Chapter 22: Old Stories
After enjoying a proper dinner, Leon finished the last sip of his peach juice. Leaning contentedly against the bar counter, he quietly watched Emily tidying up.
Emily soon became aware of his gaze. At first, she didn’t think much of it, but as his eyes lingered, her movements grew more and more stiff.
Eventually, unable to bear his stare, Emily set down the plate in her hands, glared at him in shy irritation, and asked, “Why do you keep staring at me?”
“My stomach’s full, my material needs have been met, so shouldn’t my spiritual needs follow?” Leon didn’t seem at all concerned and teased her with a grin. “You’re not going to kick me out just for that, are you?”
Emily was at a loss for words. She simply turned her head away in frustration, refusing to meet his eyes as if to protest in silence.
But the next moment, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Leon stand up. It looked like he was about to leave the saloon.
This surprised her. She asked without thinking, “You’re leaving already?”
“Yeah. Goodbye, Emily. Oh, and tell Gus I said his fish rolls were delicious.” Leon gave a small nod, waved, and left the Starfruit Saloon in his usual casual manner.
Emily watched his retreating figure until he completely disappeared from sight. Only then did she come back to her senses. She glanced at the door, then at the yellow daffodil stuck in the wine bottle, and muttered under her breath while biting her lip, “What a strange guy.”