Doe Hollow

James

The Ohio River sparkled in the late morning sun. James admired the view for a long moment before raising his Nikon DSLR and taking a few shots. From the nearby Riverfront Park, the laughter of children filled the air as they enjoyed their last week of freedom before school started. James checked his watch and returned his gaze to the river.

"The view is lovely here, isn't it?" A shy voice met James' ears and he smiled, turning to meet Abby.

"Not as lovely as my current view," he flirted. He found Abby's tendency to blush easily endearing. Her silky auburn hair cascaded in loose waves over the shoulders of the stylish floral dress she wore belted at the waist. The almost knee-length dress and flat sandals were a more modest presentation than the little black dress Abby had worn to the party, but James found this look equally alluring.

"Have you been waiting long?" Abby asked as James politely directed her toward the museum entrance.

"Not at all," James assured her. "I wouldn't have minded anyway," he added with his most charming grin. Abby smiled, shyly dropping her gaze.

"I thought this place was closed on Mondays," Abby observed as they entered the building.

"The manager has agreed to give us a private tour so that I can have free range to take pictures for the newspaper," James explained as a neatly dressed, balding man joined them in the lobby.

"We're more than happy to oblige y'all," the man boomed in a friendly Kentucky twang. "I'm Allen Lantrip, manager of this fine establishment," he continued. "It's my genuine pleasure to show you around today." He reached out to shake James' hand.

"James Evans," he said, returning the handshake. "And may I introduce Miss Abigail Sparks." Allen, a traditional Southern gentleman, took Abby's hand in his own and gave it a gentle squeeze as he honored her with a slight bow.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Sparks," he drawled with genuine courtesy. Gesturing to his left he added, "Right this way," and the tour began.

Allen proved to be a knowledgeable and entertaining host, and James quickly forgot that he was working as he and Abby laughed and chatted their way through the museum. Watching Abby's genuine smile as she stood in rapt attention at Allen's amusing anecdotes about the exhibits, James decided that arranging the tour on a Monday had been a stroke of personal genius. The deadline for his photos wasn't until Friday, but remembering the way Abby had sat alone on the patio at her own homecoming party, James knew she wouldn't have been able to enjoy the museum had it been crowded with visitors.

"Thank y'all for coming out," Allen said, shaking James' and Abby's hands again at the end of the tour. "You were some of the most fun guests I've ever had here." Abby laughed.

"No, thank you," she said. "I had a great time." James also thanked Allen for his time and hospitality, and opened the door for Abby to exit.

"Photography must be a really fun job," Abby observed as James opened his car door for her.

"I'll admit it's a pretty sweet gig," James conceded. "I'm lucky to make a living doing something I'd probably still do for free." Abby gave him a warm smile as he gently closed the car door. Once he was settled and buckled into the driver's seat, James started the engine and immediately lowered the radio volume as a folky Mumford and Sons chorus filled the car.

"How does Moonlite BBQ Inn sound?" He asked.

"That's my favorite restaurant," Abby laughed.

"Good, then you can educate me. I've never been to a barbecue restaurant and I have no idea what to order," James admitted, checking the rearview before pulling the car out onto the street.

"Well it's a buffet, so you can just get whatever looks good," Abby explained. James gave her a look of apprehension.

"Don't worry," Abby laughed. "Everything at Moonlite is good."

At the restaurant, James quickly found out that Abby hadn't been exaggerating. Abby chuckled as James finished a second serving of sweet potatoes.

"You really dont eat sweet potatoes in England?" Abby asked, incredulously, filling her mouth with banana pudding.

"Seriously," James affirmed. "I mean, only in the States would someone have decided to put marshmallows on a potato. But it's delicious!" Abby laughed.

"And that's why we're all fat!" She joked, picking up her sweet tea.

James was amazed that although the restaurant was packed with people from wall to wall, Abby seemed not only calm but joyful. He secretly hoped his presence was as big a factor as the comfort food. When he'd heard rumors of Abby's episodes of panic and anxiety due to her PTSD he'd worried that she wouldn't come, but she seemed to be having a good time.

After lunch, James drove back to the Riverfront and found a parking spot near Abby's car. Abby got out of the vehicle and seemed to hesitate nervously. James joined her on the sidewalk, trying to read her expression. She met his gaze and smiled.

"I've had the best time today," she declared, shaking her hair back from her shoulders. The afternoon sun reflected on her shiny tresses, giving them a vibrant red hue. James carefully took her hand in his and held it.

"So have I," he said, pulling her a bit closer. Abby stiffened. James gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let's have a stroll," he suggested, gesturing toward the river with his free hand. Abby nodded and they walked to the riverside path, hand in hand.

James had purposely avoided asking her about her military service at the party and at the restaurant, but after the combined hours they'd spent in pleasant but light conversation, his desire to know her more intimately had only grown. As they walked at a leisurely pace down the riverside however, he kept the conversation casual, asking her safe questions about her interests. He quickly discovered that they shared interests in books and films, and they ended up in a lively debate about the Harry Potter series. James suggested having a seat at a bench with a particularly romantic view, and they continued a heated discussion about Harry Potter's marriage. Abby held a strong belief that he should have ended up with Luna Lovegood.

They both completely lost track of time, and what seemed like all of a sudden, the sky began to darken. James consulted his watch.

"Wow, we must have been sitting here for a long time," Abby laughed.

"It's already almost eight," James confirmed. "I had no idea it was getting so late." Abby visibly tensed and stood up hastily.

"I should get going," she mumbled, suddenly seeming anxious. James took her hand again and stood up next to her.

"No," he said softly. "Stay. Have dinner with me." Abby's expression grew apprehensive. James tried to calm her, making gentle circles on her palm with his thumb. Abby breathed deeply and slowly seemed to relax.

"You're a beautiful woman, Abby," he started, pulling her closer. Her breathing quickened but her face remained calm. "Inside and out," he continued. "I'd like to know everything about you, if that's okay." He gave her a meaningful expression.

"That's okay," Abby whispered, her eyes fixed on his.