Free Shelter for Adeline by Susan Stoker

just at first glance on our way back here.”
    Dean laughed and took her hand in his. “Well, come on then. Far be it from me to keep you away from your treasures.”
    They walked back into the small storefront and the woman who’d originally greeted them smiled. “Like it?”
    “Oh, yes,” Adeline told her. “I can’t believe everything in here was handmade.”
    “Yes, it’s all been created by artists in the area. They sell it on commission. So take your time and see if anything strikes your fancy.”
    “Oh, I can tell you right now, all of it does!” Adeline said with a laugh. She walked to the front of the store and told Coco, “Sit. Stay.” He did as asked and followed her with his eyes as she wandered around the displays.
    Adeline seriously wanted to buy about fourteen things, but limited herself to two small sculptures and a beautiful multi-colored vase. Dean wanted to pay, but she absolutely refused, saying that just because he’d asked her out, didn’t mean he had to pay for her baubles.
    Surprising her in a good way he didn’t argue, simply holding his hands up in a surrender gesture and backing away. Adeline laughed. “Thanks. I get that you’re a guy and you want to pay, and it’s appreciated, but it’s not right.”
    “I am a guy, and I will be paying for dinner; as long as you understand that, we’re good.”
    Adeline rolled her eyes and shook her head, smiling. Saying in exasperation to the lovely woman checking them out, “Men.”
    Clarice chuckled and continued to wrap up the fragile pieces. When she was done, she handed them to Adeline, but didn’t let go of the bag when Adeline grabbed hold of it. Leaning forward, she said in a stage whisper, “He’s a keeper.”
    Beaming at the woman, Adeline simply nodded and allowed Dean to take the bag out of her hand once they were on their way to the door. “I’ll carry it. You take Coco.”
    The bell over the door tinkled as they left. When they were on the sidewalk again, Adeline turned to Dean. “What now? I’m not sure you can top that.”
    “Dinner, of course.”
    “Of course.”
    “How adventurous are you?”
    “Um…if we’re talking do I want to bungee jump out of a helicopter over the Alamo, no. If you’re talking trying new things, then I’ve been known to do crazy stuff now and then.”
    Dean laughed. “No bungie jumping, that’s for sure. There’s a wonderful Belgian Bistro across the street that has delicious moules frites . But if you don’t eat seafood and don’t like mussels, they have other things like chicken and steak as well.”
    “I’ve heard great things about that place,” Adeline exclaimed. “But I’ve heard it’s hard to get in.”
    “I have reservations, beautiful,” Dean chuckled.
    “Oh. Then yes, please. It sounds great.”
    Dean made them walk down the street to a crosswalk rather than simply jay-walking, and he kept his word, making sure she walked alongside the storefronts rather than on the other side of the sidewalk next to the street. It was a small thing, but the fact that he made a concerted effort to put himself nearest to the cars went a long way toward making this a perfect date.
    They were quickly seated when they got inside, and even though it wasn’t that crowded at first, by the time they’d received their appetizer, it was packed.
    The small restaurant was loud and Dean pulled his chair closer to hers at the table in order to hear her better. Coco lay sleeping at her feet, and Adeline couldn’t remember a better date. Dean got the mussels and she got the hanger steak. The frites were to die for and they ordered a sampler of dipping sauces so they could try them all.
    Feeling replete, Adeline sipped a glass of Rombauer Merlot and relaxed in her seat, wishing the moment could last forever.
    “What’re you thinking?” Dean asked, putting his hand over hers on the tabletop and idly brushing his thumb over the back of it.
    “I’ve had a good time. You’re good