Felix and Issabell Ch. 02

*Thank you all for viewing! I had a great time with Ch. 02 and Ch. 03 is in the works now. This is my first time writing so any helpful comments are more than welcome! This story is based purely on fiction. I hope you all enjoy it!

Thanks,

-Hunter*

*****

The bar was crowded with tourist from all over the world and the sound of music danced in their ears while they found a table. "Excuse me and I'll get us a server." Felix said. Issabell smiled at him. She had a glow about her that he couldn't explain but he never wanted to be away from it. Reluctantly he tore away from her and made his way to the bar.

"Felix!" A shout came from behind the bar as Felix made his way towards it. Terry, a bartender and good friend of his was beaming at him as he mixed up one of his famous drinks. "What did you do go for a midnight swim?" Terry asked, laughing loudly.

"Something like that!" Felix replied. "Maybe I was shark hunting!" He joked. Edging his way up to the bar he leaned in close. "Hey, Terry, I need a favor man." He said.

"Sure bro, what's up?" Terry replied.

"I've met a friend and want to show her our best service. Do you have any servers you can spare to make sure we don't run out of food and drinks?" Felix questioned, a faint smile dancing across his lips.

"Well of course Felix!" Terry said, motioning to a server to come over. A moment later a young, cute girl came walking up, he nametag read 'Shay'.

"Yeah Terry, what can I do for you?" Shay asked.

"Shay, my friend Felix here needs the best server we have to take the utmost care of him and his friend. I knew there was only one person I could entrust that too and that is you!" Terry said as Shay beamed with pride.

"Why of course I will take care of them!" She exclaimed, glancing at Felix and smiling showing off beautifully white teeth.

"Great!" Felix said. "Terry, you're the best man! Follow me Shay and I'll make sure you get a great tip tonight!" Terry smiled and started working on another drink order as Felix led Shay off to his table. Upon seeing Issabell sitting there his heart started beating faster, Gods she was beautiful!

"Issabell, this is Shay. She's going to make sure we have the best service this island can offer!" Felix boasted as he sat down.

"Oh thank you sweetie! I'll have a Mai Tai and a glass of water." She said, then glancing to Felix said "no salt please."

Felix chuckled while Shay just looked lost from the inside joke. "Of course ma'am! Terry makes a wonderful Mai Tai! I'll make sure he knows who it's for. And what can I get for you Felix?" Shay asked.

"Hmm... Let me get a Mojito. I know they just got in fresh mint today and Terry makes the best!" Felix said.

"Perfect! I'll get this right out to you. I know we're busy but I'll make sure Terry bumps your order up next!" Shay said as she folded up her order book and walked away.

"Oh thank you Felix, this is wonderful! I didn't expect to get first class service when it's this busy in here!" Shay said a little awe stricken.

"Of course Issabell, I wouldn't have it any other way! Tell me, what happened in the water?" Felix asked.

"Honestly, I don't really know. It felt like something wrapped around my leg and pulled me in. Hindsight it was probably some sea weed and I freaked out. The last thing I remember was trying to get away and I sucked in a bunch of water as a wave hit me. Next thing I know I was waking up to you saving me." She said.

"Well, I'm sorry that you went through that. I'm just relieved I was close enough to hear you yell!" Felix replied.

"Me too! I don't know how I can ever repay you!" Issabell exclaimed the lights of the bar twinkling in her eyes.

"No need to try and repay me. I'm glad I was able to help. Plus, having the company of a beautiful lady is perfect!" Felix replied. A coy smile teased on his lips as Issabell's eyes gleamed.

A moment later, Shay returned carrying a drink tray. She set the water in front of Issabell and giggled, "no salt". She then placed the Mai Tai and Mojito in front of them, the Mai Tai was bursting with the freshest fruits skewered over the top, the Mojito brought the smell of fresh mint to the table, tickling both of their noses.

"Yum! This looks amazing!" exclaimed Issabell. She pulled a cherry from the skewer and popped in in her mouth and a drop of red juice trickled down her chin.

Laughing, Felix grabbed a napkin. "Here, let me help." He told Issabell as he dabbed her chin.

"Thank you!" She said after swallowing the cherry. The band fired up a new song, a slow melody that was perfect for background noise. The smells of fruit and mint danced in the air as if the melody of the music was carrying them. Issabell was clearly enjoying herself as she tapped her glass along with the beat and sucked some Mai Tai off her straw. Felix couldn't help but stare at her as she radiated something he couldn't describe but he knew he liked it.

"So tell me about yourself Issabell. Where are you from?" Felix asked.

"Originally I'm from West Chester, Pennsylvania in the United States. However, I moved to New York City a few years ago as I got a job offer that I couldn't refuse working for Tokito Magazine. That's actually why I'm out here. My company sent me here to do a story on the Papichino Monkeys. I don't know much about them but their supposed to be adorable!" She squealed in excitement and took a big gulp of her Mai Tai.

