Fandango’s Story Starter

This week’s Story Starter teaser is:

Anna always hated chocolate, so she was surprised and a little confused to find herself standing outside of the quaint chocolate shop on the outskirts of town. It never occurred to her that when she attended the Magic Street Festival a few days before that someone she met there could influence her life. Anna usually kept away from such gatherings, always a little suspicious of the store front booths asking to come inside and “see your future revealed” and other claims. Her friends at work talked her into going and she had to admit she had a good time. More importantly, she met a very interesting man at a candy store display. Anna liked candied fruit and other concoctions, but chocolates were never on her list. This man seemed instantly attracted to her and she also felt a sort of magnetism towards him.

Anna’s friends kidded her a while and then left her talking to the man selling chocolate. After an hour or so, Anna realized she had been conversing with this stranger for quite a while and had disclosed personal feelings as if he was some type of therapist. She was suddenly embarrassed and turned away and walked back to the group of her friends.

A few days passed and Anna was busy at work, but decided to take a walk to find some lunch. She found herself standing in front of the stranger’s chocolate shop once again. Immediately she backed up but an arm gently surrounded her and pulled her to the door. She let herself be taken inside the establishment and felt instantly at home. The man she met days earlier stepped back and said “welcome back! I hoped I would see you again.” Anna didn’t know what to say but she felt comfortable in his presence and being inside the shop. There was a small table and chairs set up and he gestured for her to sit. He quickly provided a hot cup of tea—mysteriously, her favorite blend. Anna did not feel anxious at all, but wondered how he knew. He then sat a small plate of delicately designed chocolates on the table. To her surprise, Anna took one and loved it. She savored it slowly, almost sensually, and that is when their love story began.

***