People said pictures spoke a thousand words. Well, sometimes silence did too. And this quiet spoke volumes, although I couldn’t quite decipher what it communicated.
“There’s a free concert tonight at the park,” he said. “It’s only a few blocks from here. Wanna go?”
I tipped my head backward as surprise came over me. But, as I looked into his eyes, I saw genuine concern. Saying no probably would’ve been the right thing to do.
It wasn’t what I did.
“Sure.”
With a nod, he stepped aside, allowing me to walk next to him as we began our trek to the park. The walk was less than ten minutes, but it allowed me to breathe a little deeper. I didn’t want to be alone right then, even if it was just to walk next to someone in companionable silence.
It was a clear night and a handful of stars could be seen overhead.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Don said as we entered the park. “I’ve been craving one of these sausages on a roll for days, and you can’t let me eat alone.”
Even though it was nearing ten o’clock at night, the park was filled with chatter from couples walking around, a few children running or walking by their parents’ side. Music from a cover band streamed through speakers around the park, and there were food trucks galore.
“I skipped dinner. I probably should eat something.” I dug in my purse to pull out my wallet, but Don’s firm hand covered mine. A shiver ran through me, but I couldn’t identify what it was from.
“What are you doing?” he asked, glancing around like he was hiding something.
I stared at him like he was crazy. “I’m getting out my money to pay for my food.”
“Like hell you are.”
“I beg your pardon?”
He frowned. “Are you trying to have me look lame? Do you know how many firefighters are walking around out here? One of ‘em sees me with a woman paying for her food, and I’ll never live it down. No.” He adamantly shook his head. “I cannot have that. I have a reputation to maintain.”
I laughed. “Firefighters and their egos.”
“Damn straight.”
“It’s your money,” I griped “But make sure to get cheese fries with my sausage too.”
“Damn. You’re not a cheap date. Maybe I should’ve let you pay for your own food.”
I slapped his arm and we both laughed.
We walked and talked as we ate, looking around at the different vendors that came out to sell their items as concert goers strolled about. Every so often our arms would brush against one another’s, or shoulders. My stomach grew suspiciously warm whenever it happened.
“Don’t tell me they don’t sound like the cover band of a cover band trying to do a soundcheck.” Don looked around as if searching for the real talent. “Is this really who they have performing tonight?”
“You’re terrible,” I scolded, trying to keep the grin off my face.
“You hear it too. If they were the Jackson Five, you know Joe would’ve kicked all five of them out on their asses and started over again.”
I cracked up, holding my stomach. “You’re going to make me puke up what I just ate.”
“You better not. Those cheese fries were expensive.”
I snorted as I laughed. “They were good as hell too.”
He gave me a satisfied smile. My smile widened, and for the shortest while, there was no one else in the park.
Laughter from someone in the crowd pulled me from the moment.
“There’s a lot of people out tonight,” I said, looking around.
