Baby, It’s Cold Outside

FlashNano Day 17: Write a story that takes place while it’s snowing

*This story is part 2 of Summer Dreaming

Simon opened his eyes with a start, “Geezus, it’s cold,” he said while pulling the thick down comforter up under his chin. Just a few months ago he was running his seaside motel, surfing every day and not even considering wearing anything but shorts. But, now he finds himself shivering under the covers in a cabin in Colorado. Beautiful beyond reason, but cold in the winter, Colorado.

Looking out the window he sees a crystal blue sky, majestic pine trees and a light dusting of snow falling. A blizzard is predicted for later this evening, but for now, it’s a Colorado blue bird day.

If it weren’t so cold right now, he’d get out of bed and make some Belgian waffles and then get outside for some exploring. But, all of that could wait awhile longer.

Maybe he could get used to this after all. Perhaps, a vacation house here where he can really commune with nature. The beach is in his heart, but Colorado has weaved its way in also. Looking over at Sara sleeping soundly, a small smile on her face warms his heart more than the California sunshine ever could.

He thinks back to last summer when he’d brought her lunch on the beach. They talked and laughed and found out they had a lot in common. By dinner that evening her protests about their age difference were never mentioned again. They just enjoyed each other’s company.

He recalls with a smile teaching her how to surf and taking long, slow runs on the beach each morning.

“Much better than a treadmill,” she always commented.

Their days together began melting into nights and for the rest of her month long vacation she gave up her own room and stayed with Simon. Every night they held each other and watched the sunset. Melancholy began to creep in as it was another day closer to Sara heading back to Colorado and away from Simon and the bubble they’d been living in for weeks.

On her last night, they grilled salmon, drank a bottle of wine and tried to put on smiles. Although their sadness over her leaving was seeping into each moment.

“You could come back with me, for a while anyway,” Sara said.

“You know I’d love nothing more. But, this place-,” He started.

“I know and I understand, I’ve just gotten used to you.” She smiled halfheartedly.

“I’ve gotten more than used to you, Sara… I love you. There I’ve said it. I’ve been thinking it for a lot longer, but I didn’t want to scare you off. But, since you’re leaving anyway. There you have it, I love you.”

“I..oh Simon. This is impossible.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“Sssh, it’s ok baby,” he began kissing her and they got lost together with no more thoughts of tomorrow.

The next morning Sara left for Colorado.

Simon wandered around the motel, checked-in with his general manager and decided to go surfing. As he took his board out of the shed he saw a post-it note stuck to the front.

“I love you, too.”

Simon packed his bags and got on the next flight to Colorado. They’d figure out the rest later.

Months have passed and they’ve travelled back and forth working at figuring this out. But for now, he snuggled deeper under the covers as Sara melted into him. The snow outside began falling heavier, but in here with the woman he loved, he was warm and right where he was supposed to be.