Monday came so fast. I could finally relate to what everyone always talked about with the weekend flying by. I used to enjoy the thought of going into the pub and seeing everyone. But tonight, I wished I could stay at home and think of a reason to have my new friends over. I slowly got off the couch, repositioned Matilda on the cushion with her favorite fleece blanket and convinced myself to get dressed for the evening. The thought of my inheritance sitting in my brokerage account flashed into my head, and I flushed it right out. I have never once thought about touching it, except for buying the condo I was living in. I certainly wouldn’t allow myself to go there off of meeting a guy. I was actually a little pissed at myself for letting a thought like that enter my head and pouted my way into my closet to choose my outfit for work. I was so thrilled to have had another wonderful night’s sleep the night before and hoped my nightmares were possibly behind me.
I turned on the light in my closet, grabbing a black pair of leggings and a grey, oversized v-neck matching my bland mood since I was probably not going to see Athen tonight. I was doing my best to persuade myself that the time away from Athen was for the best so I could get my own things done and caught up, but I knew it was a lie. I wanted to be with him. As that last thought popped into my head, I had a sudden yearning to call in sick and go over to the Fairmont to say hi.
What was wrong with me? I thought to myself. I couldn’t separate myself from these guys. I had only known them for a few days, yet I wanted to hang out with them constantly. I was normally so easily annoyed with people that it was hard to believe that it wasn’t just Athen I was enamored with, but all of them were fun to be around. It was too fitting, too perfect. Because of that I think I was afraid to lose them, one in particular.
As I continued daydreaming about Athen, I managed to get the rest of my makeup applied and hair done. I was so thrilled to have two nights of sleep that I wasn’t sure what to do with myself with this much energy. Work was probably the best answer. I shuffled in my house shoes into the kitchen to make sure that Matilda had plenty of food and water while I was at work, which she did. So I thought I’d better grab some water for myself. I filled up my glass with crushed ice and water and gulped it down fast telling myself once I got into work it would all be fine. I looked around my kitchen and was thankful I had cleaned it up for the week, even though I had thought twice about doing the dishes this morning.
I hadn’t spoken with Karen since the crepe restaurant and was looking forward to chatting with her. I had a lot of explaining to do because I certainly hadn’t been acting like my normal self, and out of anyone who would notice, it would be her. She was one of the first friends I had made in Whistler. She had always taken a bit of a protective role with me as if to shield me from all the male tourists and their motives. I never noticed the same things that she did when it came to guys, but I appreciated her efforts.
Matilda was softly snoring again as I went over to give her one last pat until my shift was over, and we could go on our usual midnight walk. I grabbed my coat and headed out the door to make it over to the Grizzly Pub, all the while trying to get thoughts of Athen out of my head. Knowing the images that can sometimes infiltrate my mind, I realized I had better take advantage of daydreaming about Athen and not flush his smiling face out so quickly. I felt instantly better.
By the time I reached the pub, I was taking in the twinkle lights that were already displayed throughout the village and saw that our manager must have set up ours over the weekend. It was very welcoming and was like a home away from home. I always loved how charming the village became in the fall, and the beauty lasted far into spring, for which I was grateful.
I entered through the side door and ran directly into Karen, who immediately grabbed me and pulled me into the women’s lounge area where we all get ready for our shifts. This was not the reaction I was expecting from her. She seemed excited about something.
“So, you have got to tell me EVERYTHING!” Karen almost squealed.
I was so taken aback by her reaction that I started spurting out everything that came to mind and probably sounded crazy in the process.
“Well, Athen is positively, completely wonderful, possibly perfect. His sister is beyond fun and so is her fiancé. Athen has been the most thoughtful person that I have ever run into, apart from you of course.” I had to give her some kudos, but truthfully Athen was winning in all categories. Plus, it was only the first weekend.
“He planned a wonderful Saturday with his family. Then on Sunday I did the spa with Arie, his sister. I have to be honest, Karen, it has been only a few days, and yet I’m wholly comfortable with them. I truthfully can’t stop thinking about him. If I read a magazine, I drift off thinking about Athen, watching television makes me think about him and hearing music has me daydreaming. I feel like I have turned into the girl I always said I wouldn’t.”
“Oh my God, Ana! You are so into him. I have never seen you like this. I have to admit I wasn’t too keen on this idea when you first told me you were going out at midnight to see him, but I guess maybe I was wrong… Have you guys?”
“God, Karen.” I rolled my eyes.
“Oh, well let’s hope that’s not the killer with the relationship, since he sounds perfect in every other way.”
