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Chapter 6

Lexi

I turn right on Main Street where there are rows of shops and businesses on both sides of the road. I love walking down this street. When I first moved here I must have walked up and down these streets a dozen times or more just getting acquainted with my new home. My first stop is to get a warmer jacket so I go into Lucy’s Women’s Apparel. The door chimes when I walk in. The blast of heat warms me immediately. I look around and see a glass counter to my left with displays of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from local artists. To my right there are counterless displays of skirts, shirts, pants, dresses and accessories.

A woman in her mid-thirties is behind the glass counter putting out a display of rings. She greets me with a smile “ Hello Miss. Can I help you find anything?” “ Yes, could you point me to some heavy coats?” I pull on my jacket. “ Something that will keep me warmer than this thing.” She comes around the counter “ Sure. Let me show you what we have in stock. We just got some new ones in. We should be able to find one you like.” she says as she leads me to a side corner of the store. The wall is covered with thick coats in various colors, styles and sizes. “ All these will keep you warm as the weather gets worse. I will leave you to look around. Feel free to try any on. Keep in mind you want it to be a little big so you can layer up and it won’t be too tight.”

I thank her for her advice and look around to see what catches my eye .After settling on a thick navy blue jacket with a wool lining I decided to look around a bit more. You never know what you are going to find. After looking through the racks I spot a robin's egg blue sweater I just have to have. As I make my way back to the counter I see a navy blue scarf and grab it as well.

I lay my items on the counter and the lady asks “ Do you need anything else?”” I shake my head “ No, thank you. jUst these please.” After she rings me up and hands me my bag I head out thinking of where to stop next. I see the cafe a few doors down and head that way. I could use a little sugar and caffeine fix. I go in and order a large vanilla latte with whipped cream to go. While the young man makes my coffee I look around.

It has light brown paneling that reminds me of wood. There are coffee related pictures on the walls. There are small wooden tables scattered around with no real pattern with two iron chairs at them. Behind the counter are bags of coffee, syrups, mugs, blenders and chrome coffee machines. In no time the man hands me my drink and I walk out with no particular destination in mind. Just enjoying my coffee and this nice day. Sure it is cold but the weather is clear for now. In the middle of the street there is a large gathering area with a gazebo and play area. Even though the ground has three feet of snow on it, it doesn't stop some kids from running around playing.

` There is a snowball fight going on in one spot. Some kids are trying to swing and the sounds of laughter in the air. There are people walking on both sides of the street talking, laughing, and some couples are holding hands. And me, I’m alone. I have been since my grandma passed away. She was my last living relative. I shake my thoughts and continue walking. As I pass the shops I’m peeking in windows and not paying attention to where I’m going.

That is when I run into a wall and drop my coffee. And the wall isn’t brick, it is solid muscle. “ I’m so sorry.” I say as I bend down to pick up my cup and help them pick up their things. “ I should have paid attention to where I was going.” I said. “ It’s ok. Accidents happen.” says a voice I instantly recognize. It sends shivers down my spine and makes my pulse race but not from fear. Aiden. When we stand back up he says “ Hi, Lexi.” I look at the empty coffee cup in my hand to keep him from seeing my cheeks heat up. I look up and ask “ I didn’t spill any on you did I?”

He smiles. Damn that smile could make a nun melt. “ No you didn’t. I think the ground got most of it. Can I get you another?” he asks. “ No, I was almost done. And I was the one who ran into you so you don’t owe me anything.” I remember how he couldn’t wait to get away from me yesterday even though he helped me out. I need to respect that even though for some reason it bothers me. I move to go around him and say “ I'm sorry I bumped into you. I will be more careful next time.” For a split second Aden looks sad. Like I hurt his feelings. I don’t get it. But the look is gone before I can think more about it.

“ I’ll see you around.” Aiden says as I leave. I turn my head “ Maybe.” Not if I have anything to do with it. He can’t get away from me fast enough and runs down the street. His reaction makes me want to cry. I don’t get it. Why do I feel like this? I'm going to stay as far away as possible. The odds of us running into each other are slim thankfully. I have been in town for months and yesterday was the first time we have ever interacted. So it should be easy to avoid Aiden. Then this odd feeling will go away.

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