by Stephanie Music

Created on: November 11, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

Terri Davidson hated Thanksgiving. It wasn't easy to give thanks for anything, especially a holiday that screamed togetherness. Being alone on the holiday was the worst. Inevitably, she would plop down in front of her T.V., eat a gallon of ice cream, and drink more than her share of alcohol. This year would be no exception.

Terri forced herself to get out of bed. She pulled on her favorite sweats and stumbled into the kitchen. A carton of expired milk and a slice of cheese that had hardened at the edges wouldn't make for a Thanksgiving feast, would it? At least the bar was never empty. Still, martinis weren't going to quiet the growling of her stomach. It looked like she would have to venture out for breakfast. She didn't really feel like watching happy families gearing up for a day of camaraderie, but with a little foresight, she could've bought groceries.

Grabbing her coat, she headed out the door and climbed into her jeep. She headed through town, finally spotting a mom-and-pop diner with a glowing neon OPEN sign in the window. She combed her fingers through her jet-black hair and glanced in the rear-view mirror. Boy, did she look rough.

Terri sat near the back of the restaurant. She shrugged off her coat and picked up the menu. She heard someone approach to take her order. Without glancing up, she rattled off, "Two eggs, over easy. A side of bacon, crisp. Coffee, black. Thanks."

When Terri looked up at the server, menu in hand, she felt a jolt surge through her body. She focused on his eyes; a deep blue, like the ocean during a storm. She suddenly felt uncomfortable, noticing her disheveled appearance. He took the menu and disappeared into the kitchen.

Terri felt like she couldn't breathe. He was tall with dark hair. Dark hair and blue eyes always unraveled her. She nervously ran her fingers through her hair again, trying to look more presentable. Why couldn't she have at least put on a pair of jeans?

The attractive waiter appeared from the kitchen with two cups of coffee in hand. "Hope you don't mind if I join you," he said grinning like the chesire cat. "You look like you have a case of holiday blues and I have a case of boredom." He gestured to the empty restaurant and sat down before she could respond. "I'm Matt Freeman. What's your name?"

"Terri Davidson." She took a drink of the coffee, feeling its warmth slide down into her belly. "So Terri, got holiday troubles? A family dinner with the relatives from hell perhaps?" Matt chuckled.

"I'm not much

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>