Her eyes sparkled. She fairly bubbled with life, joy, and everything good.
“I try not to lie,” she said primly before a mischievous smile stole over her face. “Besides, I like your grumpiness.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. You’re stuck with me.”
We grinned stupidly at each other until the volunteer encouraged us to move to the next tent. After we finished the exhibit, she threaded her fingers in mine.
“Thank you,” she said. “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Art.”
“I guess so.” The corners of her lips drooped. “I’d forgotten.”
“Nah, it’s still there. You’ll find it.”
She squeezed my hand. I expected her to drop it then, but she didn’t. We wandered through the festival for a little longer until she sighed deeply.
“Okay, I’ve got to head out. I should have gone already, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave any earlier.”
I totally forgot she had to work. Obviously, the Tavern made good money during festival weekends, and they needed her.
“You don’t have your car,” I said stupidly.
“Nope. I waited too long, but it’ll be fine.”
“I’ll pick you up after work.”
“Don’t be silly. You need to decompress after being around so many people.”
“Eh, it wasn’t so bad since I was with you.”
It was too late to take it back. Instead of being uncomfortable, though, Dani was pleased by my revelation.
“Okay,” she agreed softly.
“And I’ll walk you to work.”
She laughed, incredulous, and I shrugged.
“There are a lot of people around. I’ll rest easier if I know you made it safely.”
She grinned and curled her hand around my arm again. We walked the ten minutes from the square to the tavern mostly in silence, but it was comfortable.
Once I ensured she made it to work, I went back through the festival though I could have easily skirted it. It was different without Dani, but she colored how I viewed everything. Eventually, I found myself outside the silversmith tent.
“Ah, the young lover,” the silversmith said with a gleam in her eye.
“Nah, we’re just friends.”
“Yet here you are.”
I didn’t consciously set out to return here, but I assumed the ring was long gone. Now I had to admit I hoped it would still be here so I could get it for Dani.
After a long moment, she said, “We still have the ring the young lady admired if you’re interested in it.”
