Done with my pastry, I decided to finish my coffee while continuing my walk down the boardwalk. I get up from the table picking up my plate and turn quickly to head to the garbage can, but as I make the turn, I walk into a large solid post…Ok, so not a post; but rather a huge, well-built, athletic Adonis looking man. He has the bluest eyes, even more than mine, olive tone skin, groomed beard, and a business suit that hugs all the right places.
“I am so sorry Sir; I didn’t ss-see you standing tt-there behind me.” Good Lord, get it out you blabbering fool.
“Wow, Ok! First, you walk into me spilling your coffee and my tray of food all over me; then you call me Sir…Just how old do I look?” he asks trying to sound stern, but I can hear the undertone of humor in his voice.
“I’m sorry, I’m new here. I would never mean to insult you. I mean, you don’t look old, you are very handsome. I mean not handsome looking, but handsome for your age, I mean good for your age, not handsome, but a good age, not an old one.” I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks, as I take in the smile crossing over his face; he seems to be enjoying my embarrassment.
“Well, Ma’am, I am happy to hear that!” Ha!Ha! We have a comedian here folks.
The situation is starting to feel a little more awkward with people now walking in, and the only thing my new friend here is doing is looking into my eyes, as though he found a lost treasure. I say nothing more, I excuse myself, walk to the counter, and pay Jenny for another tray of food for Mr. Coffee, as I am now going to call him, and I head out. Today has been one hell of a day; I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring
Chapter Two
-Gwen-
It has been a couple of weeks since I arrived in Emerson. Not having left the house, other than to grab some groceries; I am now going stir crazy. I have thought about contacting Matilda, my sister, but can never seem to work up the courage; I mean, what would I say?
Sitting on my back patio is how I have been spending most days. The tranquil surroundings are growing on me; nevertheless, I do need to get back to the humdrum of my daily life…or should I say 'new' humdrum. Either way, I need to figure something out, as much as I enjoy my own company, even I start to bore myself after a while.
Showered and ready for the day, I decide to head to the local Farmers’ Market I saw my last trip into town.
The drive is quick, but I still enjoy the beautiful scenery on my way into town. I pull into the available parking on the street and then make my way through the many vendors set up along the boardwalk.
Stopping at a small booth filled with all sorts of fresh fruit and veggies, a young girl greets me with a genuine smile. “All locally grown and freshly picked.”
“I can tell! Everything looks so wonderful; I can’t decide what to take.” I look over the varied assortment in front of me, trying to decide. “Well, you could always opt for a fruit salad.”
I let out a giggle at her quick response, “Sold!”
I grab a small basket, and pick out some of my favorites, then pay the girl. Making my way down further, I notice another stand with fresh cheese. I stop in front, and two older women greet me.
“You must be the new little thing which moved into the house outside of town.” One asks.
Wow, this is a small town. I look up to the women and smile. “I’m Gwen. Nice to meet you.” I respond while reaching out a hand.
If I know anything, it’s that small town’s are nothing like New York. There you could get away with avoiding your neighbors; here they will make it a point of getting to know you.
“I’m Evelyn, and this is Rosie.” The one introduces while gesturing to the other.
“So, what brings you too little old Emerson?” Evelyn asks.
“A fresh start, I guess.” I try to keep it simple, no need to overshare.
“Well, that sounds lovely. I hope you are enjoying it so far.”
Looking into her soft eyes I respond, “I am, but I’ve been feeling closed up in the house, so I decided to make my way to the market today. Also, I had thought maybe about looking to see if anyone was hiring.”
Rosie, who has been quiet until now, inquires further. “What kind of skills do you have?”
“Um, I’m not sure. None to speak of really, but I am reliable, and I can retain ridiculous amounts of information in a short time.” It’s not the greatest resume, but accurate.
Agatha and my mother used to make a game out of how well I could memorize and recall different types of material. I don’t have an eidetic memory or anything; it’s more as though I have created a game with the information I take in and can relate different things, at different times to access it. Any of the other skills I acquired in my past life are not relevant here and now, but that one, I can certainly use to my benefit without stirring up any suspicion or unwanted questions. I am pretty sure, accomplished classical pianist, or being able to speak several, different languages wouldn’t help with trying to keep things low key in a small town like Emerson.
Rosie looks me up and down before speaking again. “I own the local hair salon in town; I could use a hand. What do you say about stopping by Tuesday morning, and we can see if I can put you to work.”
I look to Rosie in shock, but then nodded, “That sounds perfect, Thank you!”
“No need to thank me, Love. I have ulterior motives, and something is telling me you are the final key to my plans.” She replies with a grin.
I look at her with a questioning eye but then shrug. Either way I need to get out of the house, so this works for me.
“I will see you Tuesday morning!” I give them a quick wave and head back home feeling a little better. Maybe I will be able to make a go of this new life.
***
Tuesday rolls around quick. Thankfully, I had some time to do a little shopping on the weekend, seeing as how I was only able to bring minimal clothing with me when I left New York.
