Frigga (Valentines Sweethearts)

Chapter 3

Sam took the drive slowly, encouraging me to open up as he asked frivolous questions.

“Do you want the radio on?”

“No, I’m fine.” I smiled. Sam relaxed a little. At least I was comfortable enough in his presence to not have to drown out the entire drive with radio gabble or more irritating tapping on my phone, pretending to be distracted by something important.

“So, have you lived in Etenham long?” I caught his glance before he turned right at the junction.

“Since I moved out of university digs and into a flat over on tenth street.”

“Do you like it?” I glanced at him, at his sleek black hair, his deep brown eyes and his rather large nose. Why was he curious? Why did he care and for that matter why had I accepted a ride home with him? It was not like I knew him well enough really.

“I mean, it’s small and quiet, so it’s really different from the hustle and bustle of the city and a lot more relaxing than the everyday chaos of university life, but so far, yes.”

“It's cold at the moment, but when it’s warmer there is the most stunning display of roses in the park by the river. Have you ever seen them?” I raised an eyebrow. Huh, he liked roses? I hadn’t pegged him as an outdoorsy type of man but maybe I was wrong.

“No, when I first moved into town, I was too busy applying for jobs every second of the day to waste time on luxuries,” I chuckled dryly. “Besides, I doubt winter's bite would have the same enchantment on their beauty.”

“Beauty can be found anywhere and taking time out and enjoying life is not a luxury, it is a god given right. You deserve that.” He must have noted my slight flinch and guilt at his harsh tone. “I mean, a young woman like yourself deserves to be happy.” I blushed, catching a glimpse of a matching glow on his cheeks from the corner of my eye.

The silence was crushing as he pulled up to my flat, desperately searching for something to break the tension. “Well,”

“Thanks for the ride.” I stepped out, shutting the door.

“Wait, I’ll walk you to the door.”

“It’s fine.” I smiled kindly, walking to the door and giving a brief nod before entering. Finally home, I slumped against the closed door, sighing. Was he really flirting with me, or am I imagining things? I had been too nervous to look at him directly and see if he also felt the tingling pull of a new attraction. I shook the thought from my mind. He was much older than me. There was no way he would hit on me. He was probably just babying me, taking me under his wing or some such.

I pressed a palm against my aching forehead. It was all too much. A new job, an enormous responsibility, and a crush? No, I couldn't have found it all in one small little town more focused on Vikings and mythology than living in the 21st century. Well, that was what you got, I supposed, when you moved into a touristy town no bigger than a sea front village.

Humming to myself, I clicked on the kettle, dropped my bag on the side, and pulled an enchilada out of the freezer, plonking it into the microwave, beginning my usual routine of dressing in snuggly lounge wear and having dinner alone in front of the television, streaming a Bold and Beautiful rerun. But tonight felt different. Tonight, for the first time since I arrived in the little town of Etenham, I felt… lonely.

My heart seemed to beat lethargically without the presence of Sam, yet at his very thought entering my mind it picked up like a loyal pet awaiting its master's return. A deep sigh resonated from my very soul and saw me sink into a deep and peaceful sleep.