XOXO, Winter

by Bloom, Nikki

  Winter immediately screwed up her face. “That’s a big ‘no’ from me.”

  “Right,” said Deloris. “Nearly forgot that you’re allergic.”

  “Allergic?”

  “Shrimp and most shellfish,” she clarified.

  “Is it bad?”

  “I’d say so. I always have to keep my EpiPen in my bag just in case there’s some cross contamination in the kitchen.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that here,” said Deloris. “You know that Max is very careful when it comes to allergens. But I’ll be sure to let him know so he takes special precautions when he’s whipping up your meal.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. The last thing I want is to blow up like a balloon.”

  “I don’t blame you honey, especially when you’re sitting across from such a hunk.” Deloris leaned in like that was all that was required to whisper but then she forgot to actually lower her voice.

  “Right…” Winter responded with a bit of blush of her face. “In any case, no shrimp for me. I’ll have the early bird special instead.”

  “I’m guessing shrimp is out of the question for me too?” I asked.

  “Well, it would make me a bit uncomfortable but unless you shove it down my throat, I should be okay.”

  “I’d rather not risk it,” I said. “Better safe than sorry.” Since I hadn’t the time to look over the menu, I had no idea what there was to choose from. “Um… I’ll have the same: the early bird special.”

  “Two early bird specials, coming right up.”

  “She seems friendly,” I commented as soon as she was gone.

  “A lot of people around here are.”

  “So, you just know her from the diner, then?”

  “Nah. She’s my best friend’s mom.”

  “I see.”

  “Yeah, everyone knows everyone in a town this small. If I had to guess, you’ll be lunchtime gossip.”

  I sipped my coffee. “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it.”

  I added some sugar to my drink, but it still wasn’t sweet enough.

  “Next time just ask for some sugar with a splash of caffeine.”

  I laughed. “You know, that’s not such a bad idea.”

  Silence followed my words, but it wasn’t awkward in the slightest. It was just the natural lull of our conversation. Unlike in other situations, I did not feel the need to fill that silence with unnecessary chatter. I was perfectly content with enjoying this pretty girl’s company.

  “So, what made you pick Maine?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Well, there’s plenty of rural towns in Massachusetts. Why not stay there?”

  “There was an opening here and with a name like Kittery, how could I say no?”

  “So, you’re a cat person then?”

  “Not at all. If I got any pet it would be a dog.”

  “What kind?” At the mention of animals, her eyes lit up.

  “Hmm, I don’t know if I have any specific breed I’d gravitate towards. I’d want a bigger dog, though. One that could go running with me or down to the beach.”

  “A Golden retriever would be a good fit.”

  “Yeah?”

  “We have a few down at the shelter if you’re ever interested. They are great dogs and with you living at the Rafters, you’d have the space.”

  “I’ll definitely think about it,” I said.

  The waitress returned with our food. “Enjoy.”

  My stomach growled, reminding me of the hunger I had forgotten about while talking to Winter. “This looks amazing.”

  “Max makes the best food in town,” she said. “He’s my friend’s dad.”

  “Looks like you’ve got all the connections.”

  “You could say that.”

  “So, do you like it here?” I asked as I added some ketchup to my eggs.

  “Kittery? Oh yeah. It’s nice. Everything is right at my fingertips with all the shops and whatnot being a walk away from my apartment. But, being rural and all, everything’s kind of expensive. Everyone wants to live here because the school system is so great. Sucks for me because it’s nearly impossible for me to keep up with the rent, groceries, bus fares, and everything else.”

  “College tuition too, I’m guessing.”

  “Definitely. That’s the dagger to my side, draining my bank account of every penny. Sometimes I wonder whether it’s worth it. I might be better off throwing on an apron and working here. Seems to be working for my friend Iris.”

  4

  Winter

  “Hey.” He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “Don’t talk like that. I’ve known you for a few hours and it’s still clear that you have a passion for animals. Don’t throw that away just because things are hard right now. Trust me, things get better with time. When I was in medical school, all I could afford to eat was instant mac n’ cheese. Now, due to some financial literacy and success in the stock market, I’ve made my salary stretch to something most people never achieve.”

  So, that’s how he managed to make himself a millionaire. The stock market. Maybe I should consider doing the same…

  “It’s possible is all I’m saying.” He gave my hand another squeeze before pulling away. “And if you ever need any help studying, I’d be more than happy to help.”

  “I’m pretty sure hearts and dog anatomy are very different fields of study,” I said.

  “Maybe so but I can still quiz you, right?”

  “I guess you’re right.” I could feel him reeling me in. Deep down, I wanted to let him catch me but at the same time, it would only make completing school that much harder. Romance would have to wait.

  I was about to finish off my hash when Iris came walking through the door. With her parents owning the diner, she practically lived at the place. In fact, her parents had offered her the upstairs loft, but she had decided to venture on her own. So far, she’d had no problem keeping up with her apartment. It certainly helped that she didn’t have to burden the weight of student loans.

