Fifty Shades Hollow

Virgin Territory

It's just after eight in the evening when we finally sit down in a little street side cafe. Taking a seat at one of the outdoor tables, I notice Ana smiling at nothing in particular.

Asking "Why the smile?"

Sitting in silence for a moment. "I'm just listening to the people, the sounds of the city. I'm taking it all in. Some people go their entire lives never leaving their hometown. I want to never forget the excitement and wonder of these moments. I feel very fortunate to be here."

Deciding to follow Ana's lead by also ordering a G&T, as she asks if they have in-house internet. After receiving the code, she's quick to pull out her laptop seemly focused on finding a room.

"So Anastasia, is this your first time in Europe?" looking up at me

"No, though, it's my first time traveling solo."

Something about that shakes me and my mind runs amok. First time solo? Just how fucking old are you, cause you look like a kid to me. Okay not a kid, a young woman. How safe are you going to be? Apparently you haven't much experience since you're drinking alcohol before even knowing where you're staying. Instead I say "How are feeling about being Europe again? How are things you experience different?"

"Well, this trip is more of a promise I made to someone. It's a long story and at the moment I need to locate a room within my price range. So can we keep it light while I surf?"

Shit, that was abrupt. She's hiding something, not unlike me. "Sure. I'll let you get on with it and keep the conversation light. Anastasia, I feel I didn't properly thank you for the meal or apologize for my attitude on the train. Thank you, it was all very good and for taking my shit which was entirely uncalled for."

"Chris," giving me a beaming smile "You are most welcome. It was rather tasty, wasn't it? And truth be told it wasn't my girlfriend who did the cooking, it was her husband. He's owns a cafe in Venice. He's an excellent chef? And as far as I'm concerned we moved passed it. Though thank you for stating so again."

Laughing "I do think calling him chef would be in order, Anastasia. It was all, as you said tasty." feeling small I chose not to address my apology again since it seems as she mentioned moved past it and I believe her. "So, how's the room search coming along?"

Feeling the pain meds have since peaked at the station and more sober, my leg is starting to ache. Pushing the sensation back, I lean back taking her in. She's still wearing that damned knit cap. It frames her heart-shaped face cause and it's too hot for that shit. She must be sweating balls underneath that cap. Yet part of me wonders if she's done this intentionally, she has a very pretty face in which to attract others..... No.... Stop that thought..... People are not as cynical as, Yours Truly. Sliding my chair around closer to her so I can look at the computer screen, I feel this energy. I don't know what else to call it but nervous energy, though it seems like more. Mere inches away from her I see her in a very different light. Having a view of her side profile: full lips, with a straight slight button tipped nose. Turning to face me she smiles, and I'm floored by her eyes. Her irises seem are slightly larger than average and are clear blue with a dense dark ring around her iris with rows of dark long lashes and dark, thick eyebrows that complete the package which makes her blue eyes stand out only enhanced by her milky skin and all this nary a stitch of makeup. I'm taken aback by her startling natural beauty.

When our drinks arrive, our server starts talking with Ana about, what, I have no clue about. I only know I'm excluded from the conversation and it's rubbing me the wrong way. After them going back and forth he walks away.

"Anastasia do you mind, what were you two talking about?"

"He noticed we and I corrected him by stating it was me that was looking for accommodations, he mentioned his sister has just re-listed a small flat after having the space updated. He's calling her to get the her ID number. He was saying that he's sure the price I would pay is cheaper than a hotel yet more than shared room in a hostel."