You had no idea why you took this job, miles from, well, anything really, a wall of trees and woodland to your right, and the crystal blue of the ocean below you to your left, tightening your grip on the wheel you continued down the road, until at long last as you rounded a corner, you were greeted by the sight of a small portside town in the distance, a collection of houses and other buildings hugging the waterfront, as well as a collection of boats and other fishing vessels, some leaving trails of white foam as they cut through the water as they came into port, others as they went out to sea.
It was almost peaceful, watching life go by like this, away from the busy and chaotic environment of the city, and you had no intention of ever going back, this was your fresh start, new home, new people, new everything, but this specific job, you still had no idea why you had chosen it over anything else, wasn't the first one to pop up, not by a country mile, but it just seemed to....call to you.
Eventually you reached the town, this place was definitely a big change from the city, for one, there were hardly any vehicles on the roads, there were people on the streets sure, but not packed in like sardines, more like an odd scattered group here and there, mostly families, it was nice, what wasn't nice however is that you had no idea where you were going, you were completely lost, looking around you decided it best to just pull over, maybe try and get directions.
Looking around as you got out of your car you spotted what looked like some sort of diner, cars and bikes parked out front, right next to the waterfront too, a large boat ramp just down the way from the diners entrance.
Seeing no better option, you pocketed your keys and walked inside.
Walking into the diner you were hot with the sound of comotion inside, business clearly doing well here, the wooden walls decorated with fishing net, old ship wheels, local photos, large wall mounted fish, even what looked like an old ship mast acting as a sort of support beam, the roof decorated with various hanging lights, some attached to wooden support beams, others hanging from stretched out fishing nets and ship riggings, the smell of fresh food and beer filling your nose and mouth, almost able to taste this places diverse menu already.
There were all sorts of people around the diner, older men playing darts, fishermen sat at the bar, families, teens, children, all enjoying their meals or drinks, or just having a good time,
Wordlessly you walked over to the bar, sitting down on the barstool.
"Haven't seen your face around here before stranger, what brings you all the way out here?" A voice chirped up, a hand flicking your hat up out of your face to get a better look at you, at first you were defensive, quickly reaching up to grab whoever was messing with you, however, your sudden outburst died down as you made eye contact with the person who's hand you grasped.
The first thing you noticed about her was her eyes, they were almost hypnotic, both a dark purple, like jewels, almost glowing as she stared at you, she had short black hair that was cut just below her neck, with multiple streaks of violet through it, her hair tied back out of her face with a red bandana over her forehead.
She wore a black sleeveless tube top, resting just above the center of her impressive bust line, the white straps of her bra emerging from underneath, wrapping over her shoulders, and down her back, she also had a bright red and orange netted cardigan resting on her inner elbows as she leaned on the bar, the rest of her outfit hidden behind, but based on her narrow waist and curving wide hips, it must be something good.
"Hey you having problems over there Alana?" An old man called across from you, the bartender shook her head, waving him to back off
"I'm not sure Garry, so tell me stranger, are we having problems?" She warned, drowning her eyebrows at you as she pulled her hand away.
You let out a huff, and sat back down, rubbing your face with your hands
"Ugh...sorry, I've had a long drive, and an even longer few days, I apologise" you said sincerely, taking off your hat and placing it down Infront of you
"If you want, take it, as a token of good will" you smiled, pushing the hat forward
Alana looked at you confused, looking between you and the hat, a smile forming on her face before she and everyone at the bar burst into laughter
"Oh god that's a new one" she wheezed before settling herself, taking your hat in hand and placing it on her head.
"Well then, this is definitely a new one on me stranger, but than you, all is forgiven" she smiled before resuming her work
"So what will it be, pick your poison" she gestured to the wall of liquor, the various bottles on the shelves, you chuckled as you waved her off
"Nah, I gotta drive, I'm actually looking for directions, figured somewhere with a lot of locals would be my best bet"
Alana looked at you sceptically
"Well where are you trying to go?, not a lot around here that attracts city folk"
You let out a small chuckle
"Actually, looking for a place called the Coral cove antiques"
That made her stop, looking around the bar as if trying to find someone
"Ok ok, berry funny, who are you, who set you up to this?" She sounded aggravated, and you had no idea why
"Look lady, I've got a job to apply for, and I'd like to find a place to sleep before dark, I haven't been set up for this, all I need is directions and il get out of your hair" you groan, watching as Alana continued to eye you
"Coral Cove Antiques you say, well then that's an easy one....."