I pull into the parking lot beside Rosie’s Hair Salon and make my way to the front entrance. Walking into the salon, the strong smell of color and hair product hit me; It is almost comforting, as it seems to be the one thing that has remained consistent from my old life. Well, before I would be the client, now I will be the worker.
“Well, good morning, Gwen!” Rosie greets me.
“Good Morning, Rosie! I am ready for you to unravel your master plan.”
She lets out a laugh, and motions for me to come to her. I walk through the front reception, decorated in a very sophisticated décor with a mahogany desk, six beautiful wingback chairs, and matching mahogany shelving, which holds the product for retail.
“Maia, this is the new girl, Gwen. Gwen, this is Maia Adair. She is my Tuesday morning regular and also one of my closest and dearest friends.”
I look to the attractive, petite woman in her early fifties. With golden brown eyes and raven black hair, she is breathtaking.
“Pleasure to meet you, Gwen.” She says pulling me from my thoughts, her smile framing her face, as she carefully takes me in.
“You as well, Mrs. Adair.”
“Oh love, please call me, Maia; hearing the name Mrs. Adair, makes me seem so old.”
Rosie lets out a giggle, “You are!” Maia sticks out her tongue at Rosie, and I can’t help but laugh.
“So, Gwen, how are you with brewing a pot of coffee?” Rosie asks pointing her chin in the direction of the back-bar area.
“Well Rosie, you are in luck; that is one skill I have mastered.”
I make my way to the back, familiarize myself with where everything is, and get started. As I am preparing the coffee, I hear Maia and Rosie chatting about the local Woman’s Society and some events they have coming up. Coffee brewed, I walk over and ask both women how they would like theirs; taking mental notes for next week when Maia would have another appointment. I bring them both their mugs, then make my way to a basket I notice has some clean towels needing folding, and put away.
“So, Gwen, where are you from originally?” Maia asks
looking in my direction behind Rosie.
“New York.” I can also mention I am from Brooklyn as the story says, but the least amount of lying I have to do, makes me feel somewhat better about the whole thing.
“Oh Wow, the Big Apple. What’s a city girl like you doing moving to a small town like Emerson?” Maia asks, now having her curiosity peaked.
“Change of scenery. I needed to decide what to do with the rest of my life and figured why not go all out.” There, that was not a lie, maybe a little misleading, but not an outright lie.
“I like this one Rosie! She’s a keeper; got a lot going for her, I can feel it.” I smile at Maia and go back to folding the towels.
***
After her first few appointments, which all consisted of the same line of questioning from the clients… ‘Where I am from and why am I here?’ Rosie had a few minutes to show me a few things. As I had told her, I picked up quickly, and much to her surprise, I have a natural talent for sets and color application…who knew?!? She said she would probably start me on a mannequin to learn cuts tomorrow, and is sure I will be ready in no time. At the end of the day, we cleaned up the salon, preparing it for tomorrow morning.
“Well Gwen, I can say with the utmost honesty; I am more than excited to have you here. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Myself, and my husband Willy, he runs the barbershop next door, are looking to retire, but we feel guilt at the thought of leaving the people of Emerson having to go an hour away for cuts and such. Do you think you would be interested in taking over? We would train you, no worries there.” Rosie’s looking at me as if I hold the key to her happiness in my hands…this must be the ulterior motive she mentioned.
“Rosie, I would be honored. If you think I would be a good fit and you are able and willing to train me; then yes, I’m in.” I was thinking about applying to some online school programs and getting back to what I had intended in the beginning, but maybe this is fate’s way of telling me my path needs to head in another direction.
“After what I saw today…without a doubt! You are driven, and you didn’t stop, that there is enough for me to start with.”
I walk over and hug her, “Thank you, this means a lot.”
“Oh stop, you are going to make me cry. Now get home and rest up, we have another busy day tomorrow, and Mrs. Boswell’s in, so prepare for another round of, ‘what’s your story.’ That woman has the busiest nose in Emerson.” We both let out a laugh. Then I grab my stuff and wave a farewell to Rosie.
***
Back at home, I find I still have tons of energy. I was never able to run outside in New York, and after dark would have been out of the question, so instead, I used the gym Papa had built for me. Since I have been in Emerson, I have been venturing out in the evening, and I love it! The night’s air is brisk, and the clear skies make it quite enjoyable. I like to take the boardwalk along the beach then head back up through town; although I am on the outskirts of town, it is still only six miles full circle. As I make my way along the sand, I stop for a moment to take in the moonlight reflecting off the ocean. Standing there on the beach, I hear two men approaching; guard up I prepare to use what knowledge I do have of self-defense if required.
“Hey there.” One of them says.
I look over and see two huge, undeniably attractive men before me.
“Um hi!” I must have a look of panic because the one comments ‘how they probably seem shady.’ I take a giant step back at the remark.
“I apologize for my brother; he can sometimes forget not everyone gets his warped sense of humor. My name is Ben, and this is my brother Kai. You have to be Gwen; our mother described you to a tee; Maia, Maia Adair.”
I let out a breath, and for some reason, immediately feel comfortable in their presence.
“Oh hi, Sorry for being so guarded there,” I say a little flushed.
