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Austin grinned, his eyes locking onto mine. “He loved the idea. Said he’d be thrilled to see what you come up with."
A wave of elation washed over me. The opportunity to design a label for a renowned brand was beyond anything I had hoped for. “Austin, that’s… that’s amazing!” I exclaimed, overwhelmed. “Thank you so much.”
Geraldo clapped his hands together in delight. “Ah, our Paisley’s talents are already being recognized!”
Lou winked at me, her smile sly. “Seems like you’ve made quite an impression on someone.”
Marco laughed, raising his canteen glass. “To new beginnings and wonderful opportunities.”
Everyone cheered, and I found myself blushing under the weight of their collective gaze. But Austin’s was the one I felt most acutely. His smile, warm and sincere, held a promise of things yet to come.
The day's work had left a thin layer of dust and grime on my skin, but I felt invigorated by the labor and the camaraderie of the team. My feet led me into the heart of Valle di Sole, keen on stocking up my pantry, still sparse from the move. The rustic charm of the town's grocery store, with its wooden sign hanging precariously above the entrance, beckoned.
As I pushed open the door, the scent of fresh produce and spices wafted towards me. I made my way down the aisles, picking up a basket and letting my senses guide me. Fresh bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil; I was already planning a hearty meal in my mind.
Lost in thought and perusing a shelf of locally made olive oils, I was jolted back to reality by a familiar voice.
"Trying to play gourmet chef tonight?"
I looked up to find Austin leaning casually against the end of the aisle, a playful grin on his face. Those striking blue eyes regarded me with amusement.
Startled, I laughed, "Maybe. Thought I'd try and put together something that doesn't come in a box for once."
He chuckled, pushing off from the shelf and moving closer. "Need any recommendations? I know a thing or two about cooking."
My eyebrows raised in surprise, “Really? I would’ve never guessed. Alright, chef Austin, what’s on the menu then?”
He pretended to mull it over, tapping a finger on his chin. "How about a classic pasta aglio e olio? Simple, but delicious. And I bet you've already got most of the ingredients."
Intrigued, I nodded. "Sounds perfect. Lead the way."
We moved through the store, Austin suggesting items here and there. As we chatted, the topic naturally shifted to the label design. "Have any ideas yet?" he asked, glancing at me as he picked up a bulb of garlic.
"A few," I admitted, "I’ve been sketching some preliminary designs. Wanting to capture the spirit of Valle di Sole, you know?"
His eyes shone with genuine interest. "I'd love to see them when you're ready. This place... it's special. And I think with your talent, you'll do it justice."
Blushing, I smiled. "Thank you, Austin. That means a lot."
We continued our shopping, the conversation flowing easily between us. It felt like we'd known each other for ages. When we finally reached the checkout counter, I started unloading my basket, only to find Austin had slipped his items in with mine.
"Hey!" I protested, "What are you doing?"
He shrugged innocently, "Just thought I'd chip in. Consider it a thank you for taking on the label project."
I rolled my eyes. “Really? You’re thanking me for an opportunity you gave me?”
“Absolutely.”
I tried to argue, pulling out my wallet, but Austin was quicker, handing over his card to the cashier. His eyes met mine with a stubborn determination that told me he wasn't about to back down.
Relenting, I sighed, "Fine. But only this once, alright?"
His smile was triumphant. "Deal."
The evening sun cast a warm golden hue on the streets of Valle di Sole. The town seemed to bask in its amber light, the little shops and buildings painted in rich tones that made the world feel a tad more magical. As Austin and I approached my car, parked in a small lot a short distance from the grocery store, the weight of the shopping bags in my hands felt lighter. Maybe it was the easy camaraderie or the undeniable chemistry between us.
I began to load the bags into the trunk, grateful for the spaciousness of my little hatchback. Austin, being the gentleman he was, quickly stepped in to help, placing a few heavier bags inside.
