Daylight

Chapter Nine

Once they were able to pull themselves out of the bed, Ava and Sebastian dressed and got ready to go to the market. Ava left her hair down, a natural wave running through it, and she put on a few touches of makeup to compliment the blue dress she was wearing.

Sebastian called George and had him pick them up; they'd have groceries and that wouldn't work well on a motorcycle. The drive wasn't long and as they pulled up outside of the outdoor market, Ava reached for the door handle and opened it to step out, beating both George and Sebastian to the punch. She waited for Sebastian, glancing over her shoulder to offer him a warm smile. "Do you have any thoughts on what you'd like for dinner?"

A smile graced Sebastian's face as he stepped out of the car. "I'm not a picky person. I can even deal with spicy food as long as it doesn't melt my mouth and insides," he chuckled. "I learned my threshold when I did a video for Hot Ones not too long ago."

Ava laughed brightly and took his hand as he joined her at her side. "I will not blow your mouth out, I promise. Cuban food isn't usually overly spicy," she replied, gently giving his hand a squeeze.

"That's good to know," he replied happily. The pair walked into the entrance of the market, instantly smelling the scent of flowers being sold at a nearby stall. The market was filled with different stalls selling different things, and Sebastian instantly wanted to explore.

Ava turned her eyes up to take in Sebastian's face and couldn't help but smile. "You look like a kid in a candy store," she observed with a gentle laugh. "Go, explore. I can find dinner," she offered, gesturing to all of the booths around them.

He looked down at her before bending to peck her lips. "I won't be too far away," he assured then gently let go of her hand and walked across the aisle towards a stall that was selling outdoor door decor.

Ava watched as he walked away, happiness bubbling in her lower belly. She was... happy. Content. Both of those were feelings she hadn't experienced much recently. She found her way to a few produce stands and picked out a variety of peppers and onions, deciding that she would make ropa vieja. The fruit looked beautiful too so she stood at the stand, smelling strawberries.

Meanwhile, Sebastian had wandered a few stalls down and was looking over scarves and handmade jewelry. He couldn't help but discreetly pick out a sheer scarf for Ava, knowing she would enjoy the bright colors he'd chosen.

Once she had picked out her fruit, Ava glanced around to look for Sebastian. She spotted him but his back was facing her, so she meandered over to the flower stall and leaned in to smell their fragrance. Her hair fell a little in her face and she brushed it back to pick up a branch of lilac and bring it close to her nose.

As Sebastian purchased his items at the handmade booth, the woman from behind the table did a double take as she looked up at him. "Wait... you're Sebastian Stan, right?" she asked, jaw dropping open.

Sebastian looked up from putting his wallet back in his jean pocket, smiled, and put his finger to his lips as he nodded. "I am. It's nice to meet you."

"Oh, wow, you are so awesome," the girl gushed quietly. "I love Gossip Girl. Could I get a quick picture?" she asked, stepping around from the table to put her arm around him.

Ava worked to gather a small bouquet into her hands, glancing back at Sebastian every now and then. She kept her gaze on him as a woman came around the table and her smile faded just a little. People will know him everywhere. Get used to that. Clearing her throat, she returned her attention back to the flowers and made polite conversation with the proprietor.

"Sure," Seb answered and smiled politely for the photo. Once the young woman returned to her spot he smiled again. "Thanks for the scarf. You do amazing work." He waved as he turned and looked for Ava, quickly spotting her in front of a mass of flowers.