AllFreeNovel
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“You want to walk a bit?” Most of the shops close up at eight, and visitors seem to be taking advantage of the later hours. Small crowds linger along the sidewalks, people entering and exiting the Brown Bean, our newest coffee slash dessert shop, and Alejandro’s Mexican Restaurant.
“Sure.”
We stroll inches apart, and my heart skips beats. I’d forgotten how the proximity and smell of a woman can give me butterflies. I stuff my hands into my pockets, questioning whether to reach for hers.
“Have you been downtown since arriving?” I ask as I accidentally brush against her waist to avoid walking into a fire hydrant.
Solia looks at me and smiles. “I haven’t. It’s funny to hear you call this downtown. When we were little, we’d drive into town for the week, my brother and I in the back seat. When we’d turn the bend onto Main Street, my dad would say, ‘We’re here! Don’t blink, or you’ll miss downtown!’”
“So true. And it hasn’t gotten any bigger, still as quaint as you remember it, I’m sure. Are you hungry?”
“Always! What are you in the mood for?”
I take this opportunity to reach for Solia’s hand, smiling as her fingers slip between mine.
“You read my mind.” She tilts her head to the sky, winks, and gives my hand a little squeeze.
“We could do ice cream, fudge, or Mexican food. Dessert or dinner?”
“Is that place that makes the insane peanut butter fudge still here?”
“Newfound Sweets? Sure is.”
We cross along the painted lines to where the connected brick buildings begin. Arranged in a horseshoe, each building has a steel lamppost outside and a wooden chair holding its front door open.
“Is it still in the same spot?” Solia asks.
“Yes. The businesses on each side have changed a few times. Newfound Brewery is on one side.”
“Impressive! Meriden getting in on the brewery bandwagon.”
“It’s popular with everyone, especially the locals. You can order a flight of their different beers or individual pints. You can even take a six-pack home with you.”
“I’m more of a cider or wine girl, but I’ll definitely check it out.” Solia freezes on the sidewalk in front of the shop on our right. “You’ve got to be kidding me. This place is still here?” She’s pointing to the wooden, horizontal sign hanging on the building: Newfound Gifts. “My brother and I used to love coming here when we were little. The man who owned it was always so friendly. He had this turtle living in the back of the store—she was famous around here. I remember taking a picture with her and being so excited because he hung it on the Wall of Fame.”
I release my hand from hers and wrap my arm around her shoulders. “Oh, you are going to love this!” She follows my lead up the three concrete steps and through the front door.
“Hey there, folks, come on in,” a man’s voice calls from somewhere in the back.
Solia lights up as she scans the interior. Treasures fill the room from floor to ceiling. Chimes of every color hang in the windows, puzzles and children’s toys occupy one whole section, and bookshelves line the walls. A gigantic statue of a turtle sits in the middle—it has to be eight feet tall.
“No way! The turtle! I have to take a picture.” She pulls her phone out of her leggings pocket and gives it to me, pressing her hands together in prayer. “Please, pretty please.”
Her adorableness is so attractive. She stands with one arm on the turtle, sporting a smile from ear to ear. “Say cheese!” I take a couple shots, and she skips back to me.
“I can’t wait to send these to my parents. They’re going to get a kick out of this.”
“You’re going to love this even more.” I walk with her to the back of the store where George sits on a stool behind the wooden desk with an old cash register on top. I haven’t seen him in years. His tired expression and hunched posture surprise me.
“Hey, George. This is Solia, although you met her a long time ago.” Solia’s eyes widen, and she gives George the biggest grin.
“Hi, George. Are you the same George from twenty years ago? I used to visit this store during the summers.”
“The one and only. Here to see Diane?”
“No. Way! She’s still here? She must be a hundred years old!”
“Fifty-four, to be exact. She even has a series of books featuring her. Come on, I’ll take you back. Jackson, it’s been too long. The last time I saw you here was when you were shopping for a gift for …”
