When We Were Young

Chapter 2

"Ms. Linton, how are you today?" Doug Foster, the General Store Owner, asked. 

"Hi Mr. Foster! I'm just fine thank you sir," Kelly replied brightly. Mr. Foster always wore a big smile on his face when Kelly came into the store. He liked her attitude and drive for better things in life. He believed that she could have a huge fashion line and bring more customers to their little town of Antlers if she just had the right opportunity and, when Arthur Moore came back into town he saw that opportunity right in front of his face. So, he made sure he went on and on about Kelly and her shop so that he would go visit. 

"What can I get for you today Ms. Linton?" Mr. Foster asked her. 

"Well, I need some string for sure, all the colors except white. I also will need any kind of fabrics that you have available right now, I'm feeling very...creative as of late," Kelly said with a shy smile on her face. Mr. Foster knew that young love smile anywhere. 

"Oh? And why are you feeling creative as of late?" Mr. Foster asked with a sly smile on his face. He knew all to well that his little plan had worked and Arthur and her had met up. 

"Oh you know me Mr. Foster, I get an inspiration and it just takes off from there." Kelly replied. Mr. Foster nodded his head with his smile on his face still and, bagged up all that she needed. After he was finished with bagging her things the bell on his door rung announcing that he had another customer. Before Kelly could walk out of the store, Arthur came walking up right behind her and she turned right into his hard muscular pectorals. 

"Oh please excuse me Arthur, I didn't see you there," Kelly apologized immediately. 

"No need for that ma'am, I just saw you and couldn't help but come over to chat with you," Arthur responded with a big grin on his face. He was ecstatic that he found Kelly in Mr. Foster's store. He had went by her store to have  a chat but, she wasn't there. Her neighboring store owner, Ms. Adler, let me know that she may be over at Mr. Foster's store. She gladly...or persistently tried to get Arthur to wait for her in her shop. He didn't want to give her any ideas on a relationship. Besides, she seemed to push herself on him a little too much for his liking in a woman. 

"Well, I was actually going to come and find you Ms. Linton." Arthur said. 

"Me? Well what can I do for you Mr. Moore?" Kelly asked with a smile. Arthur returned her smile and moved a bit closer to her. 

"I was wondering if you felt like maybe taking a horseback ride with me while the sun sets tonight?" Arthur questioned. Kelly was taken aback. A sunset ride with Arthur Moore? Oh, the good Lord is being extra good to her today! Kelly had never fathomed that Arthur would ask her to ride with him. He was the best rider they had, had at the school. She could remember him riding on his horse in front of the girls and, having them swoon over him. 

"Ma'am?" Arthur pressed. 

"Oh! I am so sorry! But, to answer your question, I would love to ride with you Mr. Moore," Kelly rushed out embarrassed that she had been caught in her daydream over him, in front of him. Arthur smiled a crooked smile and laughed while tilting his cowboy hat and walked out of the general store. Kelly's heartbeat was racing as she watched the big sexy cowboy walk out of the store. She stood there until she heard a voice clearing their throat. She turned and saw Mr. Foster staring at her with a knowing smile. Kelly blushed and Mr. Foster gave her a wink and walked to the back of the store. 

Kelly walked out on the deck in front of the general store and nearly was run over by a woman in a rush. Kelly fell back into the wall of the store and looked at the person who had nearly ran her over. Her mood immediately went from ecstatic to sour when she saw Ms. Nancy Adler standing in front of her with a wicked smile; knowing exactly what she had almost just done.