Ally's Revenge (Part 1 complete, Part 2 in progress)

Chapter 10

"I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No, not at all, I've been up for a few hours. How are you feeling? Is your throat OK?"

I was taken aback by this, since most guys I know wouldn't ask how I was feeling, fearing I would go on for two hours about the woe's of woman hood. "I'm OK, thanks. Actually, I was calling to see if maybe you would like to get lunch, or maybe brunch with me. I just really need to get out of this house."

"Oh, ummm, Yes, I would love to."

"I'm sorry, how silly of me to expect you to drop everything...."

"Ally, of course I would love to accompany you. And don't worry, I'm not doing anything today. Is everything alright, why do you say you need to get out of the house?"

"Well, after dinner last night, I came home and someone had broken into my house." I begin to tell him of what I came into the house and saw. "I don't think anything is missing which is strange because I have a lot of jewelry and none of it was touched. I guess I interrupted them before they could take anything."

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! You must hold some sort of world record for the shittiest day of all time."

This makes me giggle and reminds me of what a great time I had with him last night. He is extremely sexy and very easy to talk to. And those arms..."Yes, it was a day for the record books. Anyways, have you been to the Riverside Art's Market? Maybe we could walk around there for a little while then get a bite to eat somewhere close?"

"It's been awhile but yes, I've been. Want to meet there in an hour? Give me a chance to get a shower and..."

"Actually I'll go ahead over there and maybe you could just meet me there? Call me when you get close and I'll meet you out front."

"Sure, Ally, sounds like a plan. I'll see you shortly."

"Ok, see ya." As I hang up, I feel like a schoolgirl with her first crush. I run upstairs, get the world quickest shower and change into a pair of black capri's and a black tank top. I run a comb through my hair and decide it is a ponytail kind of day. It is supposed to be a nice spring day, slight chance of rain this afternoon and about 70 degrees. In Florida we do not have too many days like this, it is always one extreme or another: too hot, too wet, too cold, or all of the above. I finish my look with some lip-gloss and mascara, grab my bag and I am ready to go.

The Riverside Art's Market, or RAM as us locals call it, is a cross between an upscale flea market, farmers market and craft show. It is located under a bridge, in a parking lot; right on the river so there is always a nice breeze, even on hot days. There are street performers showing off their talents, artist selling their paintings or jewelry, local farmers selling veggies, strawberries, and peaches, and sometimes a local animal shelter will have an adoption drive and there will be cages full of cats and dogs looking for someone to take them home. There is literally something for everyone here.

RAM does not open until 10:00 but since it is an open, public area, it is OK to walk around or walk on the riverwalk, which begins at the bridge and stretches all the way downtown. I walk down to the water and sit at one of the benches. I was so preoccupied watching the river and the clouds that I was startled when someone sat down next to me.

"Is beautiful day so far, yes," he said.

"Oh.... damn, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come up." I look beside me to see an older, yet still attractive man, maybe 55 years old, salt and pepper hair, nicely dressed with black dress pants, black loafers, and a white button down dress shirt with the sleeves partially rolled up. His accent might have been Italian, but I could not tell exactly. He had on sunglasses and a hat, which is not too suspicious since we are outside, but something about his proximity to me put me on edge.