Lull of the Sea

Chapter Three: Part One: Ceria

The sun peeked through the overcast clouds as I woke up from my peaceful slumber. The sun’s diluted rays shone onto my face. For once, my dreams weren’t haunted by nightmares of hands reaching from the waters to pull me under. For the first time in six years, I didn’t wake up screaming out for my dead lover to help me.

I walked around the small downtown area, visiting shops before I descended to the small café. The café I hadn’t been to in a few weeks. I could smell the tea and coffee brewing from a few stores down, and I knew I had to visit my best friend. It really had been too long since I had seen her.

“Ceria!” A plump girl walked around the counter before she engulfed me in a tight hug, “I was wondering if you were going to show up today. I feel like it’s been ages! Where have you been?”

I smiled sheepishly. “Hey Lilah, I’ve been, you know, keeping to myself and trying to figure things out. I also need to get my book done,” I sighed, “My agent is pestering me about it. I just haven’t been in the same groove this past month since it was Lucas and mine’s anniversary last month. It always seems to take me back to when I found out he died during his trip.”

Lilah nodded as her gaze fluttered to the floor. “I know it’s been hard on all of us. I can only imagine the turmoil you’re going through. Don’t worry, things will perk up soon. I have a feeling.” She looked up at me and smiled slightly.

“Lilah? Do you think I’ll ever be able to get through this, I mean, like be able to move on? I still feel like I just heard the news yesterday, even though it’s been six years.”

Six long years, but I felt like it had been even longer. The crushing weight of despair haunted me with every step, every breath, and through every waking moment. I was extremely tired and just wanted these feelings to subside. I needed peace and quiet, even though this town was peaceful, and nothing exciting ever happened here. My brain wasn’t quiet, though, and that’s what worried me.

Lilah stared blankly back at me like she was choosing the perfect words to say. Somehow, she always knew exactly what to say to lift my spirits. Make me feel whole again, and I was hoping this time it wouldn’t be any different. I waited on bated breath to see what she’d say.

Her eyes closed, and she inhaled slowly. “Honey, I do know one thing: you’re strong, and when you do find that person who will move you, you will be able to move on and be happy again. Lucas would be thrilled to see that smile on your face once more. Even if it means seeing it from the afterlife.”

I could only nod. I knew, deep down, he wouldn’t want me to be sad forever and would want me to be happy again. I ordered my usual scone and the monthly herbal tea. I picked out a small table near the back of the café that looked out towards Main Street. My table was the only one I’ve ever sat at since coming to Port Loudon eight long years ago. Even though it felt like I always belonged here.

I got right to work when I got comfortable at my table. I was ready to finally finish editing these chapters and start on the next batch. A longing came over me, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I actually wanted to write. I wanted to finish this book. After all, it was a romance wrapped up in dark, beautiful pleasure. The perfect package, and maybe this is what I needed to get out of my funk.

I looked up from my laptop and met a stranger’s gaze. He was sitting at the table next to me. His dark hair was rich like chocolate, and he had dark, smoldering eyes. His skin was tanned like he’d been kissed by the sun. He slowly sipped at his drink, lips set in a tense line. My face flushed, and I looked back down at my laptop’s keyboard. I could feel my palms as they started to sweat, and my leg jittered underneath the table.

I dared to peer up at him again, but this time the stranger was watching me intently, his lips turned upward on one end. He probably made all the girls giddy, but why was I getting giddy? My brows furrowed at him, and I quickly looked away. Was there something that had changed overnight? Had the six years of not being intimate or with someone romantically finally caught up with me? Why was I losing my normally cool, calm demeanor?

Shuffling noises came from the table next to me, where the man sat with his sharp but undeniably attractive facial features. Then the sound of footsteps approaching my table made me snap my head back up out of impulse, and my heartbeat sped up. There he was, this stranger who had to be visiting this town, since I had never seen him here in town before. This glorious specimen of a human being was really about to invite himself to sit at my table?

“Do you mind if I join you?” His velvety voice echoed through my mind, and my body shivered, sending tingling sensations up my spine.

