Finding Love in Winslow

Chapter Three

Sorry for such a short chapter. Very little time but I promise to stay consistent.

"So Parley, this is your cafe"

"Yes, it is."

"It's funny because I only came in here, because not that long ago it used to be a convenience store. A sweet man named Oliver ran it."

"Yes indeed, that sweet old man was my grandfather. He passed the business down to me before he passed away. I guess he thought I was the only one with vision and who could keep his space running in a way that was meaningful to me." She said with a small hint of sadness.

"I'm sorry, I had no clue. I haven't been back to town in so long. College has kept me busy."

"No it's okay and you sure do say sorry a lot" she said with a cheeky smile.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to..... oh jeez I did again."

She burst out laughing it was so cute. I was mesmerized by her.

She looked at her watch. "We have thirty minutes, let me close the cafe and we can be on our way"

"Wait, so you have decided to take a chance on a stranger"

"Only because you called my grandfather a sweet old man. He must have liked you to give you that sort of impression. Pardon my french but many would describe him as an impatient bastard with a freezing cold heart......plus this would be a welcome change from my usual routine" She walked to the back and locked up.

She came back with her coat and handbag. "You ready to go?"

While she was in the back I took the time to put on my coat and grab my handbag.

"Yes! Can I take the book"

"Yes, you can have it actually."

"Thankyou, how much is it?"

"Don't worry about it, I think it will be better off with you. Otherwise it would just collect dust since I have already read it"

"Well Thankyou I appreciate it" I couldn't stop grinning. I put the book in my purse and closed it.

She hit the lights and locked the door.

Where the concert was being held wasn't far at all. We started our walk and there was a comfortable silence. But not long into the walk, she broke the silence.

"Sooo college...you back for break or did you just graduate?"

"I'm back for break" I responded hoping for her to say something else. I just couldn't get used to that voice of hers. I bet she could make anything sound sexy.

"Where do you go to school"

"I go to NYU"

"Oh nice, I went there ages ago" her hand movements made it seem like she was a dinosaur. She smiled to herself.

In all honesty she looked like my peers. Aside from her choice of clothing. Her clothing didn't show off her figure, it actually did nothing for her body. She looked like a librarian or a book keeper. She dresses as if her life is over. But maybe she just likes over sized sweaters and maxi skirts.

"You don't look a day over 25"

"That's sweet I'm actually 36"

She looked amazing for 36. I wasn't put off by her age or anything. I see fine in every age group.

"So still young and lively."

"Oh barely"

"No that wasn't a question" I said as watched her reaction.

We made it to the tents before she could respond. The band Olivia was supposed to play but walking inside there was another group on stage.

"Wow it's loud in here" she said bending down to my ear so that I could hear her. Her breath tickled my ear, her voice gave me goosebumps. I think I'm addicted to her voice. It makes me wonder how she would sound moaning in my ear. Oh my why did I go there, dirty thoughts go away. Don't be a creep.

Most of the town was here to see the band. Mostly the under 30 but there was sprinkles of above 30 here and there. I saw a lot of my classmates from high school.

Parley was so tall I planted my hand on her arm for stability and whispered into her ear. "Do you want to grab anything from the bar?"

She thought it over for a minute "Sure, why not"

Without thinking, I grabbed her hand so I wouldn't lose her in the crowd. Her hand felt so nice in mine. When we made it to the bar, I let it go. I didn't want her to suffer any ill intent just from me holding her hand.

"Would you like to sit?" I asked wanting to make sure she was comfortable in this setting.

"No it's ok, plus there is only one seat"

I gave her a reassuring smile as I pulled the seat out.  "I think you should have it and please don't fight me on this"

She looked up at me and said ok.

She looked so out of place. But no one seemed to care or notice.

"What would you like to drink, you can have anything you want"

"I'll take a vodka soda"

"Ok I got you"

I had my eyes on Parley the whole night. I was just now realizing how familiar the woman behind the bar looked.

"What can I get you" she asked before turning around.

It was in that moment I knew exactly who she was."OMG Ryder, is that you"

Her face lit up "Astra". She raced around the bar to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

I couldn't place the look on Parley's face. She wasn't uncomfortable but she seemed a little taken back.

Ryder grabbed my hand and made me give her spin.

"You look more gorgeous than I remember. What are you doing back? The last time I saw you, I think was our high school graduation"

"Stop it" I said as I playfully and flirtatiously hit her. "And yes, I finally decided to come back for winter break. I decided to let the past be the past and create new memories."

Parley was a little puzzled but she didn't say anything. "Anyways this is Parley, do you guys know each other"

"Yes we do" Parley said softly.

"Hello Parley, I just saw your husband maybe 15 minutes ago."

NOW ITS TIME FOR WHAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. PLEASE WELCOME, OLIVIA THE BAND