Strolling the sidewalks and window shopping on this brisk day makes it worth the move to this town. The best thing I’ve found is the main street. Forty small shops exist in four blocks, which doesn’t include the twelve bars, two restaurants, and the ice cream parlor. This number only includes the local businesses. The town retains its charm by keeping large retail shops outside the town limits.
Some small shops I’ve never been in and based on the window display, I’ll never set foot inside the door. Other shops, I’m becoming best friends with the owner, especially the bath and body shop. The aromas flood the streets and everyone knows when the owner is brewing something new. The soft scents mingle harmoniously and draw customers in like a loving hug.
The best part about this shop, besides the products, is the owner. Sarah is the happiest person in the world. Her bubbly, upbeat personality is something of a charm in this town.
Her ability is remarkable, at only nineteen she owns the shop and has completely paid off the business loan. Her products are shipped throughout the state and expansion is on the horizon. Throughout all of this, Sarah doesn't seem stressed or concerned. Her dreams are coming true, why should she feel pressure?
"Addie," Sarah shouts as soon as my feet cross the threshold.
At least a dozen customers are busy sniffing various scents but that doesn’t stop Sarah from rushing between people. The customers squish into the displays as she rounds each corner at lightning speed.
"You have to try this," She demands grabbing my forearm and leading me in a zigzag pattern to a new display towards the back, "I finally finished it last week, what do you think?"
My hands instinctively reach out as she places a small dot in the middle of my palm. The fragrance is a mix of cinnamon, apples, and something I can't decipher. The sweet scent smells like heaven.
"You like it?”
Like it? If this product came in a lotion, bath soap, and shampoo, I’d never leave the bathroom. It has to be her best product. Maybe not her best, there are too many amazing creations that it would be unfair to rank any of them as best.
This one seems perfect for me. It’s interesting that she gets most of her ideas from the people she meets. After reading them, Sarah closes her dark curtain and brews in her secret lab.
"I made it for you," Sarah states as if following my train of thought, "As soon as I met you, there was this scent that I needed to capture."
I’m skeptical. If I smelled like this, people wouldn’t crinkle their noses each time I walked by.
"I must have some," I say reaching for a bottle and finding that it also comes in a spray.
There’s something about this shop that brings out the girly side in me. My mom would be proud. She spent years trying to cultivate me into a proper girl, from dance classes, to cheerleading but it never worked. I preferred peewee football, until I was considered too aggressive and kicked off the team.
"No, no," Sarah says with the natural laugh in her voice, "You are my inspiration. I can’t make you pay for it."
She takes the lotion and spray from my hands and heads behind the counter. Following her, I grab the outstretched bag, excited for my present.
"What are you doing this afternoon," She asks as I examine my prizes in the bottom of the paper bag, "There is a path near the lake, have you seen it," She continues as my brow scrunches, "This time of year looks beautiful. The leaves have changed and you can see the lake throughout the entire walk."
"That sounds good," I grumble, not liking the idea of going for a walk in the forest.
There hasn't just been one encounter with the wolves. Almost daily at least one, dark black wolf, chills on the deck. It doesn't seem to care or even move when I try to scare it. The mocking expression is clear as it usually turns around, stretches, and ignores me. At least my new, outdoor only pet isn’t aggressive.
It’s disappointing because I love spending time outside during the fall. It’s my favorite season, filled with warmth and comfort. Everything feels more relaxed but the wolves took that away.
"You will enjoy it, I promise.”
Sarah continues to blink and smile. It’s pretty terrifying when I realize that she’ll personally track me down if I don’t agree.
"Fine, what time?"
"I get off at two. Meet me here," Sarah answers with her bubbly smile back in place.
Something about this powerful, tiny female makes it hard for me to say no. My intention for the day was to sit at the cafe and people watch.
It is a fair exchange. She gave me free merchandize so I can’t complain about the simple request.
Leaving her store, I continue through the shops, browsing through old books, antiques, and beautiful art. Throughout all of my exploring, I can’t help but watch the residents. Their conversations, appearances, and activities are very interesting.
Still being new in town, I haven't met a lot of people. The one thing that helps the boredom, is the drama. I tend to follow close behind so I can hear. It gives me a minute or two where I don’t feel so alone.
"Addie.”
I keep moving forward, hoping the small break in my step didn’t give away the fact that I heard my name. Feet pound the cement as they catch up. I have no choice but to turn.
"Hello, Adam.”
Everywhere I go, I run into him. He isn’t stalking me; the town is that small. If I tried to avoid him, I might make it a few days before we would inevitably end up in the same place.
"How are you," Adam begins.
His persistence with running or with me is getting on my nerves, or causing my nerves to twist and contort. He’s my boss and the head of the company. The company doesn’t appreciate internal dating. But that is the problem; I don't know if that’s what he’s doing. He always flirts but he acts like that to everyone. Maybe it isn’t flirting.
"Any plans for today," Adam asks as he nudges my shoulder.
Something about this Roman, godlike person makes my heart skip a beat. No one thinks twice when girls stop to look at him. Some even pause midsentence to watch him. I hope I'm not that obvious.
