I'm Walking on Sunshine [Ali x Finley]

Ali hated driving to the airport in the city early in the morning but, as much as she would have liked, Breckenwood Airfield was not large enough to accommodate the transatlantic heavyweight aircraft needed to fly in the imports from Europe. And so, someone had to go and pick up the horse from the cargo hold, sign the papers and ensure the creature passed a vet inspection before bringing it back to Whittemore. With Charles stuck with a bank meeting he could not move and Luther accommodating extra lessons and rides, Ali had volunteered to go, seeing as she was already quite familiar with the process after importing her three mares. What she had not realized was how early she would have to be at the barn, hooking up the three horse slant load to the barn’s truck. The sun had barely broken the darkness when she started towards the city, aiming to beat the morning rush.

At least the weather promised to be beautiful - the cool spring air was bitter but there was barely a cloud in the sky and, if the weathermen were to be trusted, it would be a rather warm day. Ali certainly hoped so as she waited for the barn hands to finish, glad for the trucks heated seats and steering wheel. Double checking the paperwork, she started off, waving to Charles as she drove out the driveway with a slight smirk. The owner of Whittemore owned her for this, she grinned as she followed the GPS, though her heart wasn’t into keeping score. Deep down, she missed being part of the barn and its operations. She had gotten so used to it in France, eventually subbing in as barn manager whenever the owner was away, it felt strange to be just a boarder. Perhaps it was for the best, she wondered, her mind replaying the gala and the scenes since then. One day, she would run a barn of her own, probably far away from Whittemore.

Groaning, she shook her head, her fingers tightening over the steering wheel till her knuckles turned white. She absolutely refused to let her mind be stuck in the constant loop that involved three men haunting her past and present. Today, she was not going to let them bring her down. Her stomach grumbled in agreement before reminding her that it wanted sustenance. Looking at the clock, she reached for her cellphone.

“Her Siri, find a good coffee shop on route,” Ali barely glanced at the phone. A few seconds passed before the device vibrated.

“Amelia’s Cafe has a 4.9 star review out of 5. It is on the way to the International Airport, Cargo Bay. Would you like to add destination to existing route?”

“Yes,” Ali rolled her eyes at the phone.

“Rerouting….Please take the third exit and turn right at the lights.” The GPS redrew itself to align with the new directions, gently signalling that the exit was coming up. Checking her mirrors, the blonde moved the rig to the right lane before getting off the highway and following the rather complex instructions to the cafe. After three turns and 2 streetlights, Ali was praising both her experience driving on the narrow french roads and the foresight of the Americans for their desire to build everything three sizes too big. Without her morning java, she was starting to feel anxious as small sedans and mini SUVs passed her RAM and trailer, a few drivers raising their eyebrows in her direction. Ignoring them, she made the final left turn into the plaza and found an ideal spot, taking over two parking spaces that would allow her to drive out straight afterwards.

As her boots hit the pavement, Ali stretched and sighed, squinting into the sunrise. Grabbing her purse from the passenger seat, she slammed the door, locking it with a fob key and striding towards what looked like a quaint dinner full of locals. The warm smell of quality coffee, fresh bacon and maple syrup greeted her as soon as she pushed the door, making her sigh with pleasure and her stomach to growl in approval. This was a very good idea. Sliding into an empty booth by the window, Ali pulled off her jacket as a waitress came over with a menu and a pot of hot americano.

“Welcome to Amelia’s Cafe. Some coffee to get you started sweety?”

“Yes please,” Ali flipped the cup on her table and it was immediately filled with steaming black liquid. Grinning, the blonde added two creme containers and a packet of sugar. “You are a life savior.”


“Oh, nothing of it sweet. Name is Jane. I’ll give you a few minutes to get acquainted with the menu and be back to grab your order.”

“Mhm,” Ali nodded as she brought the cup to her mouth, closing her eyes as she savoured the hot drink, the liquid warming her to the very soul. Taking another sip, Ali ideally glanced at the offerings before sighing and turning her attention to the outside, hazel-green eyes far away and lost in thought.

Made by Time Lapse of Adoxgraphy.