Chapter One It Started on the Train

I saw him that afternoon on the train. The first time I heard his voice. "Excuse me." A low growling voice said to me. That's all he said. I looked up from my book and instantly locked eyes with his. Deep, brown eyes. The kind of eyes that had soul and life in them. The kind of eyes that are warm and inviting. He smiled at me, "Excuse me, you dropped your glove." I was surprised and looked down on the train floor to see my blush colored glove had fallen and was stepped on. I picked my glove up and brushed the dust and shoe print off.

"Thank you, sir." I said sheepishly, giving him a little nod and smile. He smiled back, just then the train had stopped, causing him to stumble before grabbing onto the handrail. He managed to keep himself balanced even after stumbling. Not only that, but acted unbothered as if he was used to this everyday.

Wow, I thought to myself, he's so handsome for such an older man. I felt instantly hooked. A drug I needed to have. Just one interaction with this man was all it took. I felt myself falling in love. Such a respectful gentleman. Most guys I encounter are total creeps.

I packed my gloves and book into my purse and stood up mere inches away from this man. "This is my stop," I said with a grin, holding my hand out to shake his. Gingerly, he took my hand and shook mine properly. "Until next time, miss," he said as I was walking off the train.

My heart was racing as I got off the train. It's not everyday you come across someone so handsome.

I started up the street to my destination. It was a brisk afternoon in the small port town. My skirt flowing in the wind, hearing my heels clack against the pavement. Such a quiet day today, I thought.

I open the door to a tiny café, hearing the bells ring above my head. "Hi, welcome to the Mermaid Tail. What can I get started for you today?" a strong Jersey accent spoke out. I looked up and saw a tall blonde woman standing in front of me. She had on a black pencil skirt and a baby blue blouse on. Her name tag read Charlene.

"I'm actually here for my first day, I'm Aileen," I said.

Clapping her hands together she said, "Oh good! Follow me, we'll go find Dan." Charlene turned on her foot and started down a narrow hallway. The aroma of fresh baked bread and strong coffee filled my nose. Walking down the hallway I looked at the photos hung on the wall. Many photos of a young man standing with what appeared to be a father figure holding up fish. I stopped to look at a particular one. The boy seems to have aged but, those eyes seemed familiar. Standing next to the boy was two older gentlemen. They both appeared happy holding up their prized catch of the day. "That's Dan, his father and his grandfather. His grandfather is who started this Café. And it's just been passed down ever since," Charlene explained. Reaching the end of the hallway to a closed door. Charlene reached her hand out and knocked three times on the door, "Mr. Warner your new hire is here." The door opened, and an older woman walked out of the office. She was shorter than Charlene and me. She had her brown hair in a tight bun and was wearing red framed glasses. For being a heavier set woman the red pants suit was complimentary to her figure. She was a rounder woman but nonetheless still beautiful. Her bright green eyes looking up at me through her glasses, she gave me a cold stare. The air I could feel growing thicker with every second of her icy gaze.

Charlene broke the silence, "Mrs. Warner, I'm so sorry to disturb you, this is Aileen. She's the new hire. Is Mr. Warner in today?"

"No he's not, he had to run the deposit to the bank. He took the train this afternoon." the woman said. "I was unaware today was your first day. My husband likes to do things without telling me around here," she said turning to me.

Charlene gave me an award smile, "It's fun working here. You'll love it I promise." She waved to me and mouthed good luck as she walked back down the hallway.

"Alright, come in," she sighed, ushering me into the small office.

Scooting around the desk she pointed to a chair directly across from hers. "Aileen, right?" Picking through a pile a of papers before pulling out a beige colored folder.

"Yes," I gulped. She seemed so intimidating, angry almost. I slowly sat down. She looked up at me, "I'm Amy Warner, assistant manager. I'm usually in charge of hiring, but I believe my husband is the one who replied to your email?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm not actually sure. The email I received said my application was reviewed and approved and to come in today."

She set the folder in front of me, "Please fill these out. I'll get your blouse and name tag." Mrs. Warner stood up and scooted around the desk out towards the hallway. She returned with the same baby blue blouse Charlene was wearing and a small name tag.

I finished reading and signing the paperwork before handing over the folder. She took the folder out of my hands and opened it, skimming through the paper. She took a pen and checked some boxes left for the employer to fill out. Finishing up her routine, "Everything looks good to go." Sounding chipper this time around, less annoyed and exhausted, handing me my blouse and printed a sticker with my name on for my name tag. I took the items in my hand.

"Welcome to the team," she said, giving a toothy grin.

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