Chapter 4:Bring on the Bread and Gossip!

Kinley

The second Kinley opened her eyes; all she could do was think about Seth. They had the best night. He took her to this late-night breakfast joint that she had never heard of. A little hole in the wall and they were the only two there. They had several cups of coffee and the most amazing conversation. She told him about her father and how lonely he had been since her mom passed. He told her about his mother and little sister and how close they used to be, but they lived in North Dakota and he didn't see them much. With every word he spoke, she felt like she had already heard them.

She got dressed and headed to the bookstore. It was a beautiful and sunny morning. She had never felt a more perfect day. She felt like she was living in a princess movie or something.

Kinley's cab pulled up to the bookstore and she went inside and turned on the open sign. She had a good number of customers and had even hosted a few author book signings. That definitely boosted sales and popularity. Her little slice of heaven. She loved this store.

She pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed Natalie, her best friend. They had known each other since they were about five. They definitely came from two different worlds though. Natalie's family was more upper Manhattan and Kinley's more towards lower but somehow, they always met in the middle and it didn't take long for them to become inseparable.

"Hey," Kinley said as soon as she answered.

"What's up? I am on my way to a meeting so I can't chat long."

"That's okay just wanted to see if you were free for dinner tonight. I need to chat for a bit."

"Of course! Text me the details and I will see you later on. Love ya!"

Natalie didn't even wait for a response. She had already hung up. Classic Natalie, always busy. But no matter how busy she was being a fabulous partner at her law firm, she never hesitated to make time for Kinley.

She was lost in the thought when she heard the glass break. It was ear-piercing and a heavy thud followed. Thankfully she was alone in the store when she found the brick lying on the floor. It had entered through the front main window. She picked it up and walked to the front door. She opened it and glanced both ways but saw nothing. Who would do such a thing?

She gasped.

It had to have been that guy from the bar. There was no one else who would have so much hatred towards her. She put the brick down and pulled her phone from her back pocket and dialed the police. Ten minutes later a uniformed officer walked through the door.

"Are you okay, ma'am?" This seemed to be a popular question for her here lately.

"Yes, I am okay. Thanks."

"Any idea who could have done this?" he asked.

Even though she suspected the guy from the bar, she had no idea what his name was and could barely remember what he looked like. She tried to push his image and the night before deep down inside. It wasn't something she wanted to relive. Other than anything having to do with Seth. But she also couldn't get the shadowy figure out of her head. Every time she closed her eyes, it was all she could see.

"No, I don't have any clue," she lied. She had to. It wasn't going to be worth the headache of letting the office know about her close call the night before.

The officer took her statement and some pictures and left. Within minutes she had her insurance receptionist on the phone telling her she would send her guys that day.

Two hours and ten customers later the window was replaced. She also made plans with a local security company to install cameras out front and back in case this wasn't the last incident.

***

Kinley closed up shop early that evening and walked to the Italian restaurant, Donatello’s, that she told Natalie to meet her at. It was one of their favorite spots to have a little pasta and a lot of drinks. She kept feeling like she was being followed but every time she looked over her shoulder, there was no one there.

Suddenly, she felt over heated and was grateful to see Donatello’s sign just ahead. Natalie was waving her arms off at Kinley, so she quickened her pace. They embraced as if they hadn't seen each other in decades but it had merely been a week.

"Dang, you're like hugging a heater!" Natalie said as she stepped back.

"I know, it's little warm tonight." Kinley fanned herself as Natalie looked at her like I had done lost her mind. It was a balmy 42 degrees outside.

The owner saw the ladies and gave them their usual table by the window so they could watch the city fly by as they caught up on life.

"Here you go ladies, enjoy!" he said as pointed to their table.

"Thanks Donatello," they said in unison.

The waitress came over and gave them menus as if they needed any. They always ordered the same thing. A huge plate of spaghetti and meatballs to share and a bottle of the house red wine. The garlic bread was unlimited, and they laughed like high school girls as the waitress brought plate after plate to their table.

"So, what has been going on in your world?" Natalie asked.

"Do I have a story to tell you." Kinley filled her glass with the last bit of wine as the waitress approached. She was about to order another bottle, but the waitress already had one in hand with a single red rose.

"Compliments of Seth. He says enjoy."

Kinley's stomach instantly filled with butterflies and the look on Natalie's face was priceless.

"I would say you definitely have a story to tell me."

Kinley poured her a glass, smelled the rose, and glanced around the room. She was hoping to see his face, but he was nowhere to be found. How did he even know she was there? But truthfully, she didn't care how he knew. She couldn't stop smiling even if she tried. What was happening to her? Whatever it was, she liked it. A lot.

Kinley took a sip of her wine then shoved a meatball in her mouth. She didn't even wait to swallow as she began her story.

"Well, it all started when I got dumped--"