Prologue
Autumn of 2012
Coldwater, PA
College just let out for the day. Leaves have fallen, sprinkling the ground with glitz of brown, red and yellow. Rain creates a damp, dreary day, gray skies, the atmosphere foggy. Most people hate days like this. These are my favorite during this time of year.
Gives me an excuse to stop at Carl’s Bakery. Although I do every day after school. Before I even walk in, they know my order.
The staff love me. Daily routine consists of school, bakery, work, then spending time with my little man at home. Since we won’t be raking leaves and jumping in them, we’ll have to settle for relaxing on the couch, and watching his favorite cartoons.
The rain splashes on my face, reminding me why I’m alive. Looking above into the clouds, soaking in the tingling rain, I smile. There’s something about rain that brings the life out in me.
Chenelle and I went hiking once, made it to the top swiftly. The weather was beautiful, but on the way down, it started to downpour.
I wasn’t prepared. Dumb me did my makeup. I didn’t want to look like I was in a horror film, so I stripped my shirt off. Of course I had a bra on. Wouldn’t have mattered anyhow. No one was there. Chenelle followed suit.
We ran in the rain with our shirts covering our faces. I’ll never forget that moment of being a young, dumb 18 year old. I’ll also never forget to check the weather before going on a hike.
Trotting on slick cement, the smell of rain finally sinks in. Mists of water have made their home upon the ragged edges of green grass.
Clingy leaves have turned. Student’s cars roar to life, confirming the end of a school day. Windshield wipers and lights do their job. I always park at Carl’s Bakery, they don’t mind. It’s close to school, and I eat there anyway. It’s way easier than exiting the school parking lot.
On the sidewalks, horns are honked and music is blared. Several screams launch from inside the vehicles. Windows are down and hands are out, catching the drizzling droplets. In the distance is the bakery, looking cozier than ever. Rainy days call for a warm coffee and a slice of shoe fly pie.
Brown undertones blend nicely with the gold font. Red shutters match the fall leaves that have welcomed themselves. Carl’s Bakery is lit bright on this wet, gloomy day.
As I’m about to step into the parking lot, a male zooms past in his Chevy pickup, splashing water and mud all over me. Great, just what I needed, mud on my brand new pants that I could barely afford. School books and homework, wet. All the notes I slaved over, worked so hard on are destroyed. I want to cry. No one would know, they would think it’s the rain.
Left gasping, mouth hung wide open, hands at either side of me, that ass really did that to me, didn’t he? The bad thoughts crawl into my mind. No complaining, remember? Mom already does that enough for the both of us. Then I’m swept away with the blissful thought of going home to him.
In front of the door, I try my best to wring out these wet clothes. Thank heavens I didn’t wear a white t-shirt. Although, this cotton shirt has shriveled up above my navel. Just as I’m about to open the door, I hear a voice behind me, two in fact.
“Did you see Rachel’s rack today? Fuck, I have a chub just thinking about it.” Gross. I thought the mud that is now drying on me was disgusting, but nothing tops this man’s crude comment.
Not even attractive in the least. Filthy boots that need scrubbed with soap, ripped boot cut jeans, and a flannel, bring out the blue in his eyes. Black hair frames his greasy face.
“God Charles, shut the hell up would you? Have some respect. There are people around.” I hear a raspy voice protest. Something about it soothes me. Rich brown hair, gelled back, looking beautiful enough to tug on while engaging in a kiss comes into view. My eyes trail down to his sterling grays, matching the temporary sky.
A white smile spreads across his face, almost making me copy him, but I catch myself. Wearing a dark green flannel, boot cut jeans and sneakers, there’s something that tells me he would look good in literally anything he wore. Or nothing at all. Great here come the horny thoughts. I’m almost as bad as greaser.
“Holy shit! What happened to you?” A screechy voice cuts through my thoughts. Looking into his eyes, it’s grease face. Now I feel utterly embarrassed. Pink plush rushes to my cheek bones, bringing color to this dreary day. Eyes flash with awareness that they can actually see me.
