Sarah got off the plane, took a deep breath, and tasted salt. Then she felt a drop of rain hit her nose. Maybe she should have looked up the weather here before blindingly agreeing to this as her destination, but oh well. She was going to make the best of it. Stiff from the flight, it felt wonderful to move in an open space again. She could hear seagulls in the distance and, if she really focused, the gentle crash of waves.
The airport was tiny. Sarah hadn't realized airports could be this small. She'd never exited a plane direcly into the outdoors before. There was only one departure gate, and nothing past security except for chairs.
She went into the building and found a way to hail a cab. Once inside, Sarah asked the cab driver to recommend a hotel.
"If you're on a budget," the driver said. "There's the Schooner Motel on Campbell Street."
"And if one isn't on a budget?" Sarah inquired.
"The Wickaninnish Inn," the driver said. "But they are quite expensive." The very idea seemed to offend him.
"Wickaninnish it is," Sarah said with a smile. The driver gave her a look that clearly expressed that he thought her insane, but Sarah ignored it. She was determined to enjoy her vacation. Besides, she probably wouldn't be here that long.
Sarah grinned like an idiot as she watched the beautiful view through the window. Small stores flashed past her with the ocean poking through between buildings. The sky was a light blue with hints of pink - the first indicators of the oncoming sunset - and Sarah could see rain clouds on the horizon. There were so few people here compared to the big city.
"How many people live here?" Sarah asked the driver.
"Just under two thousand," the driver replied. Tofino was hardly even a city. As long as no one ratted her out, Sarah was sure the media wouldn't be looking for Saz here of all places.
Sarah arrived at the hotel, marveling at the beautiful forest nestled around it before she entered and checked in. The hotel was right on the water, the view from every window breathtaking from a different angle. She could hear the crashing of the waves as the receptionist handed her a key card to her deluxe suite.
She moved slowly through the halls, taking in the beautiful natural wood of the walls, and drift wood carvings on every table adorned with sea shells. The art on the walls also made her think of ocean waves. Finding her door, Sarah opened it with her card and went in.
Four large windows all showed a different view of the ocean. There was a fireplace opposite the king sized bed. The wood and ocean themes from the rest of the building carried through the room. The windows let light in at just the right angle to really show the room at its best, while not reflecting off the small flat screen television in the corner. Sarah hadn't looked in the bathroom yet, but if it was anything like the rest of the hotel, she knew it would be stunning.
The time difference between here and Toronto was only three hours, but since Sarah had been in so many time zones in the last week, she felt a little jet lagged. Exhausted, she collapsed on the bed and fell asleep instantly.
Sarah awoke the next morning smiling. She didn't open her eyes, and just listened to the waves gently crashing outside. They were loud enough and steady enough to lull a person right back to sleep if they weren't careful.
She enjoyed the feel of her high thread count sheets, and wondered idly how late she'd slept in. She opened her eyes to the crisp white ceiling and turned to check the time. Holding her phone close to her face, Sarah learned that it was almost two in the afternoon. She laughed. Beckman had always teased her about sleeping-in like a teenager. She'd said it came with the pop star nightlife.
Sarah laid in bed for a while longer, trying to keep her mind blank, until she got bored and went to shower. Getting out, she put on one of the provided robes, and decided that today she was just gonna relax. Leaving her hair down and wet, Sarah ordered room service for a very late breakfast, then opened all the windows so she could hear the waves and seagulls even better. She tried to think of a song that could express this feeling inside her, but like always, she was faced with a block between her mind and her hand. Putting the notepad down, Sarah gave up and watched a movie.
Around dinner time, Sarah explored the rest of the hotel, including the elegant dining hall with light wooden beams going up the walls, coming to a point at the top of the high ceiling. The walls, save for the beams, were nothing but solid windows showing a three hundred and sixty degree view of the ocean. Sarah sat at the bar and ordered a refreshing drink before going for a moonlit walk on the beach, enjoying the feeling of sand in her toes.
