Winter's Peril

Chapter 2

The weekend had begun and soon they found themselves walking through the local neighbourhood. They decided to take a ride on a horse and carriage but Dill didn't say what would happen after. They got to see most of the town in under half an hour and it was beautiful. Especially with the large amount of the sea that could be seen from the harbour. The layer of snow made everything look breathtaking.

It definitely was a small town, not many people walked the streets and the shops almost looked empty. The high street only consisted of six shops: a hairdresser, a bank, a grocery store, a hardware store, a bar and a pharmacy, all on one side of a road. They overlooked the harbour which led to the sea. A few boats and men wearing fishing overalls stood by the small pier. They looked as though they were discussing something as they stared at the sea.

That's where their ride finished where they took a boat ride, that being the surprise that Dill had planned. They were told just to be a little careful on the sea as it may get dangerous.

That was one thing he loved about Dill, he tended to do the unexpected. It was a lovely day apart from the light chill that spread through the town. The cold didn't deter any of them as they made sure to wrap up warm.

They slowly paddled about 20 metres out before letting themselves drift for a while. Dill was relatively experienced due to his family back in Italy living by the coast.

The floating water helped to calm Louis as he sat with his eyes closed. He let the wind brush over his face and happily sighed. "You look beautiful, il mio angelo bello."

Louis' eyes flickered open and his mouth fell open slightly. "Thank you," he blushed.

"This is a beautiful town, I'm glad we moved here Di." Dill simply nodded in agreement. "Maybe we should have a welcome party, you know, get to know our neighbours."

"That's a great idea, Lou, let's do it."

Louis widely smiled at Dill then turned his head to look at their surroundings. His smile soon turned into a smirk as he remembered something that he wanted to mention.

"So, this woman called Emily came a few days ago. Do you know her?"

Dill let out a groan. "Emily Gunn?" Louis nodded. "I have kept trying to tell her that I am married but she does not listen to me. You know Catherine? Well, she is her assistant."

"Yeah, she asked for you," Louis shrugged and watched as Dill groaned again.

"Mio Dio! I have tried to tell her Louis, I promise," Dill said and he smiled.

"It's okay, it must be tough having all these people wanting you," he joked.

Louis' heart fluttered at the sight of Dill pouting. "But I only want you, Lou."

He blushed as he looked down at his lap. "We should head back now before it gets too dangerous."

Dill nodded. They quickly paddled back to the harbour where they handed their life jackets back.

It wasn't dark yet so they walked around the shops for a bit longer. They noticed the bar wedged between the grocery store and the pharmacy. After a quick look at each other, they made their way in.

Not many people occupied the pub, which Louis was glad for. Music played lowly in the background from an old record player. A female waitress walked around cleaning off the tables and serving food. They sat at two empty stools by the bar where a bartender casually wiped down some glasses.

Louis ordered himself a pint with a small pile of chips in a bowl for the two to share. The bartender, Niall his name was, immediately made conversation with them, recognising that they were new.