Usually people ignore me. Almost believed I was invisible once. Before I can muster up a reply, the handsome male smacks his friend. Shoving him aside, he steps forward, confronting. “I’m sorry ma’am, he doesn’t have a conscience. Are you okay?” I smile at the stranger as I watch the ground. Flattered that he cares at all.
“Yes, thank you. Someone just sped into the parking lot and splashed water all over me is all. I’ll be alright.“, still looking down at the ground. Glancing up to offer a small smile, the stranger glares at his greasy friend. Did he even hear what I said? It doesn’t matter anyway, all I want is my usual.
“Charles, remind me again why we hang out. Also, remind me to never,” he emphasizes the word, “let you drive my truck again. You got this poor girl wet.”
Charles, as the handsome stranger called him, does a cross between a laugh, and a choke. “I coulda got her wet another way if that’s what you wanted.“, grease face mutters loud enough for me to hear. The handsome stranger kicks Charles in the leg, so hard the fellow yelps in pain. I giggle softly to myself.
The handsome stranger notices after yelling at Charles. “You like that huh?“, a smirky smile is offered. I can’t help but nod my head, continuing to laugh. Handsome stranger kicks his friend again. Shit. That’s brutal. Maybe I shouldn’t have egged him on.
After I’m done giggling I look over at Charles and follow his eyes. I look down and see that my nipples have turned into hard peaks, due to the rain and brisk wind. Covering myself immediately, handsome stranger notices. He begins to unbutton his flannel. Confused as I watch him, when he’s done he removes it. Revealing a black tee that clings to his olive skin.
Hard defined muscles show through, causing me to swallow. He hands the flannel over. I shake my head no. There’s no way I can accept that, it’ll be ruined by the mud. “Please take it. It’s the least I can do, besides paying for your order.” I watch as he extends his arm out, offering the flannel, with an encouraging smile. So I take the material and put it on, buttoning it up half way.
It’s so warm and comfortable, smelling of him, black ice. Knees weaken at the kind gesture. Handsome stranger reaches for the door handle, accessing the inside of the shop. Veins bulge out with each flex when ushered in. A big hand finds my lower back, the other closes the door on Charles.
I’m tempted to laugh, but I refrain. “What the hell dude?” Handsome stranger ignores his friend completely. Searching for that silver stare, he’s smiling down. Down at me. I return the same friendly smile. Fumes of coffee and pastries fill the air, creating a calming aroma.
“Listen, I am really sorry that you’re soaked. Did your books get wet?” Instinctively, my head bobs. Usually I’m not this speechless, but the man is so beautiful, I can’t even think. That unforgettable face sags at my response.
“It’s okay, really.“, managing a cluttered response. “It wasn’t your fault. I should’ve known better than to walk on a day like this.”
“Yea what were you thinking?“, Charles intrudes. Ashamed, I don’t want to explain myself. Truthfully, I don’t know what I was thinking. I thought it would be a healthy way to clear my head. Time to waste so I didn’t have to go home to my parents.
I was thinking about my stomach growling since I hadn’t eaten anything today. I don’t typically eat at school. There’s no one for me to sit with, so I skip it. The library is more suitable; to study, or work on assignments. I don’t have to answer to anybody. So I do just that.
Everything behind the glass looks so appetizing. From the peanut butter cake, to the cherry pie. I’m just going to stick to the usual. At the counter, Jesse motions for us to step forward. He’s around my age, the boss’s son. Dark glossy hair runs in the family.
His hazel eyes stand alone, while the majority of the Niro family have beautiful dark brown eyes. Jesse is a good kid, so polite and respectful to all. “Hey girl! How are ya? Usual right?”
I put my biggest smile on. Handsome stranger immediately removes his hand from my back.
“You know it! I’m great Jesse. How are you?” He leans over and hands a bag with a slice of pie, then a medium cup of coffee over. Thanks Jess.” I’m glad he didn’t ask about my situation, you know, the wet clothes and all.