"Oh that's awesome! I've never been to New York City but I've always wanted to visit! Madison Square Garden looks amazing from what I've seen online!" Felix replied. He swept his dark hair out of his eyes as it finally dried out.

Issabell couldn't help but admire his features. He had dark hair, almost black, and almond shaped eyes that were just as dark but deep and with a hint of grey specks that shimmered in the lighting. He didn't have a beard but he had stubble that looked accidental but she knew that it was done on purpose. She glanced at his arms, eyes widening at how his muscles bulged through his shirt. She hadn't noticed them until now. He had an anchor tattooed on his left bicep with the words 'Maria' inked below it.

"What is your tattoo for?" She enquired.

"My mother; God rest her soul. She was a wonderful lady, and so full of life! Her heart belonged to the ocean, and that's what took her from this world. She was out sailing and got caught in a storm, a rogue wave capsized the vessel, no one was found alive..." He trailed off while staring off into a vision of the past, his eyes clouding over.

"I'm so sorry... I wouldn't have..." She stammered while placing her hand on his. A wrecked pain shot through her heart, she didn't want to hurt the man who just saved her life!

"You had no idea, my dear. It was a long time ago and she wouldn't have wanted to go any other way, as I said the ocean was where she belonged." His eyes met hers as she gazed into the dark depths feeling as if the oceans depth were enclosed in them. His stare was intense and she couldn't look away, time seemed to stand still and music ceased to play, all laughter died away. It was just him and her locked into an eternal gaze, fire coursing through their veins, she felt a heat building between her legs. She wanted to kiss him!

She hadn't felt such a draw to a man since Eric. Memories came flooding through her mind pushing out all other thoughts and emotions. Eric, a blonde haired hunk from New York City, and a wealthy businessman who had the world in the palm of his hands as he made it seem, was there. Standing at the bottom of her apartment steps with a bouquet of the prettiest white lily's in his left hand and a ring that would have made a Queen's mouth drop in his right. This was everything she had ever wanted! Besides the job, he was a main factor in her move to New York. Of course, she ran down the stairs and jumped in his arms, and kissing him deeply. Everything in her life was perfect; until he came home drunk one night and smelling like another's perfume.

When she questioned him about it he got angry, and her heart broke. She remembered screaming at him asking him how he could do that to her, as they were so deep in love that she thought nothing would ever come between them. He told her that it was a mistake and it was because he was drunk and it would never happen again. He lied. It progressively got worse and became a regular thing, him coming home drunk and smelling like different perfumes. He would run up and shower but she knew what was going on, but what was really the sad thing, no matter how many times he hurt her, all she wanted was to make him happy and be with him. One day he just never came back, leaving everything of this life they built behind. Issabell was broken. She surrounded herself in her work, quickly rising to the top of her company. She needed that as an escape and it was her way to forget him. It has been two years since she last saw Eric and about a year and a half since she thought about him since she locked those memories up and threw away the key, or so she thought.

The memories faded from her eyes and music danced in her ears as she came back to the moment looking back into Felix's eyes. Her Mai Tai, half drank was dripping beads of sweat down the glass and the smell of mint floated around their table from the Mojito. The band was playing some high paced island song for a packed dance floor, everyone around was laughing and having a great time. She noticed Felix had intertwined his fingers with hers and was looking deep into her eyes.

"What is it Issabell?" He said with a cool smile on his lips.

"I, uh, I'm sorry Felix I must go! It's getting late, and, uh, I've got a bunch of stuff to do tomorrow, I'm sorry! Thank you for everything!" She said while pulling her hand from his and breaking his gaze.

Felix's heart dropped and with a start said, "Wait, already? I mean, of course, I understand." His gazed saddened and dropped.

Issabell felt a pain of guilt as she saw the pained expression on his face. "I'm sorry Felix, maybe we can get together later, I just must go now." With that, she pulled free and sped out of the bar leaving Felix looking sad and lost at the table.

Felix stood up and cleaned up the table, taking the glasses to the bar. Shay was standing at the bar, waiting for a drink order. "Oh, did you need another Felix? I was just getting ready to come back and check on you!" She said.

"Not tonight Shay, thank you though." Felix replied and handed her a nice tip. "I must be going, have a good evening you all."

"Night Felix!" Shay said.

"G'night buddy!" Terry shouted over the music while waving.

Felix made his way out of the bar and walked along the beach heading to his house, as the music faded in the distance only to be replaced by the crash of ocean waves on the beach. His mind was running all over with thoughts of his mother and Issabell. He reached the door to his house, fatigue setting in like a cold chill, he would find Issabell again he thought. There was a spark he felt and he hoped she felt the same. Felix climbed into bed, mind still racing but fatigue played the victor and soon he was snoring, dreams were sure to come.