He met her at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. She was sitting in the circle he had reluctantly joined. Her ombre hair prevented those seated beside her, one of them telling the group his story, seeing her roll her eyes. Peter was seated to the left, five seats away, and could see that she had the same attitude he did towards the AA meetings.
Peter didn't know who she was, but his eyes never left her. Her dislike for the AA meetings amused him. And he always had a weakness for a pretty face.
He approached the table of refreshments and got himself a cup of tea. The woman whom captivated his attention all evening used the coffee machine at the other end of the table. He felt like a schoolboy, glancing at her praying she didn't notice. But she did, and had noticed all evening.
"So what's your story, newbie?" She asked, moving to stand beside him.
"Haven't got one." He said.
"Everyone's got a story." She said.
The woman held her hand out and Peter shook it. She stepped closer and leaned in to speak into his ear. "I'm Alice."
"Peter. Peter Barlow." He said.
"I'll see you around, Peter." She said.
He didn't see her for three days but she was always on his mind. She was alluring and had captured his attention more than any other woman. Just like she wanted.
Alice walked into the pub and told her friends to go ahead before walking over to Peter. She tapped his arm, "Hey." She pointed to his glass, "Breaking sobriety already?" She took the glass and held his gaze as she took a sip. "Mm. Water. Good. I'll see you tomorrow then."
But he never got the opportunity to speak to her.
Peter found himself at the bar and hoping that Alice would turn up.
After an hour she walked in, but she wasn't alone. Peter's eyes followed her across the room as she sat across from a man at one of the tables. He paid for his drink before leaving. Alice called his name so he reluctantly walked over to her table.
"Devon, meet Peter. He's part of the AA group. And Peter..." She smiled at him knowingly. "meet my brother Devon."
He was jealous. Alice could deduce that from barely glancing in his direction. Peter didn't know this, but the ombre haired woman had a plan. She had heard about the serial cheat. Her friend had even been cheated on by him, but Alice didn't care about that. She wanted him, and her plan would whip him into shape so that she would be the only woman he would ever think of looking at.
Peter joined their table and stayed long after her brother had left. Alice could see the insights into her life that her brother gave, added a mischievous twinkle to his eyes.
Peter walked her home and Alice thanked him. She leaned in to kiss him, her lips ghosting against his before she stepped back. "Sorry." She hoped she sounded sincere, but it was another part of her plan. Make him think about her. And then dream about her.
"Goodnight." She headed inside and Peter put his hands in the pockets of his jacket, walking away from her flat.
He didn't see her for a week after that, but like Alice hoped, she plagued his dreams and every thought.
Peter had just hanged his jacket on the hook after returning from work when there was a knock at the door. Alice stood in a dress and heels, hair and make up all done up. Peter opened the door wider and his eyes followed her as she stepped inside. Alice looked around as he closed the door. She spotted the glass of wine on the kitchen counter.
"You're not drinking again, are you?" She asked.
"I couldn't go through with it." He said. "My minds somewhere else."
Alice nodded, pleased with his answer. She ran her hands down her hips. "Like my dress?" She asked.
Peter nodded, slowly inching closer. "Red suits you." He said.
"I thought it was a little tight..." She stepped closer, placing a hand on his chest.
Peter shook his head slightly. "No it's perfect." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're perfect." He knew why she had suddenly appeared at his door, of course he knew.
Alice placed her hands on the nape of his neck when his lips met hers in a fiery kiss. Peter held back a groan of disapproval when she pulled away. Alice placed her index finger over his lips, biting her bottom lip in anticipation of the night ahead. "Are we really going to do this?" She asked, voicing her thoughts.
"God I hope so." He said.
Alice giggled. She planted lingering pecks on his lips before Peter placed a hand on her hip, bringing her closer he pressed his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling against his lips as he guided her to the bedroom, back pressing against the door. She giggled when they both reached to find the handle, stumbling backwards when the door suddenly opened, Alice losing her heels in the process.
"Are you okay?" He asked, chuckling.
Alice nodded, laughing as she rested her head on his chest since she was once again smaller than him. She took out the pin keeping her hair up and turned her back. "Unzip me."
That night would become memorable. It also marked the night their relationship began and the first relationship in which Peter remained faithful. Alice was a constant surprise, she captivated his thoughts and he never thought once about straying from her. And he didn't. Peter knew that this time it was real. Alice had been the one woman who could make him stay faithful.