  Spotting me, she saddled over and made herself at home right beside me. “Who’s this?” Iris wasn’t the politest of people. She had this directness that most took for rudeness. After years of growing up together, I knew it was just her nature. She wasn’t trying to hurt anyone by doing it.

  “My name’s Reed Goodman–”

  “You’re new in town.”

  I jabbed her side with my elbow to try and keep her mouth in check but she kept on going.

  “What are you doing with my best friend?”

  “Um… having breakfast?” Despite his muscular physique he almost looked intimidated by my friend’s forwardness. “Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated here?”

  “Listen here, bud.”

  “Bud?”

  “You do even one thing to hurt my friend here and you’ll have to deal with my wrath.”

  “I’m sorry, but I did I do something to upset you?”

  “Mark my words.” Iris jabbed her finger into the table.

  “Maybe I should leave.”

  “Maybe–”

  “Iris. Stop trying to scare him away,” I interjected, coming to his rescue. “I’m sorry she’s just a little overprotective of me.”

  “And for good reason. You have an awful habit of attracting the most horrible of men. Someone has to protect that heart of yours.”

  “Reed is just a passing acquaintance. You act like I’m going to marry the guy.”

  “I don’t know what he’s planning–”

  “I really think I should leave.” He started to get up, but I kicked him under the table. “Oomph.”

  “Actually, I think–” I gave Iris a deadly glare, stopping her from finishing her thought.

  “I think your dad needs you in the kitchen,” I said.

  “No–”

  “Yeah, he does,” I insisted.

  “Fine.” With a grumble, she s
lipped from the booth. “But if he does anything–”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. You’ll bash his face in.”

  She smiled, lips stretching from ear to ear. “Exactly.”

  Reed waited until she was gone before he even dared to look my way. “What was that about?”

  “As I said, she’s a bit overprotective.”

  “A bit? Jeez, I thought she was going to bash my face in right then and there.”

  “She’s all bark, no bite. She likes to think she’s tough but it's all an act. I guess it’s the aftermath of growing up with seven brothers.”

  “Did you just say seven?”

  “Mhm.”

  “Well, her parents were busy.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “So, she’s not going to hunt me down in the middle of the night?”

  “Well, don’t break my heart and I can’t see how that would happen.” I finished off my coffee and stacked my dirty dishes into a pile. “Besides, I don’t see how that would be a possibility in the first place.”

  “Taken?” he guessed.

  “You could say that. Right now, vet school has my undivided attention.”

  “Ah.”

  “So, I’m not really looking for a relationship.” It almost pained me to say those words, but I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

  “I can respect that,” he said with a nod.

  Iris’ mom came over with the check and I snatched it up before Reed could grab it. But then he yanked it right out of my hands. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “You just told me that it’s hard for you to keep up with all your expenses. What kind of gentleman would I be if I allowed you to pay for my food?”

  “I don’t need a handout,” I said, a bit defensive about my financial situation. “I can handle it.”

  “I don’t mean to be rude, but I think I have a bit more dispensable cash. You have student loans to think about. A twenty-dollar bill isn’t going to break my bank.”

  “And it won’t break mine, either.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “You might hate me for it but I’m still paying for this bill. I couldn’t live with myself otherwise.”

  I didn’t exactly like it, but I had a feeling that even if I argued with the man, he wouldn’t let it go. “Fine.”

  He slipped his credit card into place and slid the bill towards the end of the table.

  “Are you always this stubborn?”

  “Sometimes,” he answered. “It depends on what I’m arguing.”

  “I see.”

  Deloris came back with his receipt. He signed it with a flourish of ink.

  “Classic doctor signature, huh?”

  “Oh, yeah, I’m quite proud of it, actually.”

  Why did this guy have to be funny? I thought to myself. He made it so much harder to push him away.

  “Anyway, I should probably get going. I agreed to pick up an afternoon shift.”

  Reed took my jacket and helped me ease the sleeves into place.

  And a perfect gentleman too. Had someone just plucked this guy right out of my dreams or something?

  “Do you think I could see you again?”

  I smiled. “You know what, I’m not much of a planner. I rather leave it up to fate. So, if our paths cross again, then so be it, if not, then it was a pleasure having breakfast with you.”

  He frowned. “Doesn’t sound like it.”

  “We’ll see what fate has in store for us.” And with that, I made my getaway because the more time I spent with that man, the more I’d want to say yes.

  5

  Winter

  After my shift at the local sandwich shop, I headed towards home. I was exhausted and slightly jet-lagged. Even so, the call of the library still got to me.

  It’s on the way, said that little voice in the back of my voice. And you have no good books to read at home.

  You know, that voice had a point. It wouldn’t hurt to take a peek.

  So, I took a left and within a few minutes, I started up the marble steps. The Fawkes Library was, by far, the best attraction in town. It was downright beautiful with its perfectly manicured lawn. And in the summer, no one could match the enormous rose bushes that lined the perimeter.

  Inside?

  That’s a whole different story.