“No need to apologize. Although, if it had been our brother Liam, he probably would have torn you a new one for being out here so late on your own.” The one I have come to know as Kai declares.
“Good lord there are three of you?” I asked, amazed at the fact tiny Maia bore three giants and still looks like she could dominate a runway.
“Nope, actually four and a sister.” Ben corrects.
I must look horrified because Kai, whom I am gathering is the jokester of the family, jumps in, “No worries we were a lot smaller when we came out, and Althea, our sister, is actually only the size of a garden gnome, although it’s a touchy subject, so never tell her I said that.” He shoots me a devilish grin, accentuating his dimpled cheek. Not able to suppress it, I let out a light-hearted laugh.
“So, Gwen, have you been out since you’ve been in town?” Ben inquiries, still shaking his head from Kai’s comment.
“No, I haven’t had the chance to make it passed the Farmers market,” I state with a hint of humor to my tone.
“Well then, we will have to rectify that. You will need to come out with us this Saturday night. Emerson doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife, but we have a great family owned pub, that serves good wings, better beer, and great music.” Kai nods, in agreement with his brother.
I think about it, but before too long I decide ‘why not.’ “Sure, sounds like it could be a good time, and I could use a night out.”
“Perfect. Give me your phone.” Ben reaches out, as I hand it over.
Typing in, what I am thinking is his number, and confirmed when I hear two phones ring with notification, he then hands it over. “There, now we have your number, and you have ours. We will keep in touch and let you know details.”
“Say did you run all the way from your place?” Kai questions.
“You know where I live?” Not sure how I feel about that, but then I am put at ease with his response.
“Sweetie, this is Emerson. Everyone knows where everyone lives.”
I let out a giggle, “Then yes, I did run all the way here, and I will be running all the way back as well.”
They both look to me with wide eyes, “Wow Kai, she may be able to give you a run for your money…pun intended!”
“Now! Now! Let’s not get carried away, but that’s for sure impressive, Gwenie!” Kai says.
‘Gwenie?’ I am not sure how I feel about that, but I let it slide.
“Well anytime you’re up for some friendly competition…you have my number!” I offer, letting out another laugh, then turn and start to jog away. “Have a good night boy’s!” “Good night, Gwenie.” They say in unison, not missing a beat. I have never had a nickname; I guess it could grow on me.
***
The remainder of the week went by quite fast with Rosie starting to teach me the basics of cutting. Once again, she was quite impressed with how I was picking it up. Willy her husband, and the local barber had said he was going to be taking me over to his side to teach me barbering. Apparently, with men it is not only the hair, some even come in for complete shaves. I didn’t think they did that anymore, but now I know different.
With the first week of work under my belt, I was starting to feel normal again and feel like I fit in, that is until I ran into him...again! I don't know his name yet, but I am sure in a town this small I am bound to find out soon enough. The first time seeing him was a disaster, the second pretty much the same. Every time I have run into Mr. Coffee so far has had me looking as though it's the first day with my new feet. At first, he seemed cordial, but now I think he may be starting to become a little annoyed. Can you blame him? I would not be surprised if when he sees me again, he throws up a sign reading ‘Hazardous! Proceed with caution!’
It’s Saturday, and Rosie is slower today with no wedding parties, so, I am working with Willy and welcoming the little change in scenery. Willy is the most adorable man ever. He is continuously telling stories of when he and his friends were younger and how they used to run the streets of Emerson. I kept getting pictures of a fifty’s greaser gang, running rampant through the streets, terrorizing the tow
nspeople and drag racing cars along the boardwalk; I could not help but giggle.
“Gwen, you have been on your feet all morning, sweetheart; go and take your lunch.” Willy peers over to me from under his glasses.
“You’ve been on yours all day as well Willy,” I smirk. He was complaining earlier about his back and sciatica, I wasn’t sure what that was, but thankfully with Web MD, I was educated in no time.
Willy lets out a laugh, “Yes, but I am used to it. You Salon girls sit about all day, henpecking over there and spreading the word, and I am not talking about the word of the lord.” He says with a mischievous grin.
“Ooooh, Willy you best not let Rosie hear you say that.” He chuckles. I grab my purse, ask if he would like me to order him anything, and then stop into Rosie’s, to ask the same.
Lunch list in hand I walk down to Sunset’s, the local diner. They always have a great daily lunch special. I walk in and of course, sitting at the counter is none other than ‘Mr. Coffee’ himself. He is sitting with two other men, dressed in police uniforms, and Alex the owner is on the other side of the counter. I grab a seat, a distance away to avoid another mishap, as Alex comes over to take my order.
“Afternoon, Sunshine! You hear to pick up or will you be staying?”
“I will order and have mine here, but if you would be able to start Rosie and Willy’s shortly after, I can take it to them after.” I request, not wanting their lunch to be cold when I get back.
“Can do! Do you need a menu, or do you know what you will be having?” he asks
“I will take the daily special for myself with no tomato. Willy and Rosie will take the same, but no cheese.” He writes it all down then heads to the kitchen.
Liam & Gwen - Entirely Yours: A Romance Novel (The Adair Series Book 1) Page 2
