He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a steady gaze and a bit of silver at his temples. He gave the teenagers a look that made them suddenly remember they had somewhere else to be. Mumbling something that might have been an apology, the boys scurried off. The man turned to Allison, and seeing her trembling lip, he gave her a warm, slightly sheepish smile.
— “I am so sorry about that. I should have spoken up sooner,” he said. — “It’s not your fault,” Allison managed, trying to regain her composure. — “Well, I was the nearest adult. I feel responsible for the lack of manners in the younger generation.”
He looked at the mess on the sidewalk and made a quick decision. — “Tell you what. Don’t move. Just stay right here in the shade. I’m going to fix this. I’ll be back in two minutes with a replacement—a better one!” — “Oh, no, please, you don’t have to do that, I’m a mess…” Allison started to protest.
— “I insist,” he said firmly, his eyes holding a kindness that was hard to argue with. — “There’s a bench right there under the oak tree. Take a breath. I’ll be right back. Promise you won’t disappear!”
Before she could say another word, he was jogging back toward the market. Allison watched him go, feeling a strange mix of confusion and curiosity. “This is ridiculous,” she thought. “I should just go.” But something kept her there. She walked over to the bench and sat down.
As she waited, she watched the tourists go by—happy families, young couples holding hands. Usually, it would have stung, but now she was distracted. Would he actually come back?
— “Mission accomplished!” a cheerful voice called out. Her “rescuer” reappeared, looking a bit winded but triumphant. He was carrying a watermelon even larger than the first one, cradling it like a trophy.
— “I had to interview three different melons to find the perfect candidate,” he panted, his smile infectious. — “Where are we delivering this prize?” Allison couldn’t help but laugh. His energy was exactly what she needed.
— “Thank you so much. This is incredibly kind… I’m staying at The Tides, just around the block.” — “The Tides? Great spot. I’m David, by the way.” — “Allison,” she said, standing up and smoothing her sundress.
They walked toward the inn, falling into an easy conversation. — “Are you here with family, Allison?” David asked. — “No, just a solo trip to reset. I’m from Atlanta.” — “Small world. I’m an Atlanta guy myself,” he said, glancing at her right hand. — “And I’m guessing, based on the solo trip, that you’re enjoying some hard-earned peace?”
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