"Going for a walk," I answer as I look into those deep, dark eyes of his.
Turn away, my mind tells me.
The power of those eyes can cause me to melt right here. I have to remind myself to stay away from him. Be friendly, but never more. I don't want to swoon or be cast aside. I’ve been burned by that game. I must stand my ground, especially since my job might end up on the line.
"To the lake," Adam asks, "With Sarah probably." He sees the confusion and laughs, "No one has moved here in a year."
My eyes remain on the sidewalk as I watch people on either side of the street. I should have realized that I’d be part of the gossip.
I grew up in a small town. New people were always an interesting topic. We knew their life story before they finished moving in. Most of the facts were wrong, but when gossip spreads like wildfire, who cares if it's wrong. It's entertaining and that's all that matters in a small town.
"Any good gossip," I ask enjoying the idea of being the talk of the town.
Adam laughs, a strong deep laugh while his eyes dance with amusement. From that reaction, it might be better not to know the rumors.
"Nothing bad, I promise," He answers, the sly smile remaining in place.
"Mmhmm.”
"Everyone's a little astonished by one thing," He states trying to get me to bite.
I shrug, not feeling like entertaining Adam. If he wants to tell me, he will. If not, I can live without the details. At least until I see Sarah and she tells me everything.
"I really have to go or I’ll be late meeting Sarah.”
In less than twenty minutes, I need to drop off my bag, change, and be back at Sarah’s store. Since Sarah is turning into a friend, I don’t want to keep her waiting.
Adam watches me leave; an amused smile plastered on his face. I can’t help but turn back at least once. My cheeks flush, realizing that he’s still staring.
The path to the lake is beautiful. The deep blue shimmers in the distance and the trees arch over the wide dirt path, creating a natural arbor. I could spend every free day on this path, if it wasn't for the wolves.
The entire time we spend mindlessly chatting. Sarah grew up here, the youngest of four siblings. Two are still in town; working with me, while one decided to try city living. The one that left is her favorite and she misses him deeply. Even though she envies his decision, she could never see herself living anywhere else, reminding me of McKenzie.
“Have dinner with me,” Sarah demands after the walk.
Sarah continues to bubble and dance around as I consider my response. My legs burn so bad that I doubt I can get back up if I sit down. If I’m already the talk of the town, grunting and groaning while painfully standing from a restaurant booth will only add more to the mystery. I want to tell her no but it’s so hard to meet new people that I can’t help but say, “Yes.”
“Great, let's go,” Sarah replies as she breaks from the main trail.
I pause, going off the path is not something I want to do. Rustling of branches was common throughout the walk. It’s too dangerous and I really don’t want to become dinner.
After hearing a howl in the distance, Sarah smiles, “Afraid of the wolves.”
“No.”
I don’t want it to seem like they bother me. It doesn’t help that I binge watched every movie I could find on wolves. There are way too many scary movies and not many friendly cartoons.
“Here,” She offers a pocket version of one of her lotions as I follow her down the path.
I’m assuming it’s for the partial stench. The walk wasn’t vigorous but my sweat slicked back is enough that I’m concerned about my own aroma.
Outside the window, two wolves stroll through the middle of town. My eyes hurt from how far they bulge. People continue to walk and talk, hardly acknowledging their presence. Everyone treats them like house pets as they move out of the animal’s way. At least a thick window separates me from them.
“Why are you so scared of them,” Sarah asks sipping her glass of wine.
The answer should be obvious. They’re dangerous, wild animals. Why isn’t she scared of them?
“Are they domesticated,” I ask as Sarah burst into laughter, “Then I don’t trust predatory animals.”
Sarah stops laughing, but her eyes hold all the emotion that she’s trying to keep from her face. She grew up in this town so I guess Sarah shouldn’t fear the wolf. I grew up with deer and I can honestly say there is a different reaction from seeing a deer in my yard compared to a wolf.
“How do you like the job,” Sarah asks as the server brings the food.
He places each plate down before stooping low and sniffing me. My arms freeze while unwrapping the napkin. I can’t deny that this is happening anymore, not when he is inches from the top of my head. Eventually, the server walks away leaving me completely unnerved by the action.
Sarah clears her throat and takes another sip, “Don’t worry, you don’t smell bad.”
“It’s not just me, that was weird right?”
Sarah nods with a false smile. She’s trying to think of a response to why a server just sniffed my head but that isn’t easy.
“Some people are a little eccentric,” Sarah delicately replies, “You’ll figure out why soon enough.”
“Really,” I reply. I prefer handshakes but I guess a big whiff of someone seems just as normal, at least in this town, “I have to admit, it’s new to me.”
“It would be,” She answers with a coy smile, still knowing more than I do, “Tell me about the job. How is it to work with Adam?”
I want to know what she thinks of him. Without knowing how they are connected; it might be better to wait.
“It’s more challenging than I thought it would be.”
My mind still can’t figure out the intricacies of the job and I spend most my time huddled in my office hoping that no one finds me. I really need a new hiding place at the company, possibly a broom closet.
