Christina decided she earned a vacation! It had been a whirlwind year for the 48 year old mother of two. Professionally, she enjoyed great success. Christina was awarded two promotions, which brought big pay raises along with many accolades for being a pioneering woman in a male dominated profession. Sadly, Christina’s home life was in disarray. She stopped by her husband’s office unannounced one afternoon only to catch him fucking his 24 year old secretary. Now that the divorce was final and the kids we’re with their dad for the summer as prescribed by the divorce decree, she finallh had a measure of freedom.
Christina had always wanted to explore the rugged coast of Maine. After months of researching, she found an adorable bed and breakfast run by a cute elderly couple. After a lengthy flight, she checked in at the Rose & Thorn Inn. Upon arrival she was greeted by Martha, a sweet grandmotherly woman with her grey hair firmly in a bun wearing a pink floral dress. Martha showed Christina to her room. The Rose & Thorn is a lovely home built by a judge in the late 1890s. It is a three story “U” shaped house wrapped around a small courtyard that featured a proper English garden. Christina’s room was on the third floor in the west wing. She had a small balcony that looked down on the lovely garden.
Martha’s husband Robert helped Christina carry her luggage up the two flights of stairs to her room. Being her first bed and breakfast experience, she offered Robert a tip when he dropped off her bags. “ah thanks miss,” Robert laughed. “Don’t tip me. I own the place. Truth be told I’d rather have you write us a good TripAdvisor review than a tip.” Christina laughed an promised to do just that!
As Robert closed the door behind him, Christina unpacked her bags. Then she changed out of the sweater and jeans she wore on the airplane into a sleek t-shirt, black leggings and a gray hoodie. Soon enough, Christina was out on a hiking trail enjoying the coastal views and fresh scents of pine and hemlock Maine is known for. upon returning to the inn, she drew a warm bath. After a thorough soak, she slipped into the lush white robe Martha left hanging in the closet for her and read a bit of a spicy romance novel before drifting to sleep.
After a restful night of sleep, Christina was awakened by a highly annoying alarm clock. She quickly threw on some jeans and a sweatshirt and wandered down to breakfast. The Rose & Thorn’s dining room was set up so guests had to share tables. Martha explained that way the guests could share their experiences in Maine and learn about fun things to do. Martha suggested Christina sit with Justin and Carmen, a young couple on their honeymoon.
Christina sat down and introduced herself. Justin and Carmen seemed to be in their late 20s. He was cute - in a small town boyish kind of way. His brown hair was neatly trimmed and tapered on the sides and back. Carmen had olive skin and dark hair and the most piercing brown eyes Christina had ever seen.
“I’m Justin and this is my wife Carmen” He said as Christina sat down.
“Nice to meet you!” Christina replied. “Martha said you were just married.”
“Yes! On Saturday!” Carmen giggled. “He wanted to show me the place he grew up during our honeymoon.”