The morning sun filtered through the curtains of Emma's hotel, waking her with its gentle warmth. She stretched, feeling the unfamiliar but welcome sensation of a peaceful morning with no urgent emails or phone calls to answer. Determined to make the most of her time in Seaview, she decided to explore the town more thoroughly.
She lazed about in her bed lazily for some minutes basking in the euphoria of the freedom from work, workplace and her coworkers. Not that Emma does not miss work because she is in fact a workaholic.
She decided to have a warm bath that morning, she spent time in the bathroom soaking up in the tub and scrubbing herself off later. She decided to wear a light cream colored dress with almond fruit design, then she had a light breakfast of tea and biscuits and took off.
Emma started her day with a walk along the beach, the sound of the waves soothing her frayed nerves. The beach looks very beautiful and picturesque, there are mixture of white sand and white rocks scattered all over the beach. She watched children build sandcastles and couples stroll hand in hand, a pang of loneliness hitting her. Shaking it off, she continued her walk, reminding herself that this trip was about rediscovering her own happiness.
After the beach, she wandered through the town's charming streets, stopping at various shops. She bought a novel from a quaint bookstore and treated herself to a coffee from a local café. Despite her efforts to relax, she found her thoughts drifting back to work and her failed relationship. She had a hard time letting go of her skepticism, especially about men.
At Carter's Bistro, Alex was dealing with another hectic day. The lunch rush had come in full force, and the small kitchen was a whirlwind of activity. As he tried to keep up with the orders, his younger sister, Lily, popped in to help.
"Need a hand, big brother?" she asked, tying on an apron.
" I could do with some hand, lily," she smiled and plunged into work immediately with the expertise.
Lily worked alongside him, chopping vegetables and prepping dishes with the ease of someone who had grown up in the kitchen. They had all grown up watching and helping their parents run the restaurant.
As they worked, she glanced at him curiously.
"So, who was that woman you were talking to yesterday?" Lily asked him.
" What woman are you talking about," Alex asked nonchalantly, he didn't have the luxury of time for a conversation now.
The one who looked like she walked straight out of a fashion magazine?"
Alex thought for a moment and then he seems to recall.
He then shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just a tourist. Emma, I think her name was."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "She seemed nice. But I could tell you had some thoughts about her."
Alex sighed. "She's from the city. Probably here for a break and then back to her high-powered job. People like that don't stick around."
Lily shook her head. "You're too quick to judge. Maybe give her a chance?"
" What chance are you talking about, she ain't even My type" Alex cried.
" No way you look too way interested in her yesterday,"
Alex didn't respond, but deep down he thought about it, he couldn't shake the curiosity he felt about Emma. Despite his reservations, there was something about her that he couldn't ignore.
Later that afternoon, Emma found herself in the town's main square, where a local farmers' market was in full swing. She wandered from stall to stall, admiring the fresh produce and handmade crafts. As she browsed, she felt a pair of eyes on her and turned to find Alex watching her from a distance.
He was manning a stall, selling some homemade sauces and preserves from the restaurant. Their eyes met, and Emma felt a jolt of recognition. She hesitated, then walked over.
Fancy seeing you here," she said with a smile that she hoped masked her nervousness.
Alex returned her smile, though it was tinged with his usual wariness. "Small town. You're bound to run into the same people."
Emma picked up a jar of tomato sauce, reading the label. "I didn't know you sold these outside the restaurant."
Alex nodded. "We try to keep the business afloat however we can."
Alex nodded. "We try to keep the business afloat however we can."
She glanced up at him, sensing the underlying tension. "It must be tough, running a restaurant in a small town."
Alex shrugged. "It has its challenges. But I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Emma had an opportunity to take a good look at Alex, he was wearing a red colored shirt that clung to his lean muscular body. He could have been passed for an athlete, but he is not muscular enough for an athlete maybe a model. Emma imagined him Holder and in his arms and cuddling her and the sensation travels down her spine.
Their conversation was interrupted by a customer needing Alex's attention. As he turned away, Emma felt a pang of disappointment. She couldn't deny her growing interest in him, despite her reservations.