I looked around, but no one else was nearby, and of course, he had meant he wanted to sit with me. I looked back at him and slowly nodded. What harm could come of a tourist sitting with me? What was going to happen? Would I get swept up in a whirlwind romance? I almost scoffed, but bit my tongue. He set his brown messenger bag down on the floor next to the seat across from mine.

“I probably should introduce myself. Since I’m the one who imposed myself on your table. My name is Felix.”

“Ceria… It’s nice to meet you. Out of curiosity, what brings you to Port Loudon?”

I was quick to ask questions. I was curious about who the hell this person was and what he was doing here. After all, this town doesn’t get newcomers very often or too many tourists at this time of year. So, who was he and why was he here?

He smiled, “I guess you know I’m not from around here, huh? Is the town that small?”

I only nodded. I watched him; his face was set like a stone statue, not giving any of his internal emotions or thoughts away. I waited for his answer, but he just looked up at the ceiling before sitting down across from me. Finally, he opened his mouth and started to speak.

“I’m here for business. I inherited a small apartment downtown and thought since there’s a storefront underneath it, I should follow my passion of owning a storefront.”

“And since curiosity killed the cat. What kind of store are you planning on opening, Felix?”

“One of my favorite things to do is read, so I want to open a small local bookstore. What about you, Ceria? Do you like to read?” He smiled a boyish grin when he said my name, and I could feel heat rush to my cheeks.

I was all flustered again. An attractive man who liked to read? Damn, be still my beating heart. I wanted to fan myself, but stopped myself and brushed the hair out of my face instead. What was he doing to me? I was acting like a little high school girl when I was actually in my late twenties. I looked back down at my laptop and slowly closed the lid.

“What are you working on? Inquiring minds want to know.” He pointed to the laptop with his free hand as he took a sip from his cup.

“I’m writing a book. I’m an author, or at least part time author,” my voice came out meekly like I’ve never talked about being an author or about my books before, and that was far from the truth.

“Interesting. It’s like our paths were meant to cross. Like the stars above us aligned perfectly. Maybe one day, Ceria, your book will be in my bookstore. I’d love to have a space to feature local authors.”

With that, he stood and nodded at me. A small gesture of a farewell, but I knew somehow this wasn’t the last time I’d see him. I yearned for it not to be the last time my eyes lay on his handsome, tanned face. I smiled at his retreating form and watched him as he exited the café. Damn, was he hot and mysterious. A bad concoction if I do say so myself.

“Holy s**t!” Lilah walked over with a knowing grin, and her eyes shone bright. “Was there some chemistry there, or is it just me?”

I laughed loudly, maybe a little too loud. “No, it was all in your head. I was only flustered from writing, and seeing someone notice me just threw me off guard. Nothing happened between us. Nothing will happen between us. Got it?”

Lilah nodded. “Uh-huh, sure, and I’m a giant.” Lilah was short. Nowhere near average height.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m Serious, Lilah. If there was something, he wouldn’t stay long. After all, I’m cursed and broken. Never forget that.”

“Well, if that is true, maybe he’s the prince in your story. You know he’ll break the curse and heal your broken parts. Just like in the fairy tales. Or he’ll ravish you like the men in your books and make you beg for him.” She laughed and placed a hand on my shoulder. “But seriously, I felt something heated between you two, and there was definitely a potential romance blossoming.”

My face turned a bright red. Holy s**t, how many times was I going to blush today? Become flustered and teased? I threw my hands up to cover up the embarrassment that was all from Lilah’s words and the thoughts that swarmed around in my head. Why had his and Lilah’s actions affected me so badly? There was no way either of them knew about my darkest desires, my deepest secrets.

“Please don’t say that, especially out loud for the whole café to hear.”

Lilah shrugged and walked back to the counter. I leaned back in the chair and sighed heavily. My palms are sweating again. I focused my gaze on the window outside, watching people mosey around the small town, going in and out of the shops, juggling their packages and bags.

“It would be nice to have a local bookstore here, though…” I whispered under my breath.

I smiled at that thought and packed up my things. I needed to get back home to write to my agent after all; my book was nearly done, and I had newfound energy to finish it. Was this newfound motivation from him? Yeah, more than likely it was, but I also didn’t want to disappoint my fans—well, the small fan base that I had.