Shorties: Number 61

The press of the crowd blocked her view and progress but Linda caught sight of Paul as he reached the street corner.  What was he doing here?  Her last interaction with Paul shocked her.  With great rapacity, Paul pressured the realtor to make the sale of the property he wanted.  At the time, Paul stated it was the perfect location for the two of them to make a life together.  Like a man possessed, Paul began to badger the realtor and sellers of the apartment.   She’d never seen this side of him before.  It frightened Linda and she broke off the engagement.  That was two months ago and she hadn’t seen until now. 

With eyes locked on Paul, Linda waded through a sea of faces.  Cruise ships docked a few hours ago and they filled the street enroute to the cathedral and other touristic stops.  Freely walking now he was beyond the crowed, Paul suddenly stopped at the corner and retrieved a cell phone from his pocket.  Linda thought to herself it was probably his mother. 

Linda reached the tail end of the crowd when Paul turned toward Linda laughing.  His eyes displayed recognition of his former fiancé.  Linda suddenly remembered she didn’t want to be seen.  She simply wanted to follow him to see what she could learn about the man she nearly married.  Since the day she ended the relationship, many questions entered her mind and Linda simply had to learn how she was so quickly entranced by this man she now thoroughly hated.  How did she not see the warning signs?  B    linded by love wasn’t a sufficient answer. 

With trice movements, Paul turned away and began walking up the street to the left.  Linda questioned whether to pursue him anymore.  Acting casually, she decided to walk in the direction he went.  If she saw him, she would cordially speak with Paul, ask how he is, and wish him well.  Turning the corner left her dumbfounded.  She expected another mass of humanity.  Instead, a mostly desolate street met Linda’s eyes.  Where was Paul? 

Could he have ducked into one of the doors?  That was possible.  He must have run or had magical powers to disappear so quickly.  This vanishing act he just pulled was impressive.  Linda stood for a moment inspecting the few people on the street.  She was certain none were Paul.  It was so incongruent and Linda was stunned.  Slowly, with a mixture of regret and relief, Linda returned to the store. 

On the floor above, a voice behind Paul said, “Ok, I believe you but you have to be more careful.  You can’t be seen by her or the others.”

With contempt, Paul hissed, “Shut up!  I know what I’m doing.”