Chapter 40 Walks
CHAPTER 40
Walks..
The night air was calm and cool when Ruby and Leo finally stepped out of the apartment building. After dinner and the long conversation about culinary school, Ruby had felt too restless to remain inside. The excitement bubbling in her chest refused to settle.
Leo had noticed immediately.
“You look like someone who drank ten cups of coffee,” he had said while putting on his coat.
Ruby had laughed.
“I’m just excited.”
So instead of spending the night indoors, they decided to take a walk.
The city lights shimmered across the streets as they walked side by side along the quiet sidewalk. It was late enough that the busy rush of the evening had faded, but not so late that the streets were empty. A few cars passed occasionally, and the soft glow from store windows lit their path.
Carl followed a few steps behind them, maintaining his usual silent vigilance.
Ruby clasped her hands behind her back as she walked, her steps was light.
“I still can’t believe it,” she said for what felt like the tenth time that night.
Leo glanced at her.
“You’ve said that already.”
Ruby grinned.
“And I’ll probably say it twenty more times.”
Leo smirked faintly but didn’t reply.
They passed a small street shop that displayed fresh fruits and snacks outside. The colorful arrangement immediately caught Ruby’s attention.
“Oh!” she said suddenly, stopping.
Leo halted beside her.
“What is it?”
Ruby walked toward the stall, her eyes scanning the baskets eagerly.
Fresh strawberries, oranges, bananas, and small containers of berries were arranged neatly on the wooden table.
The elderly shopkeeper smiled warmly.
“Good evening.”
Ruby smiled back.
“Good evening!”
She picked up a small container of strawberries, examining them carefully.
“These look good,” she said.
Leo watched her with quiet amusement.
“You’re already shopping for ingredients?”
Ruby looked at him proudly.
“A future chef must always observe food.”
Leo shook his head slightly.
“Buy them if you want.”
Ruby turned back to the shopkeeper.
“I’ll take these.”
The man packed the strawberries into a small bag and handed them over.
Ruby paid quickly before Leo could interfere.
“You didn’t let me pay.” Leo raised an eyebrow.
Ruby lifted the bag triumphantly. “I can buy strawberries myself.”
Leo chuckled softly. “Impressive.”
They continued walking down the street.
Ruby opened the bag and popped one strawberry into her mouth.
Her eyes widened immediately. “Oh wow.”
Leo looked at her. “Good?”
She nodded quickly. “Very good.”
She held one out toward him.
Leo looked at it suspiciously. “You’re offering me street strawberries.”
“Yes.”
Leo stared at it for a moment before finally taking it. He tasted it.
Ruby watched his reaction eagerly. “Well?”
Leo chewed slowly. “…Not bad.”
Ruby laughed.
“High praise.”
They kept walking.
Soon they passed a small bakery with a bright window display filled with pastries.
Ruby immediately slowed down.
Leo noticed. “You’re staring again.”
Ruby pressed her hands lightly against the glass window, looking at the cakes and bread inside like a fascinated child.
“Look at that croissant,” she whispered.
Leo followed her gaze. “You just had dinner.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t admire pastries.”
Leo sighed. “You’re impossible.”
Ruby turned to him with sparkling eyes.
“Can we go inside?”
Leo already knew the answer didn’t matter.
She was going in either way.
“Fine,” he said.
Ruby pushed open the bakery door happily. A bell chimed softly above them as they stepped inside. The sweet smell of freshly baked bread immediately filled the air. Ruby looked around in awe.
Rows of cakes, muffins, cookies, and pastries lined the glass display counters.
“This place is amazing,” she murmured.
Leo leaned casually against the counter while she examined everything with intense focus.
The young baker behind the counter smiled.
“Can I help you?”
Ruby pointed excitedly.
“That croissant… and that chocolate tart… and those macarons.”
Leo watched as she quickly selected more items than expected.
“Planning to feed an army?” he asked.
Ruby ignored him.
“Also two cinnamon rolls,” she added.
The baker began packing everything neatly into boxes.
Leo reached for his wallet this time.
Ruby noticed. “You don’t have to—”
Leo gave her a look. “Ruby…….” he said slowly.
She sighed. “Fine.”
A few minutes later they walked back outside carrying a box of pastries.
Ruby held it carefully like it contained treasure.
“You know,” Leo said, “if culinary school doesn’t work out, you could open a bakery.”
Ruby gasped. “That’s actually my dream.”
Leo raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
She nodded excitedly. “Yes! A small cafe where I cook everything myself.”
Leo looked thoughtful. “What would you call it?”
Ruby blinked. “I… haven’t decided yet.”
Leo smirked.
“You should start thinking about it.”
They continued walking through the softly lit streets.
Ruby suddenly stopped again when she spotted a small kitchen supply store that was still open.
Her eyes lit up.
Leo noticed immediately. “…No.”
Ruby turned to him. “Please?”
“You already bought strawberries and pastries.”
“This is different!” Ruby said giving him a baby face.
Leo sighed deeply. “Five minutes.”
Ruby smiled triumphantly and rushed inside.
The store was filled with cooking utensils, knives, measuring cups, and baking tools. Ruby walked through the aisles like a child in a toy store. She picked up a small whisk.
“Look how cute this is.”
Leo looked at the tiny whisk. “It’s a whisk.”
“It’s a cute whisk.”
Leo rubbed his forehead.
She then grabbed a set of measuring spoons. “Oh! These are perfect.”
Leo leaned against a shelf, watching her. “You’re going to buy the whole store.”
Ruby grinned. “Just a few things.”
A few minutes later she walked to the counter with a small basket filled with kitchen tools.
Leo didn’t even bother protesting this time.
After paying, they stepped outside again.
Ruby looked extremely satisfied.
“You’re very happy tonight,” Leo said.
Ruby nodded.
“I am.”
She looked up at the night sky for a moment.
Then she turned to him. “Thank you for walking with me.”
Leo shrugged lightly. “You needed the air.”
Ruby smiled softly. “And the strawberries, pastries, and the whisk.”
Leo chuckled. “Yes. Clearly.”
They began walking back toward the apartment building.
The city lights reflected softly on the pavement, and the night felt calm and peaceful.
Ruby hugged the small bag of kitchen tools to her chest.
Her future suddenly felt closer than ever.
And beside her, Leo walked quietly, watching her with a faint smile he didn’t even realize he was wearing.