Once we were away from the street, around the corner and onto an empty one, I took a breath, almost laughing.
“I really don’t know how you could hear me over all that!”
He laughed. “I was watching you! That’s all!”
“Absolutely mental, how much of a ruckus they make! Hahhh…”
Straightening myself, I cleared my throat, sore from all the yelling. The parade could still be heard, echoing off the walls that encased us. I realised I was alone with this man on a wide open street.
“I’d love to visit your garden, if you’d be so willing,” Charlie contemplated, returning to an earlier discussion.
“Oh… Well, I’ve got guests over at the moment, sorry.”
“No trouble.”
It felt a bit rude, but I quickly convinced myself it was a reasonable out. My sister was back over with her niece, or however that story went.
“Is there anywhere else you’d be willing to show me, then?”
“Hm?”
“Anywhere around Redford forest and such.”
“Oh… I…”
I stopped to think, judging if I could spare the time away from home. It was not particularly ideal, as I still did not know how much Alice needed me. Not to mention I did not have any actual interest in touring this man around the countryside. I reminded myself I was talking with someone who was really just a stranger.
Then I remembered Alice was unattended right now. With this quick market trip a bust, I should really be heading back.
“I’d love to, but I really can’t make any other commitments right now.”
“Ah… I see.” For once, he seemed disappointed.
“I do hope you understand. I’ve been absolutely swamped with responsibilities as of late.”
“Business is doing well, I presume?”
I sighed. “I’d say it is, yes. Not too terribly busy over there, but then I’ve also got my niece to take care of back at home.”
“Oh dear,” he pronounced. “I didn’t realise.”
I nodded. I felt my feet take a few steps back, drifting away from him, and stopped myself. “Sorry. And now that I know the market is closed, I should be on my way back.”
Thankfully, he nodded along, and acceded to my appeal. “Do so. And I’ll see what interesting areas I could explore next.”
“Thank you.”
“I do hope we run into each other again. Happy to share my experiences if we do!”
“Happy to hear them!” With one last smile, I turned around and hurried down the street, away from the man and away from the parade.