Ariana felt free for the first time in seven years. She still did wonder what was going on in New York. Greg had not returned her phone call. Perhaps I am completely done with that part of my unlife. Except for Mr. Grey. She really needed to clear things up with him. She was not entirely sure that he was happy to see her.

Since she was taking a small break from the Avalon, she walked down the street to a slightly busy bar she had passed earlier in the evening. Time to lay on the charm.

Still wearing her blue classy, yet flirty dress, she entered. Ariana wondered if the men in Sacramento were as easy to coax as they were in New York. While she walked in, she apparently caught the attention of several men as she made her way over to the bar itself. She sat down and waited for two things; one, the busy bartender and two, some man to sit down next to her.

As she waited, she checked her phone briefly and programmed some numbers that Lady Seneschal gave her. She also programmed in Mr. O’Conner and Mr. Grey’s number. Right as she hit save on the last number a man pretended to bump into her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry miss.” The man proclaimed promptly. “May I buy you a drink for an apology?” He was dressed in jeans a t-shirt and a sport coat, he was fairly good looking and had a sweet disposition about him at Ariana’s first glance. His hair was gelled to near perfection with the exception of one small hair out of place that nearly gave him more character.

Ariana smiled and said with her practiced British accent, “Well, if you must, I would be delighted.” She motioned to the high chaired stool next to her. “Would you like to enjoy the drink with me?” She did enjoy speaking as if she was from out of town.

The man, with bright eyes of shock “Yes, I would love to.” He smiled at her. “What is your name?” Ariana realized at that moment, that this man perhaps had a hard time with women.

“Ariana.” She said with another smile. “And yours?”

“Oswald, but you should call me Oz.” He said with a smirk. “You don’t sound like you’re from around here. Where ya from originally?”

Ariana slowly crossed her legs in a slightly sexy manner toward him. “I am from the U.K., Essex.” It was so easy, she thought to herself.

They continued talking, she had ordered pinot noir which sat untouched and the man never noticed. While they talked she did not take her eyes off of him. She was certain this was a turn on. After about an hour, while she would slightly touch her hand on his leg during conversational gesture, she noticed that it was about time to reel him in.

“Tell me Oz, do you live far from here? It is really noisy and I would enjoy talking to you someplace quiet.” While Ariana spoke these words, Oz’s eyes light up, like holiday lights.

“I don’t live too far from here. My car’s out back.” And with that he escorted her to his vehicle.


As they drove, she smiled in her head. Such a sweet man, I do believe I am going to enjoy this particular Kiss for a change.