She stayed up late, watching movies in her hotel room, sleeping in the next day until only eleven. She wandered the streets, window shopping, taking in the small store fronts with their rustic cottage feel. Almost all the stores seemed to have at least something to do with the ocean. Surf shops were around every corner, and even the chocolatier had a starfish in the logo. There were next to no big chain stores here, but Sarah loved the Ma 'n Pop stores she found. She could almost sense the dedication of the generations who had run the shops in the homely atmosphere.
She enjoyed talking to the locals. Everyone was so polite and welcoming, and as a bonus, no one seemed to know who she was. Though they clearly had the internet here, she doubted if anyone in Tofino spent a great deal of time on YouTube watching pop star's music videos. And they would have to be a dedicated fan indeed to recognize her without makeup.
The rain didn't seem to bother the locals that could be seen on the beach in rain or shine. Deciding it was best to join them, Sarah went out in the rain. Not having packed a bathing suit, she simply walked along the beach. She loved the crashing of the waves, the taste of the salty air and the sound of gulls, but it was the rhythm of the water that held her focus. The back and forth had a calming effect, like all the troubles of the world were nothing compared to the power of the white foam crashing into the shore. There was a violence to the way the water attacked the rocks, slowly crumbling the hard stone into sand. It was quite something to think of, the ocean gradually carving up the land for eons. The harmless liquid winning against the seemingly impervious cliffs in the long run. Sarah felt sure there was a song in there somewhere, but the harder she tried to come up with a tune or some lyrics, the less she liked the results.
Giving up for the moment, Sarah stopped to appreciate the beauty she couldn't find the words to express in a song. The peaceful sounds and happy laughter of those on the beach was so wonderfully different from the bright lights and flashing cameras she had come to associate with her life. A group of children were splashing around in the water ahead of her. She'd passed a couple getting into a kayak a ways back and could now see them on the horizon.
A pair of surfers were getting out of the water. One had dirty blonde hair while the other had dark curly hair. They were about the same height, but one of them was clearly a confident surfer while the other looked like he was headed for the gallows.
Sarah found her attention fixed on the dark-haired man. He just looked so uncoordinated. The two of them were both carrying their surfboards, but again one looked like he knew how to carry a surfboard, while the other kept dropping his.
The two men were walking up the beach. Before she realized what she was doing Sarah followed them, trying to catch up and introduce herself, but she was too far behind. They entered a store called 'Bartowski Gifts' and Sarah followed.
Upon entering the store, Sarah took in the displays on every wall. It seemed to be a gift shop, with a variety of items for sale. There was a small counter in a corner with a till and a cashier standing behind it. The woman behind the counter looked rather similar to the not-so-gifted surfer Sarah had followed into the store. Her hair was the same colour, but long past her shoulders. She wasn't looking up at the door, but rather down behind the counter like there was a book or screen there.
Sarah checked the store for the two men she'd see come inside, but there was no sign of them.
"Um, hi," Sarah said walking up to the counter. The cashier looked up and asked if she could help Sarah find anything. "I was wondering-" As she was thinking the words she realized how silly they were. "Actually nevermind. I'll just look around."
"Suit yourself," the cashier replied before looking down again.
It seemed strange to walk into a store just to follow a stranger, so Sarah decided to do some shopping. That made much more sense. She looked at the display and saw everything from standard gift shop trinkets to truly beautiful works of art, likely made by local artisans.
She heard a voice and turned. The surfer who'd seemed like he could indeed surf was there. He'd come up behind the cashier woman and put his arms around her. This was clearly a common custom as the cashier took it in stride. Sarah couldn't help but overhear their conversation.
"So how did the surfing lesson go?" the woman asked.
"Umm…" the man began. He looked distressed to have to relay bad news. Sarah didn't want them to notice her staring so she turned away, but kept her ears open.
"I know my brother isn't the most physically inclined person ever but surely it can't have been that bad?"
"It was. It really was," the man confirmed. "I'm sorry. I did try."
