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please see this post for a rundown of addie's curse
Being lost was nothing new. Addie still remembered a time before GPS, before maps, even; a time when the darkness itself would transport her hundreds of miles on a jealous whim. But this was not his doing.
Luc had been ebullient, reveling in his triumph. He would not have cast her away so quickly, nor would he have abandoned her in the heart of a picturesque forest. Too jolly for him. Too familiar, for her. Yet while the wood reminded her of the untamed wilderness around her village, this was not France and she was not walking toward Villon. If for no other reason than the faint smell of garlic butter that hung in the air, growing thicker with every step.
At last, the thicket gave way to an unexpected stretch of paved road. Where it led Addie had no idea, but she welcomed the promise of civilization. More importantly, on the other side of the cracked asphalt, nestled between the wood itself and a sketchy gas station, sat a restaurant.
Italian, judging by the twin ghosts of cheesy pizza and fragrant spaghetti carbonara that beckoned her closer. Americanized, judging by the name.
Addie didn't know where she was. The people inside might help her figure it out. Or they might allow her to hitch a ride to the nearest town.
Or they might be suspicious of a random stranger walking into their establishment.
Addie's growling stomach settled the issue. She crossed the deserted road without looking left or right and nudged open the door fully expecting to find the restaurant empty. Who wouldn't, given its out of the way location? A wall of sound hit her. A sea of wooden chairs, all occupied, crowded close together around tables laden with delicious dishes.
Desserts balanced on two trays, a harried server bustled past her in a purposeful rush. Addie's mouth watered as she followed the dishes with her gaze.
Focus.
She scanned the room for an empty seat, knowing she had to be quick about it. The server was coming back, would likely ask if Addie had a reservation – there. With a sure gait, Addie darted between tables and smoothly sat down at a table for two yet occupied by just one patron.
"Hi." She chanced a smile. "Sorry, do you mind? It's just that it's so full, I'm afraid if I don't sit down I'll be ushered out to appease the fire marshal." She unwound her scarf and started to peel off her jacket - both still fashionable by New York standards but far too warm for the inside of this establishment. "I'm Addie, by the way. What's your name?"