The cool bite in the air encouraged her to move at a fast clip. She pulled her jacket tighter around her chest, trying to ward off the chill. Searching the dimly lit street, she noticed she was the only person wearing a jacket. Even her companion appeared unaffected by the cooler temperature. Staring straight ahead at the white clapboard building, she bit her lower lip and forced her arms to remain at her side. “Cold?” “Hmm?” She clenched her teeth as he pulled open the heavy entrance door. “I asked if you were cold?” “No.” He closed the door behind him as she wiped her sneakers on the welcome mat. “Are you?” She grinned while searching the foyer. “Not anymore. Where is Ms. Olga or Ms. Alma? I need to get my key.” “They are around. I hear someone coming this way.” “Hello dearie,” Olga said as she entered the foyer. “How was your shopping? Did you get the things you needed?”She spoke slowly and succinctly, her smile firmly in place. Lifting her bags for the other woman’s quick perusal, Alayna smiled, thinking of all the deals she’d purchased.
