The Loner

Mountains and Cities Between

I obliged to Riley's evil grin and decided to spend my last two days of vacation with her at her house. I packed all the stuff I had and brought them over to her oddly polka-dotted place. She was cooking us dinner when I came in.  The house looked a lot better since the last time I had seen it. Everything was cleaned up the way it was, however the windows were still painted black. It smelled like she was making something rich in sauce as the aroma had carried through the house. 

"In here Miller." she called. 

I put my bag by the couch and walked into the kitchen to see Riley... cooking...in a slinky backless little black dress and at least 4 inch heels. 

"Whoa."

"See something you like Miller?"

The backless part showcased her tattoo of serpent winding down her back perfectly in subtle S form.

"Ya- yea... um what's the occasion?" I practically gulped as I cleared my throat. 

"Oh just thought that I would give you something a little extra to remember when you go back to work this time."

"Wow, well you know you didn't have to do that Riley, I like you in practically anything you wear."

"Now Miller, you wanna ruin your surprises or do you wanna have some fun?"

"I wanna have fun."

"Good. Food is almost ready just a few more minutes."

"What are we having?"

"Some good ole' salman patties, with corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and broccoli."

"Sounds good. You look beautiful Riley." 

She smiled a small smile and shook her head.

"No need to pay me compliments Miller. So what kind of stories do you write about mostly?" 

In all the time I had known Riley she had never really asked me about my job. Most people would find that to be kind of odd, but I preferred it, after all I came to these mountains to get away from the stories I deal with at my job. Seems like Riley was deflecting for some reason. 

"Um... usually what ever story lands in my lap. Stories ranging from business fraud and embezzlement to mass shootings and targeted crimes of passion. The stories usually are pretty dramatic and sad."

"Shit...no wonder you needed a break. What's the nicest story you studied?"

"Um, I'd have to say the nonprofit for building a shelter for the homeless and stray animals. Next to that I would say the restaurant that had a farm to table idea, but that's about as nice as it gets."

"Wow, what made you get into this?" 

Something told me I should ask why all of a sudden she wanted to know, but I decided instead of getting into another argument, I better just answer her question.

"I've always been inquisitive. Probably the only kid at 10 years old getting sucked into news stories with my parents. I didn't know if I wanted to be a reporter or behind the scenes, but I always knew this is the field I wanted to be in."

"I was always the advice giver in my friendship groups, so I knew I would do something with it someday. Food's done."

I got up to fix a plate for myself, but she stopped me.

"Ah Ah Miller. It's my southern hospitality is showing today so sit down and let me make you a plate."

It's not that I don't appreciate all of this, but something was definitely up. This was just odd. Why was Riley treating me as if this was date instead of me just coming to chill at her house like I have before? She almost snapped my head off for thinking different of it back at the cabin. She wanted to make sure this was just a friends with benefits situation.  Something is up, and I am getting real close to asking what, but a part of me wants to see how far she goes.