Second Ave Series: Ac-Counting on You (WLW)

Such is Life

Gwen finished getting her coffee ready and walked out onto her covered balcony to enjoy the rainfall. It always eased her warring mind, bringing about a peace like nothing else or no one else, and she was ready to unwind after a trying week. With its culmination, she could rest and do all the things she desired most. Well, aside from the short time her family was meant to come over for an early dinner later in the day. Still, it was only morning and she had plenty of time to crack open a good book that would take her elsewhere, serenaded by the heavy downpour just beyond her retractable awning.

As she sat down with a shiver, she peeked over at her outdoor thermometer and realized it read just above sixty-five. Having been small, or what others may have even described as frail, since she was able to leave the hospital all those years prior, Gwen grew cold quite easily, though she didn't mind. In fact, it was something she embraced being a winter baby and she smiled from ear to ear as she peered down past the balcony railing to find the market below was relatively quiet, which was another reason why she loved these rainy days.

September was her favorite month as it bore the heaviest downfall and she relaxed against the back of her rocker her father's friend made her, picking at the paint as she sipped her coffee. It needed a new coat, or another color, yet it still rocked just as well as it did the first day her father brought it into her loft. Clarence spent weeks finding the right person to make the furniture for her as he knew it was a particular dream of hers to be able to rock on her balcony while reading or watching the rain, though he hadn't expected to make such great friends with the craftsman. That was just how the people in her family came across, friendly and welcoming, and she fondly sighed as she thought of all she had to tell them upon their visit later.

On top of that, her mother was bringing by her famous fried pears and just the thought of them made Gwen's mouth water. Hopefully, she'd have a few extra that Gwen could keep and perhaps give to Doctor Kokkinos upon their next visit. Her grin left her face the second she thought of their conversation last night and she sighed. Fiona wanted her to start having their sessions at that hole in the wall coffee shop she'd tried entering. Truth be told, it wasn't her only attempt, though the second time she passed by on her way home from her last session of the week, she was drawn in by the soothing scents of freshly baked goods and strong coffee.

It was precisely the way to break into her heart and she nearly made it inside before she spotted the owner and froze. As absolutely enthralling as she appeared, Gwen wasn't sure if she could even have a clear cut conversation with Miss Bluestone, much less spend an entire morning within her shop's walls. Although, the beckoning vision of unread books in the back half of the store left her yearning to explore its interior. Still, the second she saw the owner and how busy she was at the time, Gwen ran away as she always did.

Grumbling beneath her breath, she massaged the dip of her nose and closed her eyes as she pictured the woman's gorgeous, jett black, long hair. Gwen hadn't ever seen someone so attractive in her life and the more she thought of her, the more she wished to hear her tranquil accent once again. If Fiona had anything to do with it, she would on Tuesday of next week and Gwen found herself literally counting down the hours each and every time she hazarded a glance toward the clock hanging over her stove.

With an epiphany, she thought of the doctor's words of encouragement and gazed down at the book in her lap. Its corners and binding were frayed and tattered as she'd read this specific novel time and time again. It was her favorite after all and she needed a new copy. Maybe just go in with me and browse the books for about ten, fifteen minutes. I doubt you'll regret it and you may even find a new book to read, Gwen. Fiona's voice echoed in her mind as she ran her index finger along the creased edges of her novel and she thought of how filled with books that store appeared. There were so many they had some stacked around the clerk's desk and her mouth practically watered at the adventures to which they may take her.