“I’m good. Well you know the price.”
“Actually, I’ll be paying for her order as well as mine.” Handsome stranger butts in. Ordering a medium black coffee ignoring Charles’s input on his order.
“Thank you so much for paying, but you really didn’t have to.” Smiling, I blow at the hot coffee, before taking a sip. He stares, looking from my eyes to my lips. A breath catches in my throat. I realize I wouldn’t mind if he ducked down, and kissed me right now.
“Right well it’s no issue at all. To pay me back, please sit with me. We can enjoy our coffee together.” I smile, liking the thought of that. The shop is usually busy, especially at this hour. Not a good place to study, with all the noise.
Tables are occupied, except for one way in the back, next to the window. I grab the handsome stranger’s hand and lead him to the booth. His hand is warm against my cold. Rough while I’m soft.
I take a seat closest to the window facing the entrance. Handsome stranger takes the opposite. Awkwardness kicks in. To avoid it, I look out the window, watching people that have no idea I am. Some are happy, others miserable. The rain stopped and the sun has peaked through the clouds. A rainbow blossoms across the sky.
I pull out the slice of pie and open the container. Fork in hand, I take a blissful bite, closing my eyes, enjoying such a wonderful taste. Handsome stranger clears his throat. I can feel his stare. I just don’t want to meet it, scared of being exposed. “So, you’re in school?“, a nonchalant question. I exhale and look at him, finally really look at him, straight on.
There are no flaws that I can spot. Thick eyebrows arch, button nose crinkles when he takes a sip of the boiling coffee. I could get lost in his large, expressive, gray eyes. I so badly want to smooth his hair back with my hand, cup his jaw and kiss every inch of his face. That may be a little forward, but it’s been a while since I’ve looked at someone like this. Since someone has drank me in the way he does. He makes me feel beautiful.
Returning to reality, “Yes, I’m in college for dental hygiene.“, embarrassingly admitted. My father looks down on me. The profession is pathetic in his opinion, but it’s my dream. I can barely afford to go to school, but I’m managing the best that I can.
My handsome stranger’s face changes to impressed, but probably grossed out. That’s a common reaction I receive. I don’t have a lot of support. My son is the only one that I feel believes in me. He shows me love no matter what decision I make. He is only four, won’t be too long before he’ll be like everyone else.
Everything I do is for him. I want nothing but the best for him. He’s so delicate and deserves the world, I’m trying to give him more than what I had. I won’t mention my son to this stranger though. I just want to enjoy talking to someone who won’t judge me. I’m not ready to talk about my past, not ready for the pity. I want to be myself for a change.
“That’s impressive as hell. Good for you honestly. I’m just a minor league baseball player hoping to make it big one day.“, he confesses. That’s an accomplishment in itself. Another baseball fanatic, cause I need another one of those. Not! He doesn’t seem that bad though.
“You’ve been playing awhile then?“, intrigued surprisingly.
“Yep. Ever since I was five. My dad really pushed me to play.” I know how that feels believe me. I wonder if it’s what he actually wants, or if it’s his dad’s dream. Parents should realize that we have our own lives and shouldn’t decide for us.
“My dreams are finally coming true. I dropped by here, my hometown to visit some old friends.” Tilts his head to Charles. I scan his features. I’ve never seen this man around. Trust me, I would remember a face like his.
“I’m sorry but, I was born and raised here. I’ve never seen you before at school, or even around town. Believe me, I would know if I’ve seen you before. You’re so cute.“, the last part breathless.
Shit! That was meant to be unknown, only for my thoughts. I feel even worse as I cover my face, hiding myself from that gray gaze. He probably doesn’t even find me attractive and here I am drooling. “I’m sorry, I-I-I didn’t mean to say that. I meant what I said, it’s just-“.