"I know you did," the woman sighed. "There has got to be something you and Chuck can do together?" The other man didn't look hopeful as he shrugged in answer, but at least Sarah now knew the name of the man who'd caught her eye - Chuck - and the other two seemed to be his sister and her boyfriend. Sarah was starting to feel like a spy standing here listening to them without speaking. Maybe she should just leave them to it, but her feet remained firmly where they were as she pretended to look at a display. It was too late to turn back now; her curiosity was peaked.
Sarah heard the footsteps a split second before she saw another person. There was clearly a backdoor to this place as he arrived the same way the surfer had.
"Hey, Ellie," the new guy greeted them. There was a pause then he added. "You brought your textbook to work again, I see."
"Guilty," Ellie's voice replied. Sarah had to guess that the new arrival was her brother Chuck, but she didn't turn around to confirm it.
"Why don't you take a break," Chuck told them. "Go study or something and I'll watch the store for a bit."
"Nah, it's okay," Ellie countered. "Besides, I can study just fine here so long as we don't have any customers."
"I believe we currently have one customer you are ignoring," Chuck told her.
Ellie looked up, for just a second then told her brother. "She's just looking."
Deciding it was now or never, Sarah walked up to the counter and for the first time got a good look at Chuck's face. His eyes were hazel and his face kind. He wasn't quite as traditionally muscular as the man who had just left, but he was still quite attractive. His dark curly hair suited him well and he was taller than she'd originally thought. Over six feet, for sure.
"How can I help you…" Chuck began.
"Sarah," she offered.
"Sarah," Chuck echoed. "How may I help you, Sarah."
"Well, I just arrived in Tofino this morning," she said. "And I was hoping a local might be able to give me advice on what sights are worth seeing."
"You could do that couldn't you, Chuck?" Ellie said, though it seemed more like an order than a question the way she said it.
"I could, yes," Chuck replied. "That is within the realm of things I can do."
"Devon and I will watch the store," Ellie encouraged him. "You go give her a tour."
"I- um, now?" Chuck replied looking startled.
"Why not?" Ellie asked with enthusiasm.
Chuck turned back to Sarah who nodded her agreement. Chuck seemed to give in to the pressure, though he looked nervous.
"Are you sure you want me for a tour guide? I mean you are well gorgeous and I'm well me," Chuck babbled.
"I'm sure," Sarah said firmly. "Where to first?"
"That really depends on what you want to see," Chuck answered. "Tofino isn't much of a tourist attraction for the indoorsy type. Spas and restaurants are basically the only indoor activities."
"I won't pretend to be a woods person," Sarah began. "But when in Rome, I am open to a little outdoor adventure."
"In that case, I have a couple ideas," Chuck replied.
"My vacation is in your hands, Chuck," Sarah told him with a smile. She rather enjoyed his flustered expression as he tried to compose his next sentence.
Sarah had a feeling this guy was going to make her vacation much more interesting than she'd originally expected. Nothing compared to having a local guide, especially a cute one.
Together with Chuck, she walked down the shore, past storefronts and kiosks. The walk was rather lovely. The air was fresh and smelled of sea salt. There were little water droplets over most of the wooden rails along the boardwalk from the last rain.
"How are you enjoying your visit to our tiny town so far?" Chuck asked while they walked.
"I just arrived yesterday," Sarah explained. "But so far the hotel is very nice."
Chuck laughed. "You must be staying at The Wickaninnish."
"I am," Sarah confirmed. From his reaction she suspected it was the only very nice hotel in town.
"Splurging for your vacation, huh," Chuck guessed.
"I haven't had a vacation in years!" Sarah replied. "You bet I'm gonna splurge."
Chuck laughed lightly, but didn't reply as they walked together. Eventually he turned and walked down some stairs towards the beach.
"This is the best beach spot close enough to walk to," Chuck explained. "It can get busy during peak tourist season but the rest of the year it's a lovely secluded spot."
"I take it that means I didn't arrive during peak tourist season," Sarah replied.
