Delilah and Tom - Present and Past

Delilah and Thomas spend the rest of the afternoon walking in and out of stores. There is a lot of undressing and dressing, lots of comments and laughter, but in the end there are only a few bags in their hands, most of them are for him.

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They got along well from the very first day they met. An accidental brush of arms when they crossed the street, led them to stop and look at each other as if to measure their strength while ignoring the wave of people passing by. It was a push from a distracted person who broke the moment and caused Delilah to hit hard with her nose on Thomas’ chest. His scent was dry and pleasant, she took a deep breath to smell it again at the same time a pink mist could be seen between them. His strong hands pulled her away from his body, and without letting go, he slightly lowered his head to look at her face inquisitively.

- Are you fine?

She nodded and put her hand on her nose still stinging from the impact.

- I didn't know that there are already men made of iron and that they walk around…

- Huh? I didn’t catch your words…

- Yes, how do you justify such a tough body? It's either a machine or a shield under the shirt...

- Or a wooden doll that grew up and is now a man...

They looked each other in the eyes and smiled.

- Do you have time for tea? Allow me to treat you.

- I have all the time in the world, Miss. I am a gentleman, so I shall pay the check. It is not right to be the other way around.

- Miss… - Delilah wrinkles her nose and squints her eyes - For that chivalry, I'm going to add a slice of cake to your account.

- Fair enough ... After so many years, it is good to find someone like me ... You are a nice surprise.

The conversation, together with tea and a slice of cake, extended to dinner and ended in the street outside of her house under a gas lamp. The neighbours peeked with candles in front of their faces and commented that the spinster had someone attached to her skirt after all and that only a tramp didn't mind being courted on the street.

Thomas takes her hand and touches it with his lips.

- You can't give me the love I search for, but will you at least give me the pleasure of your friendship in the near future?

- Absolutely ... the time you want.