Hard Decisions by Elaine © 2020

"I'm not sure why, but I never trust them with more than a few items," he replied and after taking a sip of his hot chocolate he continued. "You looked like a damsel in distress and I liked helping, particularly when I get good company and a free warming drink on a cold day like today."

He was a smooth talker and I quite liked his manners. He was charming, and I could see he was quite interested in me but that he seemed a little shy. I’d had a lot happening in my life over the past five years and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start a relationship with this man right now.

"Where are you from?" I asked taking an active interest in him and trying to continue the conversation.

"Oh, from Edinburgh," he said. "Barnton do you know it?"

"Well I used to live in Edinburgh before moving out here to the country," I replied and thought, 'Barnton that's a well-heeled part of town.' Before I could quiz him more he started talking.

"You're lucky to live here, I like to get out and get some fresh air. I saw the supermarket and realised I needed a few things on the way back into town and then I bumped into you," he said. I had already noticed his hill walking clothing including his hiking boots and waterproof jacket.

"This area's good for country walks and I like it here. The people are so warm and friendly, but Edinburgh folk aren't so bad either," I replied smiling.

I drank my warming coffee and noticed the lipstick mark on the cup as I replaced it on the saucer.

"I've just realised I have a hair appointment in about 20 minutes and I have to go," I said worriedly looking at my watch. "Thanks again for your assistance," I said rising and starting to pick up the box.

"Here let me," he said. He was a gentleman all right as he lifted the box of food up into his two muscular arms. I felt some jealousy as I enjoyed seeing his arms flex.

We walked to my little yellow car without speaking but I could sense that he wanted to ask me something but didn’t quite have the courage. I opened up the tailgate of the car and he carefully placed the box inside the car. I closed the door and wiped my hands with a handkerchief to remove the dirt that had transferred from the rear of the car.