Page 5 of Jonathan

She slowed down to peek at the Lamb Chop, the Coffee Place, one called the Tasty Lemons and more like that. There was a small museum, an actual art gallery and a movie theater, which was more like a barn converted to house movie goers.

Touching the left turn signal, she traveled on an isolated dirt road that led to the cabin she had rented. She had specifically asked for somewhere private. Sliding to a stop, she just sat there as the scent, myriads of them assailed and enveloped her in warmth, colors, and scents.

Trees, flowers, and the sound – was that a brook? A lake? A river? Pushing the door open, she stepped onto the loose stones and decided she had to see for herself.

The brochure had caught her attention and even though it had given her glimpses of what to expect, just standing here surrounded by the incredible verdancy, it took her breath away.

Slamming the door shut, she first noticed the comforting silence as she made her way past the rustic cabin and round a winding path that… A gasp escaped her, and she stood there staring at the quaint iron bridge that was suspended in a kind of arch over a clear body of water trickling over stones.

The wind wafted through the leaves towering above her. Peeking through them was the cerulean blue of the sky with just a few puffy white clouds dotting the surface. And the scent summer was all around her.

Lifting her hands, she rubbed them over her bare arms and inhaled. She was from a big city and was accustomed to towering buildings and the fast pace of people almost trampling over each other to get to their destination.

She might become unnerved by the utter silence in a few days, but for now, she appreciated the solitude. Her pace had always been hectic, much too hectic and this was exactly what she needed.

She would set up her workstation outside. She had passed a padded bench under a thick and giant oak tree facing the east where the sun was prominent. She also spent a hell of a lot of time indoors, running from one appointment to the next.

She would enjoy the great outdoors and took in as much sun as she could manage. Clapping her hands in delight, she wondered what her friends would say if they could see her now.

Lauren would be horrified that she had chosen such a remote area for her work vacation and Salome would scoff and predict that she would not last a week. She was going to prove them both wrong. Turning around, she headed back to the vehicle, she started to haul out her cases.

*****

“You’re a food critic.” The woman wearing the soiled gingham apron, with the bleached blonde hair twisted on top of her head beamed as she came towards the table to take her order. “I hope you are not here in an official capacity. We are a tiny eatery and try our best to prepare something worth putting inside the stomach.”

“I am just here for the food.” Kamilah assured her with a smile. “What do you recommend? Pattie?” She added, looking at the woman’s name tag.

“Our pancakes and sausages of course. The orange juice is freshly squeezed, and the coffee is good and hot.”

“Then I bow to your expertise.” Kamilah did not normally eat such a big breakfast, but for some reason, she was feeling very hungry. Last night had been strange. A new place, the bed smaller than her king-sized one in her apartment and the kitchen with the old-fashioned range had her deciding that she would not be making use of it very often.

“Coming right up…” The woman left her to go and prepare the meal, leaving her to take a look around the small space. The place was clean, the tables scrubbed with cheerful gingham tablecloths. A few people were at the tables and all of them were giving her curious looks.

She had no doubt that by now, everyone in the small town knew she was here. Nodding to the couple in the corner and staring at her, she reached for her glass and took a sip of cold, clean water that tasted delicious. Taking several more sips, she finished theglass and moved slightly so that the steaming plate of food was placed in front of her.

“More water?”

“Thanks.”

“Everything is fresh here,” Pat announced proudly, “the oranges are organic and delivered fresh from McCarthy’s. Taste the juice.” The woman demanded. Amusement had her lifting the glass to her lips and her first taste of the juice had her raising her tapered brows. “Well? What do you think?”

“The best I ever had.”

“Good!” Pat beamed in approval and moved away.

She spent the time enjoying the delicious meal and learning to ignore the curious glances passing over her. She had a plan. Afull meal here would tide her over until dinner and then, she was going to take advantage of another amenity offered. Horseback riding.

She was an excellent rider and aside from taking a break twice a month and going to a farm a few miles away from where she lived, she had no opportunity to just ride for pleasure.

To her surprise, she finished the entire meal, including the glass of water Pat had brought to the table. Taking out cash, she paid for the meal and added a generous tip.

“Be sure to come back. We have an excellent dinner menu, and we do delivery.”

“Good to know.” Kamilah told her with a smile as she threaded through the tables and made her way out to the car. Catching herself hesitating and waiting for a valet, she uttered a small laugh and made her way to where she had parked the car under a blossoming hibiscus bush.

*****

Dragging his hat off, Jon shoved impatient fingers through his sweat moistened hair as he hunkered down to look at the damage done to the tractor. It was an easy fix, but it would take time and time he did not have.

---