Lee moved into the deli out of the cold. A woman stood bundled up as if she were leaving and reaching for the door. She had the most beautiful smile. It shown from her face and seemed to light up the entire room. He had a second to register that thought as she turned to see him. No words. His brain didn't have room for anything other than memorizing the details of her face. Gods, but she was beautiful. And then her chin dropped as she took him in. He heard the guys start laughing at her and looked up to scold them. She got the drop on him and flipped them off jovially before heading out the door. He stared at the door for several moments after she had left.
Norm grunted, "You'll get yourself in trouble with that one. She's vicious." Lee turned to stare at the man to see if he was joking. Norms face was all serious but he could never keep that twinkle out of his eye. The same one that got them into so much trouble as kids. Lee ran his hand through his hair. "I don't even know who she is. How can I cause trouble like that?" Norm just laughed again. "Looks like she hit you pretty hard. Come on back and we'll have a beer and I'll tell you all about her."
"So you're telling me that she lives out there. Alone?" Lee couldn't believe that. The mountains were a harsh place to hike, let alone live in. "How does she do it? No, never mind. How...Who...I don't even know what to ask now." He placed his elbows on the table and dropped his head into his hands. "I have to talk to her. I have to meet her." Norm set his glass down and looked sideways at Lee. "I thought I was joking when I said she hit you hard. Looks like I wasn't. I'd advise caution though. Don't want to end up with a .22 round in yer foot for sneaking up on her."
"She moved out her a few years ago. Nice enough. Really friendly. Just doesn't socialize much. Rumor has it that she retired early. Not sure why though." Norm really looked at Lee now and Lee squirmed slightly under his gaze. "I know yer not out for her money because I just told ya about that. So what is it Lee?"
Lee just stared at the counter. "I'm not sure Norm. I just know I have to see her again."
