Worlds Apart

Chapter 3 - Kempton Park

The following day, the entire group went to the horse races taking place at Kempton Park. Mamaw shocked everyone by betting on several and winning. She claimed it wasn’t the same as gambling.

Addison was placing a small bet on a lucky prospect, as They were going to watch one last race before ending the day.

“Well, well we meet again,” she heard as she turned to find her seat. It was him. Taylor. The man whose business card was still in the pocket of her jeans, which of course, were in a pile of messy laundry on the floor in the room she was staying in. Upon having this thought, Addison immediately flushed red as she made eye contact with him. She quickly averted her eyes, nodded with a polite smile, and said “it seems that we have. Glad you aren’t bumping into anyone this time” she teased.

His eyes twinkled with humor and he smiled, nodding. She couldn’t helped but notice how handsome he was. He kept his hair shaved so far down, he looked bald. He was taller and lankier than the type of men she usually found attractive, but the confidence of his stance, his gorgeous eyes, and something about the mischievous way that his lips curved as he smiled, had her feeling more attracted to him than she was comfortable admitting. After all, he was a complete stranger!

Before Taylor could respond to her remark, her mother and Maggie Came bustling by, “Addie! The horse you bet on won! How exciting!” Her mother squealed, squeezing her shoulder. It was only then that she seemed to notice the tall, handsome man in front of Addison. She quickly let go of her daughter and smiled, saying “Oh, I apologize. We are tourists, if you couldn’t tell. I get a bit excited.” Maggie chuckled next to her, as did Taylor, and the ladies left before introductions could be made. Shannon was calling to them from the rest area.

Addison figured Taylor had lost interest in this exchange, so without saying anything, she turned to go, assuming he’d do the same. “Do you have any plans for the rest of the afternoon?” He asked, surprising her. She turned back towards him and was unable to hide the shock in her face. “What?” She asked bluntly. He laughed and put his hands in his pockets, “I’d love to get you that coffee, or whatever form of repayment you find acceptable for my clumsiness at the bookstore.” She couldn’t help but smile and feel like teasing him some more.

Maggie hobbled up to them on her crutches from the concessions, saying “Man, I’m so hungry, but nothing here is doing it for me” she made a face,” I’d really like to take a walk and grab an ice cream cone at that stand in that park we went to a few days ago, you two up for it?” She asked. Addison’s eyes widened at her sister. “Oh sorry” Maggie said, turning towards Taylor. “I’m Maggie, Addison’s little sister” she held out her hand and he took it, shaking it. “I’m Taylor, nice to meet you.” “You as well” she grinned. “Anyway, everyone else is tired or has something to do. I know I’ll need to stop quite a bit with this broken foot, but come on Addie, please? I’d love to go the park, but it just doesn’t seem safe to go alone. Id really just like to get as far as the ice cream stand anyway, and then I’ll sit and rest” she laughed guiltily towards Addison.

“You know,” Taylor glanced towards her, “it could be my treat, for running into you the other day. Happy to treat you both” he smiled at the two of them brightly. Addison felt tempted, but nervous. He could be a murderer! Why was he so interested? Her gut felt fine, but the logic in her head screamed that this guy was out of his mind. “You really don’t need to do that” she protested. “Besides, we both work, I think we can spare the chance for a simple ice cream” she stated with an icier glint to her tone.

“By all means, but I’m free at the moment, and I’d love to join you.” Before she could protest again, he held his hands up and said “You can certainly pay for your own ice cream, but if you really are only here for a short time, what is the harm of meeting someone new? I’d love the company” he smiled so genuinely, could she buy into it? She wasn’t sure, but she was starting to think if she walked away now, she’d have to deal with Maggie and she’d always wonder why this guy seemed so interested in having a conversation with her?

“Works for me” she shrugged, and while he helped Maggie into a cab, she collected her meager winnings and told the others they were heading to a park. Shannon looked at her quizzically, but she swiftly walked off before anyone could protest her decision. She was an adult, wasn’t she? She could make a decision for herself without her aunt’s advice or her sister’s input. She slipped into the back of the cab as it pulled away from the busy racetrack.