Post
by Marlowe » August 3rd, 2022, 7:21 pm
Quincy hurried by the produce stall but stopped in his tracks, sending the shop a double take. In a glance he took in all what seemed off: the prices plaque was nowhere to be seen and half the crates had been nailed shut. Mathilda was on her stool, hammering the lid of a crate on her lap. She glanced up, nodding lightly.
"Hello, Quincy", she said, her breathy voice passing through a couple of nails she squeezed between her lips.
"Mathilda, what's all this?", he motioned to the empty shelves. She reached for the nails on her mouth.
"I'm closing zis shop", she said, offering a modest grin. He furrowed his brow, still focusing his attention on the sealed crates piled by her side.
"But why...?".
"I have enough now", she said, not looking up from the hammering. "Besides, zis place is too noisy. Carts, criers, last-minute deals...", she shook her head and smiled. Quincy just stared.
"Does this have anything to do with me severing our partnership?", he asked, pulling his bonnet off.
"No. I bought a house on a hill west of here. I hear birds zere in ze morning. Enough noise".
He watched her sink a small nail with a series of poundings. When Mathilda flipped the crate on her lap to work on the opposite side, he put on the bonnet and turned to leave. However, he didn't take another step towards the exit.
"We still didn't have that dinner", he said, turning with a goofy smile. "How's that sound?". She raised her gaze, watching Quincy as he straightened his doublet, which actually didn't need any straightening. Then she put her elbow on the crate and rested her chin on a palm.
"Why now?".
"Because if we are all islands, then I want to build better bridges", he said, promptly. A smile slowly crept upon her features.
"Okay".
He lifted a couple of crates as Mathilda tossed a leather satchel over her shoulder, both aiming for the hedged threshold.
"Now you'll know what street cuisine is all about!", he said, winking at her as they walked side by side.
"Didn't know zat was a thing".
"I can make a mean duck with sweet carrots on the side that I learned in Greatport. You'll thank me later!".
"In zat case, I will just have some water", she said, smirking.
"I'm hurt!", he halted, contorting his face with exaggerated bewilderment, but smiled afterwards. "Well, maybe we just get some of Miss Wandren's pot roast, then".
"Maybe...".
They went on talking their way to dinner, elbows interlocked as at some point Mathilda slid hers under Quincy's. The remaining crates could wait until tomorrow.
~~Fin~~