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“Shit.” I realize the time. “The last train back to Enfield leaves in half an hour.”
“That’s plenty of time!” Delaney waves her hand to brush off my comment, refusing to see the urgency. “Delaney Matthews never misses a train, and that is not about to change.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”
My comment provokes a subtle smile to appear on her lips. It’s a small gesture that represents the sole reason why I’m not completely stressed about missing this ride back.
“Then what are you waiting for?” I hadn’t realized she’d strode on ahead, leaving me standing still as I watch her make her way. “You won’t catch the train moving at that speed.”
I roll my eyes at her comment, but she’s gone before I know it, skipping around the corner at the end of the street. I’d just started to jog after her when I heard her scream out, “Oh my goodness!”
My heart drops at the sound of her shriek, and suddenly, my feet have picked up as I race after her.
“Delaney?!” I shout before I’m around the bend. “Delaney? Are you alright?”
As I round the corner, I’m met with the sight of her covering her mouth in what seems like shock.
“Oh my gosh, Warren!” She squeals excitedly, waving me over. “Can you believe it? I love stores like this!”
I let out a breath of relief at her tone, slowing my pace as I walk over to her. A part of me hadn’t known exactly what I would’ve done if something had happened to her—despite the irking reminder that if anyone tried to harm her, it would be game over.
As I stand beside her, I finally take in what incited this outburst of excitement—only to realize we’re standing in front of what must be the tackiest gift shop in the city.
You’re kidding.
Is this the same girl who, hours earlier, had her credit card in hand while still standing outside of a luxury clothing boutique?
“Stores likethis?” I clarify, trying to suppress the raging concern that feigns to break free from my voice.
She nods with an abundance of enthusiasm. Her eyes are sparkling bright as if she’s looking at the most prized possession of all time—not a sign that says, “everything for a pound.”
“Let’s go in!” She urges me to follow. “I want to take a look.”
“Delaney…” I try to shake my head to refute the thought, but I can’t resist her pleading eyes drawing me in.
Fuck the train. I’d walk home if it meant she’d continue to look at me with those eyes all night.
“C’mon!” She steps inside the shop—the bell rings as she swings open the door. I’m quick to catch up, following her aimlessly as she weaves her way through the small aisles.
“All this stuff is made of shite plastic. Even a pound is overpricing half of it.”
“Oh, hush!” she scolds me—and for the first time in my life, I don’t mind being told what to do. “It’s the memories that matter, Warren.”
I’m left silenced, watching as she carefully assesses each item, holding them so delicately between her fingers before her eyes catch a glimpse of something across the way, and she’s off before I know it.
“You know, you really need to slow down?—”
Delaney holds up a hand to cut me off before raising a bracelet up in my direction. Her eyes are like magic as I reach her.
“This is it,” she announces. “We’re getting these.”
“We’re?” I’m inclined to repeat a keyword in her statement.
She nods proudly, picking up a matching set.
The bracelet is the most obnoxious thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s a boisterous blue color with splashes of red—creative—and the phrase “I love London” written in bolded white letters. To top it all off, in case you hadn’t realized where London was, we’ve got a union jack, just to signify that we are, as if I could forget, in England.
Great.