"Correct," Chuck confirmed. Then he pointed off to their right. "Over there just out of sight is a place to rent kayaks if that at all interests you. You can also hire a guild to help if you don't have a lot of experience on the water."
"Does that mean kayaking is the first stop on this tour?" Sarah asked.
Chuck rolled his eyes. "I am not a professional tour guide," he explained. "My sister is just determined to get me 'back out there'."
"That I totally get," Sarah empathised.
"Oh do you have a sister who meddles in your life too?"
"Only child I'm afraid," Sarah answered. "But I do understand how hard it is to meet new people."
"Especially in this town," Chuck added. "Where the only new people are tourists and everyone else knows your entire life story."
Sarah giggled. "That does sound tricky."
She turned to look at him and couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. Chuck was so easy to talk to, so genuine. She hadn't met anyone quite like him before.
The eye contact lasted for a few very long seconds before Chuck broke it, turning away and talking more quickly than before.
"Anyway that's my recommendation for your vacation," Chuck stated. "Also our spas are lovely. Cafes are your best bet for a nice breakfast. My favourite one is called the Driftwood Cafe. They have a big piece of driftwood as their front counter and a fancy chess board. It's a whole aesthetic, but the food is good."
"Thanks," Sarah smiled at him again. She was enjoying how her smiles seemed to affect him.
"No problem," Chuck said. "I hope you have a nice vacation." And then he turned to leave.
"Wait, you aren't going to come Kayaking with me?" she asked.
Chuck stopped and turned, clearly stunned by the invitation. "You want me to come with you?" he asked.
"Of course," Sarah smiled at him.
"Ah well it's kinda late to book a Kayak trip for today," Chuck said. "That's usually early morning, first light kinda thing."
"Fair enough," Sarah replied. "Getting lost at night in a kayak would definitely ruin my vacation." She smiled at him again and watched him stumble over his next words.
"Yep, night time is bad time… for boats," Chuck said. Sarah had to fight back her laughter. She suspected what she found endearing, Chuck found embarrassing.
"If we can't go out on the water tonight then would you join me for a walk along the beach?" Sarah asked.
Once again Chuck looked surprised to be asked, but he recovered rather quickly and started babbling, speaking fast.
"I don't think you want to hang out with me," Chuck babbled. "I'm just a nerd who plays video games all day with a bearded dwarf. His name's Morgan and he's not actually a dwarf though he usually plays one for our DND campaigns which I doubt is something you do so again I'm gonna stress the whole I'm probably the wrong company for your vacation."
"You're adorable when you ramble," Sarah told him. She was smiling again. She could hardly believe how much she'd smiled today.
"Um thanks," Chuck replied awkwardly.
"Nerd or not the offer still stands," Sarah said, holding out her hand to him.
Chuck released a deep breath before reaching out and taking her hand.
The sun wasn't quite setting yet, but it was definitely heading in that direction. The evening light was quite beautiful. Sarah was growing fond of the smell of salt and sea in the air.
As they walked farther down the beach, Sarah didn't let go of Chuck's hand. It was reassuring somehow to have someone to hold onto, even if it was someone she just met.
They stopped a ways down the beach and turned to look out over the water. Sarah wiggled her toes in the soft sand and smiled. With each crash of the waves, like the beat of her heart, Sarah could feel the stress of her life fading away. The beach was so peaceful, and the horizon seemed to go on forever. It was so refreshing to get away from the flash of cameras. She loved that no one here really knew her. It was like a clean slate, something she desperately needed.
And then there was Chuck. He felt like such a lovely bonus. Even if they never had anything past this moment, Sarah would treasure the memory of their walk on the beach. She'd never been attracted to anyone who didn't recognise her as Saz before. This felt like such a low key and drama free way to get to know someone. Sarah was in no hurry to leave, even if she knew it couldn't last forever.
What did you think of the meet cute? ^_^
On another note the photo image for this story I made just won't save! I'll get it figured out eventually but for now you're stuck with my avatar photo. Sorry.