Chapter 6: Chapter 6
The walk here to the public center is nice. The weather is still a steady sixties. We walk in a peaceful silence, just soaking in this night before it gets cold.
My mind goes to all the shops that we pass. They are all already closed. Hope everyone got their bread and eggs for in the morning. At least some coffee because the shop will be closed, I laugh to myself some.
At least my mind is on that now, instead of feeling so lonely. Just like that the small sadness takes over. That is it, I will be drinking tonight probably until the outcome isn't pretty in the morning.
I deserve one night to just not think. How hard can that be?
Maddy opens the door, being a step ahead of me.
The warmth passes over me, as soon as I step into the building. Seems like people were eager to get here this year. I am not late, but by five minutes. It is like everyone is here already.
I step off to the side. Looking over the decorations the children had made for tonights Halloween Ball. To me this is the one of the best parts, all the children from the orphanage work so hard on all of this. They get to play here a day before the Ball and decorate it up.
A smile graces my face seeing the small drawings of pumpkins and ghost.
Spotting the section that is set up by the Mayor for the donation center, I make my way over to it. One of the ladies that helps run the house for the children is sitting in the chair.
I open my clutch and take out the four hundred dollars. I have made all the money from the Halloween specials I had at the shop in the last three weeks.
I will run the special for another week since it is still a week from Halloween itself. Then any money that comes from them, I will go to the toy store and buy extra little things for the children.
This is all for the kids, why not make sure the coffee specials I do goes for them too. We are not hurting and it brings the children some joy.
The other holiday specials I come out with it are just for the fun of it. I don't do any of it for the profit, within the first two years the building I bought was more than paid back into my account by selling coffee alone.
One thing about this town, the people love their coffee. Then again there is so many different flavors to choose from. It has water in it, so sure can be counted as healthy. Right?
No matter, coffee flows through my veins and there is no stopping me.
It is finally my turn to place the money in the box.
"Thank you, sugar." The lady smiles.
"This is nothing." I smile back.
I walk so that I am not holding up anyone else from giving their donations.
Glancing around to see nothing but men and women dressed up, in masks. I lost Maddy as soon as we stepped into the Ball. I figure she went in search of the guy she was blushing and gushing over from earlier today.
Sure what small glimpse I seen of him, he was not to bad. Just still had the boyish charm seems like. Knowing Maddy already put a claim on that one, I don't even bother to look.
Everyone needs the repsect and something I strive to do.
Walking around for a few minutes, I just take everything in.
So many people are talking and mingling amongst each other.
No one pulls me into a conversation. Which could be a good thing, since most of everything has sounded boring.
Why gather and just talk business? This is supposed to be a fun night, not a business trip.
Finding the rest room, I walk in. Thankfully, it is empty. There is nothing worse than trying to relieve the bladder and someone else doing the same.
Call me bladder shy, but I just can't go while others can hear. Maybe I did drink to many coffees today.
I wash my hands and exit. It was quiet in there compared to out here with everyone.
I move along the edge of the wall. Finally spotting Maddy off to the side, I smile.
The one thing that catches my attention is the tall man standing next to her, whispering in her ear. I watch as Maddy laughs, covering her mouth.
Now I know not to even bother her. Guess she found the charmer she was all about today.
Finally spotting the bar, I slowly make my way over. It takes longer than normal, due to all the bodies in my way.
Sitting on the stool, I notice my leg is easy to be seen with the slit in the dress.
"What can I get you?" The bartender asks.
"A whiskey and coke, please." I smile.
Within no time my drink is slid in front of me.
"That isn't a girly drink in the least." A deep voice says off to the side of me.
I jump slightly, not even realizing a guy was sitting at the edge in the shadows.
"Well, I am not a normal girl." I clip back, with the sweetest smile I have.
The guy moves over some into the light. Sweet mother of baby foxes, this guy is smoking. Just by sitting you can tell this man is fit with how his suite clings to his arms.
The heat in this place just doubled. Where has he been hiding? I thought I knew just about every male in the town, guess not.
"I can tell." The man replies.
The corners of his mouth twitches up some in amusement. I wish I could see his face better, but that stinking mask is in the way.
His eyes though are a stifling gray with blue specks, best I can tell with lighting here. There seems to be something hidden behind his eyes though.
I take my drink and let it slip down my throat. That slight burn, helping to ease the tension but not the heat.
I don't know this guy in the least, but my body is telling me something different.