A Chance Introduction #

A gentle breeze pushed down the dusty streets of Blackwater as the warmth of the afternoon sun beat down on the wide brimmed hat of Max Stonebridge.

Max stood quietly watching the people mingling in front of the saloon on the corner of the street. Voices and jubilation could be heard from the crowds of people that moved in and out.

Max, on the other hand, watched in silence. Not part of the events but simply an observer. He fidgets slightly from his position, leaning on a crate across and down the street from the Saloon. His gun belt clattering a bit as he did so.

He glances down and adjusts his sheriff’s badge so that it sat perfectly upright, and carefully rubbed at it with his sleeve to remove a slight smudge.

Max came to his full height, tugging on his plain but neat black vest to make sure it was straight, and adjusting his simple black silk tie that lay over a crisp white shirt. With a slight smile, he adjusted his wide brimmed hat to ensure it sat evenly on his head and started walking towards the boisterous crowd that was spilling out into the street in front of the saloon.

As he approached, he heard music as someone was energetically playing the worn piano inside. Carefully, he squeezed through the crowd.

People barely looked in his direction as he made his way inside. Everyone seemed to be caught up in their own conversations. He heard fragments of words and sentences as he pushed through. People excited about a wedding in the county, and a new business that was being opened by the new couple just north of town.

He made a mental note that he should go up there in a few days and see what the fuss was about.

“Hey Max!” a voice barely audible over the crowed called. Max, realizing he was in his own head, turned to the sound of the voice and brightened. The young bartender behind the bar was looking at him with a warm smile. “Hello Kez!” Max returned with a polite smile as he approached and leaned slightly onto the bar to be heard over the din inside the establishment. “What can I get you?” she asked, her smile still wide on her face. “You’re on duty, I see, but the coffee is fresh if you would like a cup.”

“Sure.” Max replied, nodding appreciatively.

Kez quickly slides a steaming fresh cup of coffee over the bar and with a wink, she says, “It’s on the house”.

Max smiles grows even more, and he tips his hat, “Why thank you, that is quite kind of you” he replies, taking the cup. “Not a problem, Max. It’s great to see you.” Kez returns brightly.

Before Max can reply, someone else grabs her attention, and she quickly moves across the bar to tend to them.

Max turns and looks across the crowd, sipping his strong coffee, savouring the rich liquid as he does. He moves to a slightly quieter part of the saloon to enjoy his drink, and which offers a good view of the room and the entrances.

As he sits in a simple wooden chair in the back of the room, he starts to take another sip. As he does so, he notices a new person entering the bar. And stops mid-sip.

A petite woman steps through the doors and quietly looks around. She stood out immediately in the crowd with raven black hair tied into a double braid, light, almost parchment white skin and a slight tint of rose across her slender cheeks. Her piercing, sharp eyes flitting from person to person.

She wore a simple black button up blouse who’s thin fabric hinted at breathtaking feminine curves, high, proud shoulders and a small tight waist. She also wore form-fitting black pants that seemed to enhance her stunningly shapely hips and legs.

As she moved farther into the saloon, she continued to glance around, eyes adjusting to the lower light.

Her eyes met Max’s. He froze like a deer caught in a bright light, cup halfway to his lips, already forgotten. The room seemed to disappear as she looked back at him, a playful glint in her eyes and the slightest hint of a smile on her small, supple, dark-tinted lips.

Time seemed to slow as he stared at her, cup still hovering. Before he realized it, she was standing in front of him.

“Hello there.” She started, a playful tone in her voice.

“H-h-h-i” Max stammers, realizing his situation.

Max quickly puts the coffee cup down on the nearby table, a bit louder than he would have liked, spilling a small amount of the liquid in the process. He stands up.

“I am Deputy Max Stonebridge” he manages to croak out through dry lips, managing an awkward smile.

“Amber.” she replies, looking at him with that still playful expression.

She holds out her hand and Max takes it in his and gives a respectful but gentle shake. The delicate, cool skin of her hands sending a seeming shock through his nerves.

Max looks around nervously at the crowd, still engrossed in their celebrations and conversations. “You here for whatever this is?” He asks, trying to regain composure.

Amber looks around as well, “No.” she replies, “But I am sure it is interesting.” she continues, looking across the room at a particularly excited group. “I just like to observe.” She looks back up at him with a twinkle in her eye. “Kind of like you”.

“Well, I suppose so.” Max replies, with a shrug. “It kinda comes with the job” He finishes abashedly.

“I suppose it does.” Amber agrees with a slight nod.

Max looks back at Amber, with a slight grin, “I think I need to get back to work” He says, in a tone that implies he doesn’t really want to. “Duty calls.”

“Okay.” She replies, seeming surprisingly disappointed, the smile fading slightly.

Noticing the change in expression, Max quickly follows up with “I will be back around soon, I just need to finish my patrols” he says.

She looks back at him, “Oh, I know you will” she quips, that playful expression sneaking back in, “I am sure I will see you soon”. She turns without another word and walks back out of the saloon. As she steps out of the bar, she looks back with a smirk, disappearing into the brightness outside.

Max, feeling suddenly flush, pats himself down. Straightens his vest again and steps outside into the dusty streets of Blackwater. The hot summer air feeling oddly refreshing all of a sudden.