All Chapters of Two Texans, Northeastern Dreams: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Hours later… A vodka and cranberry with a splash of lemon-lime soda, dominates the bar in front of Scarlett; the drink she requested moments before. Hanging lights above spill a radiant glow upon her fair skin. The ballroom exudes warmth and coziness despite the vacant seats surrounding her; she scans the room, her eyes halt on a man entering. He looks about six feet tall. She breathes, not nervous but captivated. The man she saw at the park earlier is here, now dressed in a blue suit, she notices his chest expand and shoulders rise. A deep breath. His eyes lock on her. Oliver recognizes Scarlett. The woman from the park. His heart beats faster and harder in his chest, a breathless feeling surfaces within his core. He approaches Scarlett removing his beige western hat, exposing an auburn comb over and beard. A deep rumbling voice reaches her ears, expelling notes of a southern drawl. “Excuse me ma’am, may I sit beside you?” Scarlett looks at him head to toe and notices his western

Scarlett maneuvers through the busy Dallas airport, weaving between the crowds of travelers, and retrieves her suitcase from the carousel. The keys to her rental car rest in her softened hand, cool metal against her palm, and she makes her way toward the vehicle—a sleek Camaro waiting for her in the garage. A smile forms on her face. She admires the car like its an attractive man. A sigh escapes her lungs, equal parts relief and anticipation; the exhaustion of travel finally giving way to something lighter. She exits the rental car lot with practiced ease, guiding the Camaro down a busy road that hums with the rhythm of a city she barely knows. Before long, Scarlett finds a spot to capture the skyline and bridges stretching across the water. Their silhouettes cut sharp lines against the evening sky. The blue lights scattering across the horizon remind her exactly where she is—not home, but familiar, something close enough to feel like a sense of comfort. A place of seldom visits, thi

Tuesday morning arrives quietly. Soft sunlight slips through the RV windows and settles across Scarlett’s room in golden patches. A cool draft curls around her, though her comforter holds its warmth beneath. She stretches, reluctant to abandon the cocoon of chic blankets. Gazing at the wall of vinyl; a shiplap façade lends the space an airy atmosphere. Her white headboard adorned with rustic charm aligns with a blue accent wall. She rests there, embracing the calm of her space and savoring the quiet before the day demands anything of her. There’s a particular peace in these early minutes—no obligations, no noise, just the hush of morning and the faint scent of lavender. She closes her eyes again, memorizing the stillness, knowing it won’t last. She rises and places her bare feet on the faux oak, still cool from the night. Glancing down, she examines her toenails; the faded polish tells her a pedicure is overdue. Scarlett stretches, evaporating the stiffness in her shoulders. She take

Scarlett’s phone buzzes with a text from Oliver: “I will be back tomorrow, would you like to meet for a hike?” She smiles at the screen, feeling a flutter of excitement. The idea of trading her usual solitary trails for company sounds appealing.“Sure, let’s meet at Eisenhower,” she types back, then pauses to add more. “Fair warning though, it’s usually busy with lots of people in the evenings and on weekends. I’m adventurous and love a good challenge on the trail, so I don’t mind the crowds. I’ve got errands to run during the day, but an evening hike sounds like the perfect way to unwind.” She hits send and finds herself already looking forward to it. She imagines the warm evening air and the familiar scent of dirt, cedar and oak, that always seems to clear her mind.Oliver’s reply comes almost instantly, and she can practically hear the teasing warmth in his tone: “Great, see you tomorrow evening, ma’am.” The word makes her laugh out loud, a genuine, unguarded sound that surprises e

Highway 1604 stretches out ahead of her like a parking lot. Cars remain at a standstill and dirt from nearby construction scatters about. The rumble of her engine soothes her as she waits. She peers at the clock on her dash, five-twenty seven in the evening, still daylight out, no sun set in sight. We’re supposed to meet at the park in a few minutes! Running errands throughout the day took longer than anticipated. Hmm. I wonder if he is already there. Traffic nudges forward, as Scarlett takes the exit toward Eisenhower park. A busy parking area, reminds Scarlett she is not alone, simply to herself amongst strangers minding their own. Just as she likes. She guides her truck into a spot, a gentle push swings the door outward. Her hiking boots streaked with pink and tan stomp the pavement as she lifts off the step bar. Her hydration pack firmly drapes over her back and shoulders, the waterspout dangles in reach. Glancing around, soaking in nature, a dirt path lined by oak trees comes int