Liv
I thought New York was cold during the winter, but it has nothing on North Dakota. So why am I her you ask? Simple. I am running. Running away from all the decisions I have made in my life and questioning if I made the right ones. Here I am sitting in the only bar located in the small town of Jud, North Dakota.
I was never the fruity drink kind of girl. It has always been a good aged scotch. I guess that comes from growing up with all guy friends. I was the only woman in my group of friends. There are seven of us. We have been friends since second grade. Some of us were born with a silver spoon and some of us had to fight our way to the top. Nonetheless we were tight.
The bartender is an older guy maybe in his sixties. He kept throwing me questioning glances, his face telling me I looked out of place. I guess with a population of probably a hundred people, they could spot an out of towner instantly. The same old country song kept playing on the jukebox repeatedly, probably because it was broken or the other patrons sitting in the bar really liked the song. So I just listened to the small radio the bartender had going back behind the bar.
As I signaled the bartender for another fill, I felt the presence of someone approaching the empty stools around me. He sat down and ordered a glass of the same scotch the bartender was already pouring in mine. I didn’t turn to look at the person sitting next to me, because quite frankly I didn’t care to. We sat in silence for what seemed like forever, until I noticed the bartender’s glances started darting from me to the man sitting next to me. That’s when I looked over and noticed the man sitting next to me was wearing a three- piece expensive suit. I couldn’t contain my laughter, at least I managed to dress casual in my yoga pants and oversized sweater.
His gorgeous hazel eyes met mine.
“Do you find something amusing.” He asked.
His voice was masculine, stern, even sexy. I downed my drink and turned to face him.
“You look like you just left a business meeting and given our geographic location, I would love to know where from.” I chuckled.
Those eyes raked me over until stopping back on mine then he said, “if you must know I got turned around on my way to the airport and lost cell service and ended up here. Whats your excuse?”
Contemplating on what to say I just stared at him until finally I said “I am here by choice. Well actually I got lost driving around to my unknown destination and ended up here.” He lightly chuckled and said, “looks like we’re both far from the big apple.” I cocked my head to the side and asked, “who said I was from New York?”
“I was born and raised there, you have the accent, and you’re dressed like most woman in New York are right now.”
We sat in silence as a waived my empty glass to the bartender signaling to fill it. I didn’t want to give the man next to me any information about myself since I was trying to forget about that life for a while. I simply turned and said,
“My name is Liv.” He outstretched his hand and said, “Oliver.”
His large hand engulfed mine and was warm and soft. I proceeded to tell him about the small B &B down the street where I was staying since it was getting late and I guess it must of came out wrong, because he asked if it was an invitation. I stood up laughing and told him, “I was telling you incase you were looking for a hotel for the night.” He paid his tab and stood and told me to lead the way.
On our walk to the B & B I asked if he was married or had kids, and by the way he was looking at me like I had two heads I took that as a no.
“No, I am not married, no kids, not even a girlfriend. I don’t do relationships.”
He was like a male version of myself. I told him the same thing.
As we walked into the old Victorian home he looked even more out of place. Ms. Cordell, the owner, was sitting at the small check in desk as we approached. He asked for a room and she gave him a sad look. I didn’t really remember seeing anyone else here when I checked in early this morning, but I was so tired I wasn’t paying any attention.
Ms. Cordell was an older woman in her seventies. She started the B & B a few years ago when her husband died, because she was lonely and wanted to care for someone again. She spoke softly and said,” I am sorry young man, but all four rooms are booked for the next couple of days. There is a snow sculpting tournament a few towns over, and all their hotels are full, so the other three guests ventured out here.”
A snow sculpting tournament? We looked at each other in confusion. As he said his thanks he turned to leave. Where was he going? For one he has been drinking and for two there was a snowstorm moving in according to the radio at the bar.
I went outside after him and asked, “where are you going?” He laughed and turned to me and said, “I have no idea.”
Without thinking this through, my big mouth opened and said, “you can share my room.” There was that look again as if I had two heads.
“I know we don’t know each other, but it would be morally wrong not to offer.” He asked,” what if I was a serial killer or something else?” That response caused me to laugh. “I’m fairly sure I can take you. I grew up around all guys.” He approached me with only a foot
between us and smirked down at me. He had to be at least six foot, whereas I was barely five three.
“Only on one condition will I take your offer. I pay for the room since you’re giving up your space.” He said. I stepped back and crossed my arms and said, “make that two conditions, you pay and don’t ask personal questions about my life. After two days we go our separate ways.” “Deal.” He said as we shook hands.