“Wow, thanks for spoiling it, you nerd,” I said smiling. I knew she was only kidding but was kind of hoping she didn’t jinx it. Then I thought back to him and knew there was no way. He was precisely perfect in every way. “Well, I hope that this isn’t a dream. I still can’t quite figure out what he sees in me, but I’m trying to let that part go.”
“Yes, I know self-conscious Sally, but you really do need to trust us when we tell you that you are one fine chick.” Karen was cracking herself up as she punched her id into the computer and then punched in mine.
“Come on now. Let’s see if we can get you back to reality,” she said, pulling me into the dining room. “You’ve got section three tonight. It ought to keep your mind off of the mystical family.”
“Very funny,” I mouthed to her.
The pub was still pretty slow since it was so early in the evening. The snow conditions weren’t at their best, but it was early in the season, and days like this did happen. I went over to the couple who had been seated and asked for their drink order, thankfully pretty simple – a Bailey’s coffee and a hard cider. I trudged off to the bar to relay the drink order when I had a flashback to Friday when I first saw Arie and Cyril. The overwhelming feelings washed over me with a warmth that I never wanted to lose. Never did I dream so much could happen over the weekend with complete strangers.
While I waited for Tim, the bartender, to make their drinks, the pit of my stomach began to get an overly anxious feeling. I couldn’t figure out why. It was like the memory of these people almost made me ache because I wanted to be near them so badly. Now this I couldn’t relay to Karen because it sounded obsessive, and I certainly didn’t want that to come across. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I began to worry whether or not I was possibly becoming a little obsessive with them.
“Oh, Lord,” I said aloud.
“What, Ana?” Tim asked.
“Nothing, sorry... I’m talking to myself.”
I grabbed the drinks and carted them over to the table and asked if they were ready to order their meals, which they weren’t. So off I went to the next table that had filled up.
The pub continued to fill up, but regrettably I had to admit that every time the door opened, I secretly hoped that Athen and everyone would trickle in, but that didn’t happen, which then led to me wondering if he got tired of me. I had no idea how self-conscious I became at the thought of losing him. Being around him makes me feel like I can do anything, but the moment he is not around I worry that I’m not enough. It doesn’t make sense that it is me that he would want to hang out with.
“Miss?” Reality came knocking, “I think something is wro
ng with our order.”
I spun around and noticed they had nothing on the table. Shoot! I forgot to get their drink order. Strike one, I thought to myself. Things were becoming painfully obvious that I was not on my game tonight.
“I’m so sorry. I’ll bring that right to you, and this round is on me,” I said, hoping to make what amends I could. In that instant, I knew I had to pull myself out of la-la land. I had to get my act together regardless of what I wanted to daydream about.
I went up to the bar, and their drinks were on the counter. I grabbed them quickly and marched them over to the table. They were a nice couple, dressed in sweaters and jeans. Her hair was dyed a perfect, pale shade of yellow, looking a little too polished for this pub. Nonetheless, they were very nice and forgiving. I’m sure they were from the states arriving for the upcoming Thanksgiving week. I apologized again as I dropped off the drinks. They seemed happy they got two free drinks for the evening.
A new table was seated, and I quickly darted over to make sure I didn’t make any more mistakes. On my approach, I got an unpleasant feeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it. My skin began to crawl and having experienced all kinds of senses in the universe over the weekend, I was sure that this wasn’t a good one. I noticed that the guy sitting at the table had a strange look about him. I wasn’t sure exactly what struck me peculiar about him, because on the surface he seemed pretty much like anyone else sitting in the pub. He wore a blue flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a grey t-shirt under. He sat relaxed in his chair, but as I approached, I saw his eyes look me up and down in a manner that definitely did not have good intent. I saw a menu laid out in the chair across from him. I hoped whomever he was with would show up soon to distract him.
“Hi, I’m Ana, and I’ll be your server tonight. Is there anything I can start you with?” I asked, trying to push all of my uneasy feelings aside.
“Yeah, give me a Jack and Pepsi.” He replied as his gaze lifted to meet mine, and a flood of uncertainty ran through me. His eyes were the coldest, darkest eyes I had ever encountered. There was no sense of light in them whatsoever. I tried my absolute best to hide my fear but worried he would see through it. I figured I had better spin around and get his order in.
“Certainly.” I was pretty positive with all of the different types of characters that I had seen come in throughout the years that he didn’t fit the mold for any of them. Maybe, he was a sociopath. All I knew was that I wanted to steer clear of him on my way out tonight. Hopefully, he would be long gone. Running into someone like that really brought to light the glorious feelings I got from Athen and his family only a few nights prior. Things really can change quickly. It reminded me to pay attention to instincts, especially with the missing hikers and all.
