Love in Death

Chapter 3

The café was hopping when I walked inside. There was a blistering wind blowing and I felt instant relief when I walked inside the historic building. The fireplace cracked and hissed and I wanted nothing more than to go over to it but all the chairs were taken. Not surprising.

Winter was in full swing and there was a chance of snow in the forecast. I loved snow and hoped we got more than just a couple inches like we normally do. The winters in Kentucky could be harsh but we didn’t get much snowfall, at least in the central part of the state. The snow fell mostly in the mountains to the east.

Speaking of winter and snow, I still needed to pack up my stuff to visit my parents for Christmas. I couldn’t believe it was that time of year again, not that I was complaining. I loved the holidays and I couldn’t wait to see my family.

I walked further inside the café and spotted Lilly and Trevor sitting in a booth by the stage. There were instruments set up there so I figured a band was going to play soon.

I slid in on Lilly’s side and Trevor sat opposite us. I was a little relieved that she was making such an effort to include me on her “date” so I didn’t feel like a third wheel. That was never, ever a good time.

“Hey Nora Bean! We were just talking about the band that’s going to play. You know Josh Griffin, from our history class?” I nodded and she continued, “He’s playing tonight! I had no idea he played.” I was mildly surprised but intrigued at the same time. I had seen Josh around in class but didn’t really pay him any attention. Lilly would usually mention him because she thought he was good looking.

Trevor leaned over the table and reached for Lilly’s hand and she grasped it softly. I couldn’t contain my internal “awww” at the moment but didn’t voice it because I knew she would probably punch me. They seemed to be hitting it off and I was really happy for her. I still couldn’t figure out where I had seen him before, though. I had probably just seen him around campus. That had to be it because I didn’t know anyone from Colorado.

We ordered our drinks and just sat around talking until Josh stepped up the stage with a guitar strapped over his shoulders. Lilly and I turned around to watch him as he set up.

“Hey guys, I’m Josh Griffin and I’ll be playing a little acoustic for you tonight. Hope you guys like it.” He coughed to clear his throat and then began strumming a familiar tune. I smiled, instantly recognizing it as one of my favorite songs by Spill Canvas.

“Your picture in my hand,

I am at the mercy of your photograph,

The halo above your head,

Has set ablaze the heavens, my angel,”

I turned towards Lilly and squealed. She knew how much I loved this band and smiled at me. I felt Trevor stand up and he came over to our side and held out his hand to Lilly. I scooted out and let her take his hand and he led her to an open area in front of the stage.  I grinned as they swayed with the music, her hand grasped in his and his hand on her waist. Trevor seemed almost too good to be true and I hoped he didn’t break my friends heart. She deserved to be happy after everything she’s been through with Larkin.

Larkin… no, I couldn’t think of him like that anymore. He wasn’t here and I would never meet him. I was alive and I needed to focus on my boyfriend, the here and now, not something that could never be.

“And I’m tossing and turning,

the candlelight’s burning,

and this is all we need,