  Vaulted ceilings. Marble floors. A gorgeous reading room with long, mahogany tables and warm lighting all around. If I didn’t love animals so much my next choice would have been becoming a librarian.

  As I ventured down to the stacks, I was greeted by that familiar ‘old book’ scent. I breathed it in and slid my finger along the spines. “What to read? What to read?” I whispered to myself.

  “Maybe I can help.”

  I groaned the second I saw him.

  Victor.

  He was Iris’ ex-boyfriend and a total dick-wad – excuse the language but it's true. He chewed her up and spit her out with yesterday’s garbage only to turn around and try to flirt with me. Who did he think he was kidding?

  “I think I can handle this on my own, thank you,” I said as I turned my back in his direction, trying to relay the message that I wasn’t interested in his so-called assistance.

  “Oh, come no, it's my job to help.”

  “Last time I checked, you don’t work here.”

  “No, but it’s a great place to conduct business and I’m feeling good tonight.” He leaned against a nearby bookcase, getting a little too close for comfort. “I might be getting a promotion soon, you know. And if I do, I’ll be Mr. Money Bags in no time.”

  I had no idea what he was going on about, but it didn’t seem to be something I wanted to involve myself with. It was pretty common knowledge that Victor was a deadbeat who couldn’t hold proper employment for the life of him. If I had to guess, his so called ‘job’ probably involved some pretty illicit transactions, especially since his brother was rumored to be some sort drug lord.

  “Why do you got to be this way?” he asked. “I’ve never done anything to hurt you, baby.”

  “No?” I turned around and planted my feet on the ground. “Is that really what you think when you single-handedly broke my best friend’s heart into a million little pieces? She hasn’t been the same since. You hurt her, you hurt me too.”

  “See, you’re blowing that way out of proportion, sweet cheeks.”

  “Don’t call me that,” I hissed.

  “Iris and I, we just weren’t very compatible, that’s it.”

  “So, that’s why you kept trying to get into my pants, right?” I stepped forward. “You should be ashamed of yourself, trying to cheat on someone who’s way out of your league.” Anger coursed through my veins. Any time I thought about infidelity, it just pissed me off that some guys thought that cheating on their girl was okay. It’s not. I’ve had it happen to me and it hurts like a bitch.

  “You’ve got it all wrong.” He advanced, practically pinning me against one of the bookshelves. “All I want to do is help you.”

  “You can help me by leaving me the hell alone.”

  He took a book down. “Maybe this one,” he suggested. “It’s a love story about a soldier and his lovely wife. Speaking of which, I’ve enlisted in an army of sorts.”

  Of sorts, I thought. What does that mean? In any case, I was hoping he would step on a landmine and blow himself to smithereens.

  Okay, maybe that was a bit harsh, but this guy definitely deserved a good ol’ helping of karma.

  “Maybe one day I’ll become commander-in-chief. What do you think about that?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of Victor acting as the U.S. president. “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “Not at all. It’s going to happen. Just got to prove myself and rise through the ranks is all.” He was clearly trying to impress me, but my one focus was not gagging on his foul breath. Seriously, had this guy never heard of mouthwash? How had Iris managed to date him in the first place? I would have lost
my mind after a couple of hours let alone the ten months they’d spent together.

  “And you can be my first lady.” His face got even closer to mine.

  I pushed him away with a thrust to the chest.

  He stumbled back and I saw the anger flash against his eyes. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  Fear pierced through my chest. I didn’t trust this guy – not one bit. Even while dating Iris he had his fair share of violent outbursts. I didn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of them.

  He stalked forward but as he neared, someone else’s footsteps echoed through the basement level.

  I looked up and to my utter surprise, it was Reed.

  “Excuse me, do you happen to work here?” he asked. “I was hoping you could point me in the right direction. I’m looking for some historical fiction. Particularly about World War II. I hear Slaughterhouse-Five is pretty good. Do you know if you have a copy on hand?”

  “No, I don’t.” To my relief, Victor walked away. Clearly, he wasn’t in the mood to have a conversation with the doctor.

  I breathed a sigh of relief. That had definitely been a close one.

  “Thanks,” I muttered. “You totally saved me there.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You sure? You look a little freaked.”

  I sighed and raked my fingers through my hair. “Yeah, I’m sure. Better now that he’s gone.”

  “Do you know him?”

  “Yeah, his name is Victor and we have a bit of…history. He dated Iris, that friend of mine from the diner. They broke up when he tried to have his way with me.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Seriously,” I confirmed. “He’s a total creep and whenever he sees me… well, it’s not very pleasant.”

  “Has he ever done anything to hurt you?”

  “No, but…”

  “But?”

  “I don’t know. Lately, he’s been a lot more…”

  “Aggressive?” he guessed.

  I gave a small nod.

  “Have you told anyone about this?”

  “Like who?”

  “Well, it sounds to me like he’s harassing you. If it were me, I’d get a restraining order or at the very least, file a complaint or something. Guys like that tend to be all bark no bite. You’ll probably scare him off if you threaten to get the cops involved.”