Stolen

Invitations

2. Invitations

I could not explain the trance I seemed to freeze in every time our eyes meet. I was sure he did not feel the same way because he did not look at me the way I looked at him. He glared at me as if he was angry at me for some horrible atrocity I committed against him. We only just met, not even formally introduced. I was thankful for the rumble in my stomach shaking me out of my trance like state. I threw on a sweater and a pair of jeans, and headed downstairs toward the kitchen. Lola was talking with an older couple who looked as though they were just finishing their dinner. I sat down at one of the empty tables and began reading over the menu.

Just as I started looking over the sandwich selections a lanky flaxen haired girl came by my table. Her perfectly formed ringlets bounced up and down as she wiped off the table in front of me. "You must be Zoe", she observed, handing me a glass of water. "I'm Ivy." " I work here part time waiting tables a few nights a week". I couldn't help but stare at her angelic heart shaped face. She even seemed to sparkle as she smiled at me. "So what's good on the menu?" I stammered. She suggested the crab cake sandwich, but I really just wanted a burger and a side of fries. "I'll just take the burger platter please."

As she hurried off with my order, I noticed Jonathan coming out of the kitchen. His shirt was back on and it was neatly tucked into a dark pair of jeans. He stopped and whispered something into Lola's ear and she quickly followed him out onto the porch. I could see them through the window deep in conversation. Looks of concern filled both of their faces. What could be wrong? I wondered. I hoped it did not have anything to do with my being here.

Before I could over analyze anymore, Ivy popped over with my food. She must have noticed me looking in the direction of the porch. "Oh, don't worry about Jonathan, he is probably just mad that the new owner is a girl younger than him that he will have to take orders from", she informed me. "I heard him tell Lola that this was not the place for you." "Mr. bossy pants will just have to get over it." She sat down in the chair across from mine. Her long legs barely fit under the table. "Everyone has been talking about your arrival for the last few weeks, you would think he had enough time to prepare himself." "I just think everyone is in a weird place right now with their emotions since Bill's murder." she continued. "Murdered?" I choked out. "Yea, that is the rumor." "We have all been questioned, even though he was not in town when he died." "His body was found in a hotel room somewhere in Canada." "Everyone has been pretty messed up since we found out."

I felt sick to my stomach trying to process all of this. I had my suspicions the day I found out Bill had died, but to actually hear the word murdered makes it all too real. Suddenly overcome with emotion, as well as just plain tired from traveling, I thanked Ivy and asked her to please let Lola know I was headed upstairs to get some much needed rest.

As I winded up the staircase to the third floor, I noticed Jonathan was no longer out on the porch with Lola. The roar of a very loud engine startled me when I entered my room. I went to the window and saw Jonathan riding a motorcycle into the tunnel of trees and finally out of view. Too tired to think anymore I plopped onto the bed and drifted off into dreamland. I must have slept very deeply because I woke up in the same exact spot I had tumbled into just hours before. The sun was blazing through my window. I looked over at the clock realizing I had slept half the day away. I quickly showered and dressed in a pair of kakis and a white button down. These were the nicest clothes I owned. I slipped on my best looking pair of flats and made a mental note to go clothes shopping soon. I at least wanted to look the part as an owner of an inn, even if I didn't have a clue what I was doing.

Feeling frustrated with myself for not waking earlier, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. The chef was preparing lunch and Lola was checking a young couple in at the front desk. I held my hand out to a large man behind the counter in the center of the kitchen. He was dicing vegetables faster than I think I have seen even those top chefs on the cooking channel. "I'm Zoe, glad to meet you," I said grasping his massive hand. "Luke, names Luke", he replied in a very deep voice. I grabbed a banana from the bowl on the counter. "How long did you know Bill?", I asked. "I have known Bill for the last 10 years and have been working here since he purchased the inn." "I'm sorry for your loss", I offered. "I see you have met Luke." I heard Lola's voice coming up behind me. "He is the best chef on the island." she bragged. "Thanks Lola", he declared tossing a pizza crust high in the air. "Tell Ivy to bring us out two slices of your best work and two cokes. We will be out on the porch."