9

9

(Kathryn’s POV)

It had been three days since the wolf attacks. I couldn’t bring myself to go back to the lake yet, I was still too shaken up. So I spent the time unpacking and setting up the gym in the garage. I did my morning run on the treadmill. It wasn’t as fun, but it did accomplish the same purpose. I found that the backyard was the perfect place for my relaxing Tai Chi sessions. Sometimes I felt like I was being watched by wolves, but since I was close to the house, it didn’t bother me as much. I don’t know how my aunt managed to live here with them roaming around like that.

I was just finishing up with my morning workout when a car pulled into the driveway. I hoped the person was not a hand shaker, since I didn’t have a pair of gloves close by. I saw the person getting out of the car was the waitress from the diner where Scott and I had eaten when we went to town. She pulled a basket out of the backseat, and was all smiles as she walked towards me.

“Hi, my name is Sherry,” she introduced herself, “I thought I would stop by with a welcome to the neighborhood basket,” she finished and handed me the basket.

“Thank you,” I replied, then placed the basket on the hood of my car. “I’m Kathryn, but you can call me Kate or Kat.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. Leslie was a very nice lady.” Sherry offered her sympathies.

“Thank you. Did you know her well?” I asked.

“Oh yes, we were great friends,” Sherry replied, then continued, “She would eat at the diner all the time, and let me swim in the lake during the summer. Actually, I’m the one who found her when she passed away.” Sherry lost her smile.

“Really? No one had told me much about her passing,” I was hoping Sherry could shed some light on what happened.

“She usually came to the diner every Sunday for breakfast. So, when she didn’t show up I came to check on her. I found her lying on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. She must have slipped.“

“Oh my,” I didn’t know what to say. I wish someone would have told me. “I’m sorry you had to find her like that, but also grateful for it. Would you like to come in and have a cup of coffee?”

“Maybe another time. I really stopped by to invite you to the diner tonight. It’s Friday fish fry night, and there’s a coupon in the basket for a free meal, so I won’t take no for an answer. It’ll give you a chance to meet a few people from town.” Sherry headed back to her car, then she stopped. “Kathryn? You were the niece who had that horrible car accident, weren’t you?” I nodded. “I remember now, Leslie went to stay with you for a couple of months, that’s when I watched the house for her. I'm glad to see you’re better.”

“Yes, much better,” I smiled. “I’ll see you at the diner for dinner tonight.” I waved when she got into her car and drove away, and then thought ‘I’ve made a new friend.’ Now I had to figure out what to wear to the diner, I've a feeling there will be a lot of people there. I wish it wasn’t so hot, people stare at me when I wear long sleeves in the summertime.

I took the basket into the house. I couldn’t wait to see what was inside besides the coupon from dinner and the baked muffins on top.

*****

It was around 5 p.m. when I went to the diner - early enough to avoid a dinner rush, or so I thought. Little did I know that I should have waited until around 7 if I didn’t want people around. There were at least fifteen pickup trucks parked in front of the diner. I didn’t even know that many people lived in the town. I sighed before I got out of the car and thought ‘Let’s get this over with.’

I walked into the diner and almost everyone turned to look at the new person in town. Sherry put down the food she was carrying, walked over to me, and gave me a hug. I cringed, but there was no skin contact so I settled down.

“I’m glad you made it,” she said and escorted me to the counter. “We’re full tonight, so I hope a counter seat will be fine.” I nodded and sat down. “I’ll get you a plate of the special, you’re going to love it!” she exclaimed and then was off and running again.

Everyone went back to their own discussions and I was left at the counter alone and waiting for a plate of fish fry. ‘Not too bad!’ I thought. I didn’t have to worry about running into anyone accidentally. The door to the diner opened up again, everybody looked to see who was coming in again, and I realized they just did that for everyone. This time it was a man about 6’3”, with dark hair that fell down to his shoulders. I could tell by his muscular arms and slim waist that he worked out. I looked away when I realized I was staring at him. His presence in the diner managed to silence everyone. He gave a quick nod of his head and everyone went back to their private discussions.

I could feel him walking towards me. I glanced at him when he stood next to me. “Looks like there is no place to sit except at the counter. Is anyone sitting here?” He pointed to the chair next to me. I shook my head no and he sat down. Sherry walked by, placed a beer in front of him, and kept walking.

He was quiet for a couple of minutes. I tried my best to stop the urge to stare at him. He caught me once and smirked. I just smiled embarrassingly. “I’ve never seen you here before,” he said as he held out his hand for a handshake. “My name is Tyler McCombs, what’s yours?”