Taking my hands, he places them on the table, cuddling with his. Gently rubbing his thumbs over the cool, smooth skin, placing soft circles on top, he reassures me. “It’s ok, really. It makes sense you have never seen me around. I was sent to a private school. Never had the opportunities that most teenagers have.”
I look quizzically at him. “What do you mean by that exactly?“, simply curious.
“I never got to get into trouble. Drink on weekends, smoke weed, or spray paint buildings then run from the cops. Friends weren’t allowed to come over, and I wasn’t allowed to go to their houses. Worst of all, I missed out on meeting a beautiful girl such as yourself.”
Is he serious right now? Take me here, I wouldn’t mind. Biting my lip, I think about his plush pink lips kissing all over my body. I want to search him, explore his flaws, if he even has any.
Nonetheless, I know exactly what he means. I never had that stereotypical teenage life either. I have my own reasons why.
“Well that’s changed now. I’ve been in a lot a trouble ever since...” As he trails off, his eyes darken deeply, almost black. “What are you eating anyway? Looks delectable.“, changing the subject, I act like it never happened. He probably thinks I’m so rude since I didn’t offer a bite.
“Where are my manners? I’m sorry. This is shoo fly pie. Carl makes the best. Would you like some?” Pushing the pie over, he just looks at it appalled.
“Shoo-fly-pie? I’ve never heard of it.” Eyes grow, shocked that he has never tried it, or even heard of it. Mom and I would make this pie on holidays. It was one of the only things we enjoyed doing together.
“Please try it, for me. If you like molasses, you’ll like this.” I offer the fork over to him, which he takes hesitantly. Diving into the pie, he subtracts a little piece, filling his mouth with the gooey goodness. I want to see his reaction when he tastes how goo-. Right away he spits it out into his napkin, grabs coffee and washes it down, trying to erase the horrid taste.
“What the hell?! You like that stuff? Man that was something else. I knew I shouldn’t have eaten it. It’s called Shoo Fly Pie for crying out loud. What was I thinking?” I erupt in a fit of laughter, handsome stranger soon joins in. I didn’t think it was an acquired taste but, you learn something new every day.
While he wipes his mouth with a napkin, I think about how I’m twenty with a four year old child, still living with my parents. Where he has experienced so much in life, while having fun. I noticed I’m still stuck here, and I’m afraid I always will be.
~
Outside of Carl’s Bakery, handsome stranger blocks my exit. I literally cannot escape. It’s almost as if he won’t let me leave until we kiss. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
I’m not totally opposed to the idea. We ended up chatting for two hours about nothing really. Just the basics. Our families, hobbies, favorite movies, and music. Turns out, we both love history. While I want nothing more than to continue whatever this is, it really is time to leave.
Backed against the brown stone, chest to chest, he leans down and whispers into my ear softly, “Can I kiss you?” He retracts and we share stares.
Speechless, so excited I don’t even answer. I grab the back of his head and pull him into me. Taken by surprise, he stands motionless, then a hand cups my face while the other finds my waist.
The rain picks up again, but we stand under the porch, listening to nails hit the tin roof. What was once a calm sweet kiss, now heated and passionate.
Our tongues collide, meeting for the first time, stroking. I tug on his hair as I moan into him. Someone storms out of the shop yelling, “Get it man! Shit your quick with the ladies!”
Stranger pulls away, pecks my lips gently. Leaving me shocked, I don’t want him to stop. I could kiss him all day. He presses his forehead to mine. Then sighs heavily, removing himself completely.
“God dammit Charles!” The handsome stranger, gives his friend Charles a death stare. Then his attention is back on me. “I’m sorry, but what is your name?“, anxious to know. Charles seems to ruin everything, but it’s kind of hilarious. I sigh, obviously frustrated. I want more of him, so much more.
“My name is-“. Interrupted by the ringing of my phone. “Please excuse me.” I look at the caller ID, not recognizing the number.
“Hello?” The next few words cause me to fall to my knees. The stranger who had been standing here, kissing me, disappears. I don’t care about him anymore. Nothing else matters.
