Noelle

Chapter 2

I keep my eyes lowered as I tug the oversized sweater over my shoulders. I've learned very quickly upon moving to this town that it's best to either keep to yourself or risk becoming the subject of gossip.

Although after the events of the other day, perhaps it would be smart to keep an eye on my surroundings. I turn my gaze to the storefronts beside me, halfheartedly scanning the plethora of items for sale.

I chose to move to Aspen because it's where my father was born. It's one of the only things I know of him, though I'd come to know it on accident. I had hoped that he might have returned here, or maybe someone would know something about his whereabouts.

I feel a heavy weight on my chest. I have never felt so alone in my entire life, and I lived with my mother. She was unpredictable... sometimes she would disappear for days. This is different. I don't know how I'm going to keep my head above the water.

"Well, hello there." I jump in surprise and look up to meet the amused eyes of West Harrison. "Sorry, Elle. I didn't mean to startle you."

I let out a shaky laugh. Now that I'm not in need of saving, I'm even more painfully aware of the man in front of me. And it rattles me to no end. Hurts, even. I have an overwhelming urge to shut him and everyone else around me out to protect myself from it all.

At his soft laugh I realize that I haven't answered him, and I give him an embarrassed smile. "I'm sorry. It's alright. I guess I should be paying more attention after the other day."

His expression darkens slightly at my mention of the events leading up to our meeting. "I'm so sorry that happened. I'm just glad we were nearby." I nod and we share a quick smile. "Are you busy? We could grab some coffee if you'd like. Marta has the best in town," he says, motioning towards a small cafe that sits nestled in between a few empty shops at the end of the block.

I want to decline his offer so I can continue walking in solitude. I want to be alone. But a small and perhaps stronger part of me is curious and wants to understand why I feel so drawn to this man. Especially after everything that's happened.

Besides. He helped me. The least I can do is get coffee with him.

Right?

"Alright," I say. He nods at my agreement and gestures in the direction of Marta's cafe.

"So, how did you end up here in Aspen? It's not everyday that we see new faces around here," he says, stuffing his hands in his pockets. I suddenly realize how cold it really is and copy the movement as I consider his question.

"It's complicated," I finally say, though it's impossible not to cringe at how strained I sound. It's a difficult topic and one I haven't quite figured out how to talk about. I know I can't spend the rest of my life this way. I want to find a way to erase that part of myself. I shrug, frustrated that I am so uncertain on how to talk about the things that brought me here.

He looks down at me questioningly but says nothing. The silence makes me feel panicky. I don't want to ruin this.

I take a shaky breath. "I'm just trying to start over."

I'm not sure if it's what I said or the vulnerability in my voice, but he pauses beside me and I stop, meeting his eyes. He's looking at me like he's seeing me for the first time. "I know what you mean," he tells me.

Our eyes linger for a moment longer before we start off down the sidewalk again. But this time it feels different. It feels like we have an understanding now, despite how little I actually said.

"Here we are. I think you'll like Marta. She's like everyone's adoptive mother around here," he explains, chuckling. He holds the door for me.

We seat ourselves at a small table and settle in. I let the last shivers of cold leave my body as I soak in the warm, cozy air of the cafe.