I went up to the bar and placed the guy’s order.
“Hey, is everything ok, Ana?” Tim asked genuinely concerned.
“I think so. Actually, it’s that guy at table six. He is a bit creepy. I’m sure it’s fine, but there is something off with him.”
“Alright. I’ll let the other girls know too.”
“Thanks.” That, I thought to myself, was one of the many reasons I enjoy working here. It was a very protective place to work. I felt very cared for, as much as workers can anyway.
I scurried from table to table as the evening picked up, and nothing too eventful happened at the table with the man, but the feeling did not go away. Every time I approached the table, the feeling got worse than the last time. His guest finally showed up, and it was a woman, who seemed pretty harmless, but it didn’t lessen my fears any. I made a mental note to check everywhere before I left for home. Maybe I would even call Athen to meet me. No, that would be overkill and would probably completely scare him off.
I went to the back to take a quick five-minute break when Karen came back.
“Hey, what’s up with the guy at table six?” she asked.
“You noticed?”
“Heck yeah, I noticed. He’s been following you with his stare all night.”
Hearing her say that sent shivers up my spine. I thought I noticed that but talked myself out of it.
“Well, the scary part is his eyes, Karen. It’s like they are dead – entirely black. There is no light reflecting from them.”
“Wow. I haven’t been close enough to see that, but I think we should walk home together for sure.”
“Thanks, Karen. I appreciate it. I guess it’s back to the grind, huh?”
I went over to the kitchen and grabbed the couple of plates that had come up while I’d been in the back and delivered them to their respective homes, all the while trying to sneak a peek at the creepy guy. To my disappointment, he was looking right back at me. At that very moment, a blast of icy cold air entered the room, which sent electricity right through me - exactly like Friday night. I began to get almost giddy with hope that it might possibly be Athen. I turned quickly to look at the front door, my body filling up with great disappointment as I saw he was nowhere to be found. Curse my imagination.
“Hey.” I heard the most lyrical melody in the world enter my space and became exhilarated at the thought of Athen being somewhere around. I didn’t look in the right place. I didn’t imagine it. Thank God! I quickly scanned to see where his voice was coming from and saw him at the far end of the bar by the flatscreen. How he got there without me seeing, I had no idea, but nothing with these people surprised me. He waved with his typical ease, which made me want to run over and jump in his arms, but I knew I had to compose myself. It was far too early in the relationship to do that. Plus, I was at work.
I knew I couldn’t hide my grin, so I waved back at him and found myself jumping up a little bit, which caught the attention of Karen, of course. She rushed over and whispered to me.
“Awesome. Did you call Athen? This is a much better idea. I was kind of worried about the two of us walking alone. I know I could kick butt and all, but Athen is pretty buff.”
“Yes he is, and no, I didn’t. This was a surprise - a really good one. I haven’t filled him in on the creepy dude yet, but I will. Hopefully, he’ll stay till closing.”
I looked up at Athen, following his gaze to the man sitting at the table. Something bigger was going on. It looked like he already figured it out. I knew instantly that there was no way that he happened to come into the bar tonight. It also dawned on me that he had to be able to read my mind. This was no coincidence. Athen was searing the man with his eyes. How would he know to be wary or suspicious of that guy? One thing that was certain was that the longer I was around Athen, the more unanswered questions became present. If I were to voice any of them aloud, I would sound like I needed to be committed. Athen turned his attention away from the man and looked back at me. His green eyes changed instantly back to kindness, which made my world melt. I saw his lips move and was so enamored with the shape of his lips as he spoke, I wasn’t paying attention to what he was saying so I looked harder and mouthed back to him, “What?”
“You’re not crazy,” he mouthed back, smiling at me, but then returning his gaze back to the man at the table.
I knew it. I knew something was going on. Some of the pieces to the puzzle were finally starting to take shape. My world was spinning. I needed to sit, but I had to keep going, not call any attention to myself. Whatever was taking place was larger than I was, and I reasoned that all I could do was be open to the possibilities that may shape the rest of my life by chance. I was so thankful that Athen was beginning to let me in on this secret that seemed to involve me so deeply. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. He knew what I was thinking for sure, no question about it. I’m not crazy.
