Seasons: A Love Story

kind.

ONE

Drake Marin sat at the end of the bar. He waited patiently and slowly sipped at the draft beer sitting in front of him. He was quiet and pensive, never causing trouble, never being loud or obnoxious, but he was there if his friends needed his help to remove a drunk or disorderly customer. Drake had been sitting at the end of the bar for the last two years. The love of his life was working the bar, mixing drinks and chatting up the cliental. No one knew who Drake was in love with, except of course for Will and Abby Trask.

Will and Abby Trask were working as always. They took over the family bar and grill when their Grandfather Thomas Trask died and Grandmother Nora wanted to retire. Will and Abby’s parents had died in a car accident when Will was just sixteen and Abby fourteen. The kids had to move from their home near Boston and live out the rest of their childhood with their grandparents in the sleepy little town of Summerton. Now with Thomas gone, Nora didn’t want to continue running the business. Once Abby turned eighteen, she and Will twenty, took over ‘Seasons’, the family business. They have been running it for the past four years.

I never realized how hard those two worked for all these years. Abby was carting yet another rack of glasses from the kitchen to the bar for Will to hang above it. The kitchen is closed, and cleanup is almost done. Are you all set for another half hour or so? I should be done by then.

Yeah, it’s pretty quiet in here tonight. I think I can handle it. You go ahead and finish up there so the others can take off. How did we do tonight, have you had a chance to do a count yet?

No, I will as soon as I finish up there. I want a nice cold draft and non-sticky spot please when I return. Back in a few. Abby headed back to the kitchen to empty the last of the kitchen ware from the dishwasher. While in there she helped wipe down the counters made sure the food products were properly stored then checked the tables out front. Jena had refilled all the salt, pepper, sugar, and ketchup dispensers and had the tables wiped down. The floor had been washed and she checked the door, it was locked. Satisfied, she let George and Jenna out then Abby headed back out toward the bar stopping to check the restrooms. They as well were clean and stocked. She grabbed the cash bag from the office and walked back into the bar. There on the bar was a clean spot with a frosted mug of beer waiting for her. We have a good crew now. Jenna does a great job at closing details. George keeps a clean kitchen and I didn’t see anything either of them didn’t take care of. She climbed onto the stool and sat next to Drake. Once the contents were dumped out of the cash bag she began to separate it out to count.

Abby, you look tired, you both work too hard. Even with the help, you’re both here every night until closing. Everyone in town says you have the best food and the cheapest drinks, a good combination in this economy. Now that the long winter is over, maybe you can both take some time off to relax a little bit?

Yeah, wouldn’t that be nice. How are the numbers looking Sis? Will was finishing with the bar clean up. He walked around to the door and locked it. It always makes me nervous that you count the till while the bar is open. Now we’re closed for the night. He switched off the sign outside and came back around to the bar checking the back door on his way. That was locked as well.

Not bad. Abby said as she wrote the number on the deposit slip. We’re still in business and can meet payroll this week. But we’ll never get rich owning this place and I don’t want to work here forever. I already feel forty.

Drake laughed at her, Only you would think forty is old and at death’s door. Abby what is it that you want to be when you grow up? He teased her now.

Rich, and you Drake?

That would be a good start. But I don’t need a lot to be happy. Drake’s eyes rose to meet Will’s. I’m a simple man and I need only a simple life.

Will’s smile said it all. They were in love. Will and Drake had been together since almost the first day Drake arrived to their sleepy little town. Drake had been traipsing around the country in his van and just happened to stop here for the night needing a repair to the van. Drake came into the bar that evening for food and a cold beer and when he met Will and Abby decided he wanted to stay for a while. Only Will, Abby, and Drake, knew the truth about their relationship. Will and Abby are very protective of each other and most folks in town think that, Abby, and Drake are the couple.

Will and Drake finished the clean-up of the bar, tables and floor, and then they did what they did each night. Will played their song on the juke box and they danced together. Drake unplugged it when the song ended and they were ready to head home.

