Love, Claudia (BWWM)

Chapter Two

Claudia took the basket from her bike and walked to Harriet's book.

She sold the fruit Claudia needed.

'Hello! May I get two cartons of strawberries and blueberries?'

She signed and took a ten-dollar bill from her wrist wallet.

"You may," Harriet said with gentle eyes.

It was notable to mention, that Claudia brought joy to the hearts of all she met.

She was radiant always.

Harriet gathered her order and took the bill from her hand.

Claudia put the fruit in her basket and waved her finger when Harriet tried handing her the change.

She looked at her pointedly, saying, "Keep it." with her stare.

Harriet huffed and out the change in her pouch.

"Happy shopping, dear." Harriet waved goodbye and greeted her new customer. "Hi, what can I get for you?"

Claudia checked the fruit off her list and walked around the market completing her checklist.

Except for Adrian's painting.

She was promoted at work and deserved a present she'd appreciate.

It had to be something Adrian-esque.

She wasn't into florals or cutesy things like that.

Claudia walked around again, slower this time.

She had to pay close attention to her surroundings. Something would catch her eye.

'This is new,'

She thought and walked up to get a closer look at the painting.

It was Adrian-esque.

Moody, but calm. Echoing the beauty of creation on a beach setting as the moon watched over the earth.

R. Delgato was written in the right corner.

'This is perfect!'

"Hi there," An older woman greeted Claudia with an attentive gaze.

Cladia waved.

"You've noticed the painting, beautiful, isn't it?"

'Yes, lovely,' Claudia signed without thinking.

The woman furrowed her brows at her hand motions.

"Oh, oh!" She murmured and cleared her throat. "You read lips?" She asked slowly, enunciating.

Claudia thought for a moment.

'I could mess with her head....'

It wasn't a good thought.

She smiled and pulled out her phone.

"No, Ms. Delgato. I can hear. And I said the painting is lovely,"

The woman's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, okay! Well, thank you, I am Miracle, only the seller, a stand-in for the artist." She explained.

Claudia nodded and typed her response. "I would like to buy it, but it's a little too big for my cart. Is there any way I can get it delivered?"

"Of course! Put your address in here, don't worry, I won't use it for anything weird." Miracle beamed and handed Claudia an IPad to scan her card and put in her address.

Claudia did as she was instructed and handed the IPad back to her.

"Thank you."

"Yes, dear. Thank you. It will be delivered this evening,"