The Prodigal Son - Open

Celeste regarded him with a tilted chin as he spoke, perhaps there was little of mystery about him, he certainly appeared to be a fairly open person. That really meant little to her, appearances were often deceiving. While reading people was far from her forte, Celeste knew enough about the world to know that the image presented was not always all there was. Things were always more clear on paper, in stories, the character had there inner most thoughts and secrets boldly printed in black and white, all intentions spelled out for the reader, there was little to be left for misinterpretation. She offered a small smile. "I find that there is plenty of mystery about you, sir. Isn't that one of the supposed joys of meeting new people? That they are completely unknown?"

The coquettish grin and what she took to be a compliment was a little puzzling, she wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. Unless of course she was simply misinterpreting his smile, what looked like coy could easily be any number of other things. It was baffling. Inwardly she sighed. A woman could make herself crazy trying to figure out what was meant to be friendly and what was meant to be more than friendly, or what was just simply meant to be polite. How other people seemed to navigate so easily was something to marvel. There was something to be said for having things spelt out in plain words, even if it took away some of the mystique of a new encounter. What she was sure of certainly, was that she was spending far too much time dwelling on it when it was of little consequence. She dropped her chin with a small smile, accepting the compliment. "Thank you"

Puzzlement faded quickly enough as she found herself smiling with mirth again. This part was at least easy enough to navigate "Oh it was the latter, without question." she said with a laugh. "But perhaps I am just becoming a cynical old maid, and I simply assume the worst of everyone. she joked, though if she chose to reflect on the statement, there was perhaps a ring of truth to it.

"Thank you again. I would understand if a better offer presents itself, but I do appreciate the gesture." she said as he picked up the book. She simply pretended not to notice the wink. That was easier than trying to figure out why he was punctuating his sentences with winks or perplexing smiles. She was beginning to suspect that he was perhaps like her father, a man who was prone to cheeky grins and winks whenever his servers were female and relatively comely. "I wouldn't have thought that the market was so tedious. It always seems like a lively place. Though, to be fair, I am not setting up shop for a days work." She grinned " I am glad to have provided some measure of entertainment however, hopefully the remainder of your day will not prove to be too monotonous."