Abby tossed the deposit bag into her backpack and Drake got the lights. Will rinsed the three mugs and set them to drain in the sink. He would put them into the first rack tomorrow through the dishwasher. Will locked the door behind them and the three climbed into the van as they most often did.

Nora was spending the winter with a friend in Florida so the kids, as she still called them were keeping her house intact. Tessa, Nora’s cat that was at least one hundred and twelve, according to Abby, met them at the door. She would want her midnight snack before sleeping on Nora’s bed. Then in the morning she would go out again with whoever went out first.

Abby went to the kitchen and got food for Tessa then headed up to her room. Will and Drake went into the living room and turned on the television. Will called to her as she started up the stairs. Don’t you want to watch a movie with us?

No

What’s wrong?

Nothing, I’ll be fine.

Wait, Abby, come back and talk to me. I’m your brother and all we have is each other, so if something is wrong then I want you to talk to me about it, please?

Abby came back down the stairs, walked into the room, and slouched into a chair next to Will.

Nothing is wrong. Nothing is right either. Sometimes it’s difficult to see you and Drake so happy together when I’m so not happy with anyone. Still slightly bitter about Pat I guess.

Pat had to take the deal. A full scholarship to a top College is not something you can just pass up Abby. I know you’re still pissed off about it, but you have to move on. Pat will not be coming back Abby you know that. You have to stop pining over the loss. Come and sit with us and watch a movie, I’ll make popcorn. Will smiled at his sister knowing how much she was hurt from the break up.

Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll just go and throw on my head phones and listen to some totally depressing music. You two have a good night. I need to think and besides, I’d just bring you down.

We love you Abby, you know that right? I love you almost as much as Will does. If I knew someone to introduce you to... Drake shrugged his shoulders.

After hugging them both good night she headed up to her room.

Abby always got up first at about 9:30. When you consider they never go to bed before 2 am that’s not an unreasonable time. She let Tessa out per the cat’s demands and started a pot of coffee knowing Will and Drake would want coffee whenever they decided to get up. Abby on the other hand had things to do.

First stop was the bank. She pulled the deposit bag out of her backpack. When she got to the teller window she unlocked the bag and pulled out the cash and slips. The teller was a friend of hers and wanted to tell her the latest gossip.

Abby, did you hear? You know the old Summers Estate, well the last of the family is coming back to live here. I can’t imagine why. They say that place is haunted. Have you ever been there Abby? Meg finished counting the money and completed the deposit.

No I’ve never been inside. But it looks to be a beautiful old place. It does need a lot of work though I would think before anyone could live there. She took the slip and put it in the bag. Thanks Meg, you have a good day. I’ll see you around. Abby headed out of the bank, next stop the post office.

As she pulled the junk mail from Nora’s post box she tossed it into the bag. Then Abby went to the box for Seasons. That would be the one with all the bills. Abby scanned them quickly, all the regular invoices that she would spend the day paying. What a fun life, she thought to herself. I have got to get out of this town. Remembering she needed stamps this trip Abby made her way to the office and stood in line. She paid little attention to who was coming and going. Abby was in a mood today. Once it was her turn she pulled out the company credit card and asked for a sheet of stamps. When her transaction was complete, Abby turned to walk away. She stopped dead in her tracks. All brain function ceased and the blood pounded into her heart. Directly in front of her was the most gorgeous creature she had ever seen. This person smiled as she walked by and up to the counter. Abby was still stunned. Finally she shook her head and walked away. She felt a shiver flow over her entire body. Abby headed back to the house to work on the books.

Will and Drake were sitting at the kitchen table when she walked in. Good afternoon, she teased the boys. Want to hear the good gossip or do you want to hear the really good first hand info?

Both, but gossip is always more fun so start with that. Drake who rarely said a word in public or at the bar was talkative in the private world of their home.

Ok, but both in this case are equally as intriguing. I would like some breakfast first though since I have been taking care of the company business all morning. She set the bag down and started to pull the mail, the stamps, and the bank receipt and change order out.

I’ll make you an omelet Sis. Drake, you pour the coffee. Abby start talking. Will was whisking the eggs as he spoke.

