Weeping Willows

Learn Something New Everyday

Chapter 26

The bells tinkled as Ryan opened the door of the diner for Elizabeth. She found that the sound slightly reminded her of wind chimes. She always loved the sound they produced but couldn't have any at her apartment due to the noise complaint they would cause. It was one of the few things she didn't like about her old home. Now that she had a house in the middle of nowhere Elizabeth could put up as many as she wanted. The prospect sent a thrill through her.

"Just what's got you smiling so big?" Ryan asked curious to know what had made her glow like a kid at Christmas.

"You'll laugh."

"I won't, promise."

"I don't know."

"If I laugh you have my word you can hit me for it." That made Elizabeth laugh but she gave in and decided she would take him at his word.

"I just realized I can hang as many wind chimes as I wanted." Ryan waited a beat for the punch line before he responded.

"Couldn't you before?"

"I had a studio apartment before with a noise ordinance. I couldn't even have one."

"You like them that much huh?"

"I love the different sounds each one makes. I usually go for the thinner pipes because I don't really like the hollow gong of the big metal ones, but my favorite are wooden chimes."

Elizabeth waited for Ryan to laugh at such a childish thing but to her surprise he seemed to be deep in thought. Looking back at her he winked and sauntered away to the counter. What on earth was that about? She wondered to herself as she slowly followed behind him. She would like to say it was because she was lost in thought that she moved so slowly but honestly it was probably more the view then anything. Jenny's giggle brought her eyes up to meet the knowing gaze of the other woman. Damn she had been caught again.

"Just what were you looking at I wonder." Ryan teases obviously having caught her staring as well.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Ryan and Jenny both chuckled at that causing Elizabeth to make a mental note to be less obvious in the future if she was going to check someone out. Sitting down on the stool next to Ryan she glanced around looking for Jan slightly disappointed she wasn't there. While she had been distracted Ryan had ordered burgers for the both of them so Jenny could get back to her other customers. Elizabeth let out a dejected sigh leaning her head down on the cool counter. It felt good against her heated skin that was damp from sweat and humidity. She would be thankful to get home to her very cool house and out of the heat of the day. Ryan laid his head down too, facing her looking at her like he was trying to dissect her.

"What?"

"Why are you laying down? Are you tired?" Elizabeth shook her head in response lifted her head from the counter only to be followed by Ryan. Bracing his elbow on the counter he placed his head on his palm and watched her.

"It's really hot today." His statement was preceded by the waggling of his eyebrows making Elizabeth blush.

"It's not because of what you're thinking." She accused making Ryan shoot his eyebrows up in innocence.

"I was thinking it's hot and humid out. You're the one with her mind in the gutter here. I advise you to stop that because I'm an impressionable young man." Elizabeth blushed a brighter red but snorted while rolling her eyes in disbelief.