“It will get easier. Adam said you were a natural.”
They must be close. It’s strange that they would talk about me but it is a small town. I want to tell Sarah about Adam asking me to go for runs but I stop myself. Running might be as normal as sniffing each other.
“How do you know Adam,” I ask, knowing that this might lead to hours of conversation describing every link between the two.
“I’ve known him since we were children.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it,” she answers with a little laugh.
A large black wolf stops in front of the window. It’s the same one that stalks my house. I glare. The wolf has no problem eyeing me.
“Really, this doesn’t worry you at all,” I ask pointing to the wolf with his nose steaming up the glass.
“Nope,” She happily answers, “So random question. If you could be any other animal, what would you be and why?”
Right now, I’m thinking about anything that might be bigger or more threatening than a wolf. Do wolves fear bears? Also, why did my movie marathon never mention any predators?
“Hmm,” I start wishing I had more alcohol before this philosophical question, “Let’s start with you.”
My eyes glance out the window as the wolf turns in a circle and chases its own tail. Sarah laugh. Her eyes are glued to this creature.
“A wolf,” She replies, “They are just so graceful and beautiful.”
Her eyes longingly stare at the wolf. If it was an option, she would shed her human skin right now. I’ve always been more of a cat person. They match my personality just a little bit better.
“Now,” She starts, “What about you.”
“I’ve always loved tigers,” I reply as the wolf outside drops its head. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he’s eavesdropping on the conversation.
“A tiger,” Sarah replied, “That doesn’t seem like you. I think a wolf fits you too. What would you think if you could turn into one?”
I should have known that Sarah would be a little unusual. She’s just too creative and her mind is going in so many directions. I wouldn’t be surprised if her shop had a wolf fragrance. Next time I’m in there, I’m going to have to check her stock.
“Like a werewolf?”
She vigorously nods as her eyes continue to grow. All I can do is shake my head. It never crossed my mind. When I was younger, I always imagined myself as a bird. I wanted to fly away and it seemed like the perfect form to achieve me goal.
“Could be interesting,” I answer not really having much of an opinion on the subject.
The black wolf takes off as my eyes follow it down the road. I should have driven.
#
Pretending to be busy, I type away at a very long e-mail to no one. It looks intimidating but there will never be a sender when I’m literally writing down random thoughts and a grocery list. I don’t know what I should be doing right now and there isn’t anyone, other than Amy, that I can ask for a new project.
My secretary stands, her bubbly personality charming the figure rounding the corner. On que, I close the e-mail, pull up a spreadsheet and look up to find Adam entering my office.
“Not too busy I hope,” He asks, sitting in the chair across from me.
This isn’t good. His eyes trap me yet again before I shake my head, freeing my thoughts. Couldn’t he be just a little less perfect? At least the friendly smile makes it seem like I’m not about to be fired.
“How was the walk the other day,” Adam asks in a too friendly manner.
“It was nice.”
If it wasn’t for the wolves, I would make it a habit but I can’t force myself to walk near them, not yet. If I stay here, I might become comfortable around wild animals. Maybe next summer, the black wolf and I can sun bathe on the deck together.
“Still not up for running,” Adam asks, a hint of seriousness in his tone.
What is with this guy? As his eyelashes flutter up, my mind thinks back to the diner. At least this time I’m in flats and not heels but I don’t want to say yes.
“Are you big on running,” I ask not knowing what I’m saying or where this conversation might lead.
Adam sits back, folding his hands together. He’s ready for this conversation. I’m not.
“Some things come naturally to people,” Adam cryptically answers, “I could see you enjoying it, here at least.”
My head shakes before I can stop it. I must remember that he is the CEO. I’m a little too annoyed with his single-minded thought that I can’t help my response.
“I hate running. I really don’t like the outdoors,” I start not able to stop my mouth, “I also don’t understand how everyone can live with all these wolves. Do you actually run the trails near them? Every day there seems to be one that just sits on my deck. He’s just there. He’s always there.”
“Have you tried to shoo him,” Adam mockingly asks leaning forward in the chair.
“You aren’t funny,” I reply as heat rises to my cheeks. I’ve tried that approach several times.
“I’ll never tell you no for a run, if you are ever up for going,” Adam comments, “But I’m here for business, not pleasure. This department has been underperforming for years. I would like to have weekly meetings to go over the numbers.”
Fear penetrates my body as my legs numb. Inhaling deeply, I realize that I’ve been holding my breath. This isn’t good. I don’t know what’s worse, meeting Adam every week or knowing that the CEO of the company is aware of my department’s dismal figures.
Adam laughs becoming more comfortable in the chair, “You could look less frightened. It isn’t doing that bad and I promise I don’t bite.”
“Can I just go for a run with you and we pretend my department is on the same level with everyone else,” I ask, the words slipping from my mouth before I can stop them.
Adam eyes me. His large hazel eyes making me nervous and excited at the same time. This boy is going to be trouble.
“No, I’ll take the weekly meetings. It gives me more time to get to know you,” Adam replies before standing and walking out of the office. He pauses at the door, “I run most morning around the lake. In case you change your mind.”