Edwardus rolled over in the bed while reaching out. His eyes popped opened when his hand came up empty. He sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes and took a look around remembering he was no longer at home. For the past few months he had gotten so use to waking up with a woman in his bed. This feeling of being alone was almost alien to him. He pushed back the covers and stretched as he walked over to the glass door and threw the curtains open. He was glad for the solitude because he was one to only sleep in the nude.

He walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower and brushed his teeth then wondered out to the kitchen to make some breakfast since the diner in town didn't quite serve anything his appetite often craved. He silently thanked his childhood nanny for his acquired cooking skills.

After putting his breakfast casserole into the oven to bake. He searched around for the milk and sugar so he could make himself some Latte macchiato.

Halfway through his breakfast there was a knock on the door forcing him to leave his breakfast to answer the door. When he pulled the door open he was greeted by a older woman that looks to be in her early or middle fifties. Her eyes slightly crinkled at the corners as she looked up at him with a friendly smile.

"You must be Edward. I'm Martha the woman who rented you this beach house"

"Oh of course nice to meet you. Please do come in"

He stepped aside so she could go last him then he closed the door.

"Oh my! I've interrupted your breakfast I'm so sorry dear"

"That's alright ma'am. Would you like to join me?"

For a minute she looked surprised at his invitation and that made him feel good because its not something he would ever find himself doing.

"Sure dear that would be lovely since I haven't gotten around to eating yet"

He pulled out a chair for her to sit as he went back to the kitchen to disk a plate of casserole for her.

As she took her first bite her eyes flew to his face with a smile.

"This is quite the casserole you have here! Why its the best I've ever tasted"

"Thank you ma'am"

Pleased he went back to his own meal and finished the last of it in no time.

"I'm happy my daughter found the time to buy you some grocery yesterday. I would have done it myself but my Johnathan and I were out of town for our anniversary weekend"

"Rose is your daughter then?"

"Yes. Its hard to tell because she takes after her father in appearance"

"Oh I see"

At his response she gave him a curious look.

"I hope she was polite to you. I know she can be a lits closed off with strangers"

"She was very helpful ma'am"

"You're both alike in that regard"

"What do you mean?"

"You're very closed off"

"I apologize ma'am. I've had some bad experiences where strangers are concerned"

"Yes. Very my like my daughter"

Edward found himself wanting to ask what bad experience Rose has had with strangers but he stayed quiet and waited as she finished eating her meal.

"My compliments to the chef" she said as her finished eating.

"Thank you"

"Your mother must be proud"

"I'm afraid my mother has no place taking credit for my knowledge of cooking. It was my childhood nanny who thought me how to cook"

"Oh I see"

He suddenly felt like squirming in his seat as she stared unblinkinky at him. He's never squirmed under the penetrating looks of anyone and he's been in the presence of some if the most powerful men and women in the world. Yet it takes this friendly old woman with too curious eyes to have him feeling like his biggest secret is about to be revealed.

"I fully understand"

"No disrespect man but I very much doubt that"

"My dear you'd be surprised. Don't hold it against her though. Some persons just aren't cut out to be parents."

Edwardus blinked at her in surprised. No one has ever spoken about his mother like this in his presence. Even though it was the truth.

"I try not to. She doesn't make it easy though"

"Well its her lost. I get the feeling you're a really fine young man"

"Thank you"

"Well dear our little town might not have the type of things your use to but I'm positive you'll enjoy it here. Get out and meet the town folks. There are some friendly people in this town"

"Yes I met some at the diner yesterday"

"Oh well that's nice. I hope you didn't let Zelda scared you from going back out"

He chuckled and smiled at that.

"She is quite the character. I'm sure I'll be back out soon though. Thank you for your concern"

"No thanks necessary. You remind me of my own children. Its always nice to add another one to my flock. I must be going though. I only came by to formally meet you since our business was only done over the phone"

"It's really nice meeting you ma'am"

"Likewise my dear. You have my number and also my address. Stop by or call if you need anything"

"I will"

"As a matter of fact come by later for dinner. Seven o'clock should be good"

"No please I don't want to intrude"

"I insist. It will be a little welcome to Hollyville dinner. Just me and my husband. My children stops by occasionally but there's no promise for tonight. See you later dear"

Edwardus walked her to the door and waved as she backed out of the driveway in her green pickup truck.

Both mother and daughter as left quite the effect here. One makes me want to run for the hills and the other makes me want to opened up and pour my heart out like a patient sitting in a psychiatrist's office.

He sighed and closed the door as he went back inside to clear the table and find something to do for the day.

Until dinner at least.