Woman of the Rose

Chapter 2

2

It seems like weeks have gone by since I encountered mystery man. I watched the door every time someone would walk in, hoping that it would be him who would walk through. By the end of the day, my hope of seeing him again diminished.

"Violet, do you mind locking up?" Esther asked.

"Sure no problem." She handed me the key and I slid it into the pocket of my skirt.

"Well, I'm heading out. I'll see you at home Violet."

"Okay. Make sure to get some rest, you look exhausted Esther." She waved her hand around and walked out. I smiled and started wiping down the counter. After a while only a few people trickled in, and when the clock reached 5:00, it was time to close. I was putting away a few stray books that were left on the table when the bell above the door jingled.

"I'm sorry we're closed." I said turning around, looking up from the books in my hands. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. His tall frame taking up most of the aisle. I couldn't believe he was here, after so long.

"What are you..?" I was at a loss for words as I stood there staring at him, even though he was wearing a hoodie and sunglasses, there was just something about him that was so...captivating.

He took a step forward but seemed to stop himself from coming any further. "I wanted to see you." I played with the book in my hands before putting it in its rightful spot on the bookshelf. I looked down at my shoes, a shy blush coloring my cheeks.

"I...um." I took a deep breath, letting out a small laugh. "Alright, but we're closed so...."

"Can we talk, just for a little while? This is the only place I know that the owner would be okay with me being in." I furrowed my brows. "Why is that?"

He cleared his throat and disappeared behind the bookshelf. I followed him until we reached a small booth in the corner, where we sat opposite of each other. The lamp on the table highlighting his features. "It's a long complicated story. One I'm not sure I want to tell." He sat there with his chin resting on his folded hands, staring at me, or at least I think he was.

"Tell me when you're ready. In the meantime, we can talk about something else."

"Like what?"

"Um, your favorite author?" I leaned back with my hands folded in my lap as I watched him rub his chin in thought. "Jonathan Swift."

"And what of Swift's work do you like?"

"I would have to say, A Modest Proposal. The first time I read it, I was a little surprised. It amazed me how something so hilarious can be cloaked so drolly. For instance, if someone were to read it aloud properly, it would need to be read by someone who could be dramatic and sound somewhat, pompously humorous, without so much as cracking a smile. I truly admire his work. I believe it was a real slam to those who sat idle on their hands - and their wallets- while the impoverished citizens became more and more so."

"Wow, you seem very passionate about it."

"I am. I feel that Jonathan Swift's intention, though far more graphic and satirical, was a bit like Charles Dickens' had been when he wrote "A Christmas Carol", a wake-up call to the very wealthy to extend their charity to the poor. The idea of eating the children was meant to be humorous, and yet was intended to prompt solutions to their economic and social problems."

"You sound like you know what you're talking about. Although, I'm not much for books, so all of that goes over my head."

"And yet you work in a bookstore." He said with a raised brow, I blushed at the irony of it.

"Yes I do." laughing to myself, he asked "So why are you here?"

"I-I uh, I wanted a change of scenery. I actually came here from Virginia, hoping to find someone or something." I let out a small laugh and waved my hand dismissing the idea. "It's silly, just a reoccurring dream."

"Must be some dream." I stared at the man in front of me, biting my lip in curiosity. His expression was dead pan.

"I'll say, but I'm actually just a really boring  person."
I glanced down, his thumb rubbing small circles on the back of my hand.
"I happen to find you to be the most interesting thing that's happened in a while."

I didn't realize how close we had gotten until I felt his breath  against my cheek. His hand reached up and brushed the hair away from neck. I closed my eyes at the small touch, making shivers run down my spine. He titled my chin up so that I was looking at him. Even with the dark sunglasses on, I was still unable to see his eyes. Our lips inched closer, barely brushing against each other. I reached up to cup his face when his hand shot out to grab it.

I looked at him with hooded eyes, a smirk forming on his face. I glanced at the clock on the wall that read, 8:15.

"I should be going, it's getting late." I nodded as we stood, making sure everything was turned off before we left. The bell dinged as we exited the store, locking the door and sliding the key back into my pocket. I rocked on my heels as I looked up at him. His tall frame hovering over me like a tower. The streets were empty except for a few people hanging out by the bar. The wind blew gently through the air, catching his masculine scent. I tried not to breathe it in like a weird person, but I couldn't help but to take a deep breath.

"I guess this is goodbye."
He took a step forward brushing the hair out of my face.

"Not goodbye, but I will see you again, goodnight Violet." He turned and made his way down the barley lit sidewalk. I was about to leave when I realized he never told me his name. I ran towards him, my heels clacking against the pavement. "Wait!" he stopped midstride and turned to face me. When I was close enough I rested my hands on my knees and took a deep breath, trying to even out my breathing.

"Man..you...walk fast." I said in between breathes. Taking a deep breathe, I blew it out, "I never got your name."

"A lady should never chase down a man, especially in heels."

"No, I'm fine really. I just wanted to know your name." he stared down at me with his hands in his pockets.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Well you seem to know mine, it's only fair."
A small smile crept on his face.
"You do realize you wear a name tag." My mouth hung open at that. Of course I wear a name tag, how could I forget that. I closed my mouth and nodded. "Yes, of course how could I forget? I'm just going to go now." Snapping my fingers into finger guns I turned away embarrassed as I walked back in the direction of the store mumbling to myself.

"Sebastian ."

I stopped and looked behind me, he stood rooted to the spot where I just left him. "What?"

"My name? It's Sebastian."

"Oh. It's nice to finally meet you Sebastian ." I thought I saw him smirk but it was gone as he turned and walked away. I turned back around, a huge grin spreading across my face as I repeated his name over and over in my head.
Sebastian
Authors Note:

hello thank you for reading :) comment and vote and the next chapter will be posted in due time.