I looked at the clock behind the counter, and it was already 10:30pm. I hoped the last 30 minutes would speed by so that I could go hang out with Athen and find out what was going on. This night with all of its mystery was taking its toll. At least, now I knew one thing
for sure. I had, without a doubt, fallen for Athen. I had to stop holding back because I didn’t get the feeling he was.
As I cleared the last few cups from the remaining table, Athen was looking at me, and I began to blush. The thought of him watching me clean tables made me feel a little silly and sheepish. Karen was already in the back getting ready to come with us so we could all leave together. The guy from earlier still had her a little on edge too, but somehow Athen in our presence made it a lot better. I looked back at Athen, smiling and mouthing for him to knock it off. I almost ran to the back to take off my apron and grab my coat, but of course, he was still admiring me with his eyes.
“I still can’t get over that Athen appeared tonight. That was pretty lucky, huh, Ana? I think he really likes you. I didn’t think it was a booty call thing, and I’m sorry for suggesting that earlier. It’s all happening kind of fast, is all.”
“I know, Karen. Believe me, it’s not in my nature either. I feel like I’d be cheating myself if I fought it though, and I can’t do that. All right, enough of that stuff. Let’s go.” I grabbed my coat off the hook and immediately tripped over the box of onions that the chef had put out for the morning hash.
“Nice one.”
“I know, I know.”
We walked out together and met up with Athen who was sitting on the bar stool looking as wonderful as ever. His hair was a little more disheveled than usual. I think it was a nervous thing he did. I noticed him holding his head quite a bit throughout the evening as he was eyeing that guy. Nonetheless, he looked great.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, grabbing me and spinning me around.
“I could get used to this,” I laughed, and Karen rolled her eyes.
We began walking outside, and as the doors opened, Cyril met us.
“Geez, Cyril. You scared the crap out of me. I wasn’t expecting anyone out here.”
I saw Cyril and Athen exchange the same glance as in the woods when we were dog sledding. I knew beyond certainty that there was something definitely going on, which had nothing to do with an animal. I also knew now was not the time or the place to bring it up. Athen grabbed my hand, and we began walking back to my condo. Karen lived in the condos behind mine, and she called her fiancé on the way to have him meet her in our lobby. Whistler was a very safe place so when something odd like this took place, everyone took it pretty seriously.
“So, Karen, have you lived here long?” Cyril asked her.
“Almost my entire life. I lived in the town below here growing up, but I spent most of my time up here in the village in the winter. I love it here.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty special.” Cyril nodded.
We got to my lobby without an issue. Karen’s boyfriend had already made it there and was waiting for us with a worried expression on his face.
“Hey, man. Thanks for this,” he said, looking at Athen.
“No problem. I’m sure it was nothing but better to be safe, ey?” They did the typical guy grab and handshake, and Karen and Justin took off back to their place.
“Thanks, Athen. I’m not sure how you knew to show up, but I appreciate it,” I said looking at Cyril, “You too.”
“It was coincidence. I can assure you,” Cyril piped up.
“Can you?” I said slyly. I knew I would get my answer soon enough. I also knew it wouldn’t be tonight.
I stood on my tippy toes, giving Athen a kiss good night.
“Thanks for walking me home, guys. Have a good night.”
“Oh, actually Arie is up in your condo. She took Matilda for a walk. With the creep hanging around the pub tonight, we thought maybe we would make it a movie night or something?”
I looked at both of them, knowing that the decision had already been made, and honestly, I didn’t mind the company so I nodded, and we piled into the elevator. The answers would come. I was completely sure of that.
“So, when are you guys going to start to give me a little bit to go on here?”
“I know there is no bobcat, obviously. I’m sharp like that,” I said, giggling a bit, hoping to lighten the intent of my question, “but I would like some sort of clue here. The guy you saw tonight, was that the same person you saw while we were dog sledding?”
Cyril glanced over at Athen as if to tell him he would follow Athen’s lead.
“Kind of. It’s a long story, and it’s pretty crazy, but maybe tonight we can relax and not worry about it? I promise I’ll tell you what’s going on. It’s that we don’t know yet… completely.”
“Should we get the authorities involved?” I asked, testing the waters. Maybe they were into something illegal, which was why they had so much money and free time, I thought to myself.
“No need. It’s nothing like that. I can assure you,” Athen said, and he held my hand as we left the elevator
“Well, just as long as you don’t tell me you are a part of the underworld like the elusive vampire or werewolf or something crazy like that,” I laughed, as I smacked Athen on his rear; only my joke fell flat. My heart skipped a beat as my mind wandered to the sudden disappearances Whistler just encountered. I sure hoped my instincts were right about these people.