely. My mother is going through her fourth divorce. I haven’t spoken to my father in years.”
    “I see.” Brett frowns slightly. “Do you have siblings?”
    “Two half-sisters. We’re not close.”
    “How do you normally spend Christmas, then?”
    She shrugs. “It’s just another day.” I normally spent it in Scott’s bed.
    Brett opens his mouth to speak when the waiter approaches to take their drink order. Glancing down at the wine menu, Brett peruses the selections and then shifts his eyes back to Alexa. “You like wine?” he asks.
    Alexa nods. She likes any type of alcohol and hopes it will help her relax a little. She listens as Brett orders a bottle of Pinot Noir.
    Brett closes the wine menu and leans across the table slightly. “I’ll tell you what I’m really interested in knowing about you.” He smiles and Alexa notices how his eyes pleasantly crease in the corners when he does. “Are you romantically attached to anyone?”
    Whew, that’s an interesting question. She had no idea how to answer it. “It’s complicated.”
    “Ah, so I’ll take that as a yes.”
    Alexa sighs. “Take it however you