Connie's Cafe/Book Shop

Chapter 10 - The Picnic

Saturday morning dawned a little gray and Connie wondered if their picnic date was very realistic. Still if it rained she was sure they would arrange something else.

As she dried herself after her shower she rubbed the scar she had on her wrist and arm, she had been pleasantly surprised that Dean either hadn't noticed or hadn't said anything. She guessed it was the latter, he had been almost careful not to ask too many personal questions.

As the morning grew to afternoon the weather improved and by noon the sun had started to peek through the clouds.

"I'm going up to change now," she called out to Tim as she picked up her bag, "Are you sure you'll be o.k?"

They had talked about closing half day on Saturday but lately had seen that although not huge, they did have some customers which made Saturday afternoon openings worthwhile. They had also decided to stay open until 6 pm during the week.

"Look I'll be fine" answered Tim with a radiant smile, "Just go and get ready, have fun and don't think of the shop until Monday morning, Now go and enjoy yourself"

Tim almost pushed Connie out of the shop.

She laughed, it was incredible how he and come to think of it , Amy, Betty and Pat had all been so supportive and also inquisitive about her evening. It was almost embarrassing, after all she was a successful person, granted that she hadn't had a relationship for a while but surely relationships weren't a measure of success?

She left her shop in Tim's capable hands and made her way upstairs to her apartment.

She slipped into a pair of stretch jeans and fitted t-shirt, re arranged her hair and chose to apply just a small amount of liner and lipstick. Not too much but enough to highlight her features.

Dean arrived dead on time and they decided, even though the park was close, to drive down as the weather continued to look a little doubtful.

"How's your morning been?" Dean asked as they drove the short distance to the park.

"Busy" Connie answered, "I feel a little guilty about leaving Tim alone all afternoon."

Dean laughed, "I'm sure he'll be fine" he added.

They soon arrived and Connie helped Dean take the picnic things from the back of the car. He had neatly packed a wicker hamper with blankets, tablecloth, food, utensils and even wine.

They chose a spot close to the river and Connie helped him set up the things. "You really have thought of everything,"she announced smiling and looking down at their beautiful spread, "chicken, bread, salad, wine and what's in here?" she asked pulling out the last container from the basket, opening it she saw some rather large and luscious strawberries. "Gosh you really have thought of everything!"

He laughed, "I hope you enjoy it!" he passed over a glass and poured a generous amount of cold, white wine, "Here's to us" he held up his glass and looked directly at Connie, she once again felt the goosebumps go all up and down her spine. He really was something else.

They sat on the blanket, eating the delicious meal and enjoying the view and each others company in relative but comfortable silence.

After a while Dean reached over and gently touched the scar on Connie's wrist, "How did this happen?" he asked quietly.

Connie pulled her arm away, "I'm sorry" she answered quietly "I really don't feel like talking about it right now. Do you mind?"

"No of course not!" he replied quickly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to prie"

"No it's not that, I will tell you, one day, it's just, well it's a little complicated and something I don't usually like talking about"

A couple of swans swan by just then and they started talking about the swans and the river in general.

Connie looked up at Dean, "You know, I feel so lucky that you decided to come into the shop to find a book." she shyly told him, "but why my book store, I would have thought someone as busy as you would actually have time to read!"

"Ahh," he answered coyly. "I guess I had better let you into a little secret, but please don't get angry, I just think you should know everything and I wouldn't want us to start our relationship with any hidden secrets"

Connie looked up quizzically, and Dean explained how he had met her friends and how they had asked him to go into the shop and meet her.

At first she was little upset, but because it had all turned out so well and he was such a lovely person she forgave him and made herself a mental note to be angry with Tim, Amy, Betty and Pat, but only for a short time. She didn't like the way they had interfered in her life but they were lucky, and so was she, that everything had worked out so well.

Just then the skies, which had slowly been turning grey, opened up and it started to pour down with rain. They giggled and rushed around like lunatics putting everything hurriedly back into the basket and made a run for the car.

They were drenched!

"You had better come on up to the apartment and dry off" Connie offered when they arrived.

"Thanks, I was hoping you would suggest that" he answered with a gentle smile.

........