Noah
The rain beats down on my car as I sit in the parking lot, eyes darting from the door of the CVS to the clock in the dash. It’s almost time for her to be leaving. Raindrops
bead and drip down my windshield as I grab the oversized umbrella in the seat beside me.
A gentleman would be waiting at the door.
My car is parked around the corner, well hidden. Water sloshes over my leather shoes, the cuffs of my suit pants are dampened as I trudge through puddles,
holding the umbrella high. A smile reaches my face when I imagine how happy she will be when she sees that I thought to meet her at the door.
Under the overhang, I close the umbrella and check my phone again. She’s going to be coming out any moment now. My heart rate picks up a little bit. I can
almost see her bright red hair and those big, round brown eyes as she smiles up at me, says my name when she greets me.
The doors open. I hold my breath, turning, hoping. It’s only a little, elderly woman. She’s not looking as she fishes keys off a small purse dangling from her arm.
The doors open again. I see that bright red hair before I see anything else. Gripping the umbrella, I watch the doors open, my heart slamming against my ribs.
“Bye!” Her voice is lilting as she waves goodbye to someone in the store.
She’s not carrying an umbrella. This won’t do. What if she got sick from getting wet? I’ll have to speak to her about taking better care of herself. I won’t have her
being careless.
“Emily, hi.” I say, stepping into her path.
Those brown eyes stir up something deep inside me as she turns towards me. Emily sidesteps me, her smile flickers a bit before resting on her lips. She takes a
deep breath and glances towards her car, keys in hand. “Hello there, Mr. Burrell. How are you today?”
“Terrible weather isn’t it? Headed home?”
“To a friend’s engagement party, actually. I’m running a bit late. I got stuck on the phone. You don’t like the rain?”
I shake my head. “I prefer sunshine. And I’ve told you before, call me Noah.”
She shifts her weight, glancing at her car again.
“I hate to rush off, but I have to get going. My friend will be wondering where I am. I’m sure the night pharmacist can help you.”
Surely she realizes that she’s the only reason I come by every day. She’s just teasing me. I smile.
Excerpt