Two full glasses of water were placed over a circular table. A tray of fresh fruits were arranged nicely in a cobalt blue tray. The windows were wide open to let in some fresh air; Teddy was standing in front of them to push back the drapes a little bit more. “I brought out some fruit in case you are tempted,” he said with his back to me. “I know you don’t have much time, but I thought it might be nice to have something in your stomach.”

“I might take this banana,” I mused aloud. “I could eat it on the bus ride home.”

“Bus ride home,” Teddy chuckled. “You’re not serious, are you?”

“It is the same one I took to get here.”

“Yes, but it is hot,” he said as a way of an excuse. “And I have no bus stops around here.”

“I know.” He turned around to face me now, letting his lower back lean against the edge of the counter. “I had to ask the bus driver to stop me at the bottom of your hill.”

“And you walked all the way up here?”

“Yes, but I enjoy the exercise.”

Teddy walked over to his table. A chair was pushed outwards and then he took a quiet seat next to me. “Daphne has a car,” he noted. “I can drive you somewhere.”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“I don’t think you should be lingering out there alone.” He licked at his bottom lip. “And it’s hot.”

“Yes, but it’s not summer yet.”

“And you are a woman,” he entreated. “A woman standing in the middle of nowhere alone.” Teddy reached for his glass of water, compelling me to do the same. “I will not stand for it. I was raised better than that.”

“Perhaps…”

the outside of his glass, while he altered his gaze between the clear glass

off at the main bus

I could

him. Teddy stared at me intently, letting his eyes focus on my hair that was now down to the tops of my shoulders. “I could drive you after every shift this week,” he nervously pointed out. “And if

that is

care for your

excuse to fill up the awkward pause. I thought it best

still need to complete the trimming to his hedges at the back. “I

I entreated. “Though driving me to the station after twelve will ensure I have enough time to grab a quick

could bring your lunch and eat here,” he suggested. “Or I could… I could

“That really isn’t needed.”

he voiced out to my surprise.

are my

me in a higher tone of

face was suddenly deadpan, hardly expressing any emotions at

remember the amount of times I have forgotten to have a

my glass of water upon the table. Teddy’s hands balled up together,

closed.” His fists gradually grew less tense, and soon he was laying the flats of his hands against the

I pleaded. He watched me gulp down the water rapidly. I let out a short exhale once I was done and placed the glass hard down on the

over the table to be positioned next to his own. Teddy retrieved the two empty glasses and immediately turned his large back to me. I watched him dowse it in dish soap,

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