Abby loved to get the jump on them for gossip. It usually got her breakfast. She smiled as they waited on her and she sorted out the mail. Slowly she began. Well my first stop was at the bank so I spoke to Meg there as she waited on me. She told me some interesting news about the Summers Estate. She said she was told the only living heir was moving back here and would be revamping it to live in. Drake since you do that kind of work, you may want to see what you can find out on that front. Anyway, Will do you remember that photo of Nora’s mother when she was just a child with her friend Jane Summers? I think they were about six at the time. Anyway, when I was in the post office after the bank, I had to get stamps so I had to go into the office. When I was done at the counter, I turned to leave and I swear I was looking directly into the face of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She had to be the descendant that everyone is talking about. Abby put sugar and creamer into her cup of coffee that Drake slid across to her and stirred it for a second. They needed time to absorb, and she was waiting on her omelet. When Will set the plate in front of her, she continued and cut her omelet into bites. She has the blackest hair I have ever seen. It was long and braided, hanging half way to her butt. Her eyes were huge and dark as well. I think if I wasn’t so captivated by her I would have been afraid. I froze and couldn’t even speak. I’m such a mess. I didn’t know what to say or do or think. She smiled as she walked by. When the blood made its way back to my brain I walked out. Then I came back here to tell you two the news. She smiled and began to eat her breakfast.

Wow, I would love to get the chance to see the inside of that place. I hear the architecture is amazing. The columns and finish work, if it’s still intact. I’ll definitely see what I can find out about a job refurbishing the place. Thanks for the heads up Abby. Drake had gone to school for architecture and design but quit when the money ran out and his parents weren’t interested in helping any more. Of course the fact that he had been caught at a party with known drug dealers pushed that separation further. Wrong place, wrong time, and the wrong friends, he had learned his lessons though. Drake was not into drugs or anything illegal, so when the money ran out, he just moved on. He worked with crews as jobs came about and he could do plumbing and electrical as well.

So do you even remember who Pat was? It seems that your mind has been cleared for a new fantasy my sister. Is that not the case? Will, sometimes spoke with a formal inflection to Abby when he was trying to make a point. What do you know of this new vision that blinded you so pleasantly?

Nothing, I know nothing of this creature. She could’ve been a ghost for all I know. We have certainly been told the place is haunted all of our lives. Angry now, I don’t know why I bother telling you anything, Will you always turn it into something torrid. Abby was finished with breakfast so she took her plate to the sink and returned to her seat. I have to work here so why don’t you boys move on now. Her mood had been dampened once again.

I’m sorry Abby. You know I just want you to be happy. We’ll leave you to it. Will stepped over to Drake, took his hand and they left the room and Abby, to wallow in her mood.

She spread out the papers in front of her and made piles of bills to pay, mail to put in Nora’s room for when she returns, and the junk. Abby quickly flipped through and tossed the junk into the recycle bin. She brought Nora’s to her room and on the way back grabbed the laptop and checkbook. Once she logged in the deposit, she paid the bills. When she was lucky there was still something left after the bills were paid. Today was a lucky day, but no doubt they would need the extra for tomorrow or the next day.

By 3 pm Abby was showered and dressed and ready to head into work. It felt like a rut. Every day ran like the last. She came down the stairs and saw the two boys waiting at the table. They were as always touching each other in the privacy of the house. If you two are ready, it’s time to head in and open up. She headed out the door. I can drive myself tonight, I need a little space. She went out and did not look back. Abby’s jeep was parked in its’ usual spot. She climbed inside and started it up.

Drake came out and tapped on her window. What is wrong with you today Abby. You’ve been in a foul mood all day, and last night. Is there a problem Sweetheart? Can I help with something?

No there’s nothing you can do. Well, you could buy me out of the business and I could get the hell out of this town before I slit my wrists. I just can’t stand to be here anymore. Will doesn’t make it any better with his flippant remarks about me being alone forever. I have kept your asses safe for two years now haven’t I? Step back now Drake, I’m out of here. She put the jeep in reverse and backed out