Upon reaching the stalls she was delighted to see that several of the proprietors had set up large colorful umbrellas over them to protect against the heat of the day. Carefully picking her way amongst the wares she found her first item: fresh lemons. Placing four of the tart fruits in her basket she could almost taste Marta's famous lemonade. She would mix the fruit's nectar with sugar and a few secret ingredients she'd yet to ply from the woman and then pour the whole concoction over a block of crushed ice.
So intent was she on the taste of Marta's citrus brew that Tessa jumped when she heard a voice beside her.
"Good day, Senorita."
Tessa looked to see Robert Helm standing next to her observing a large basket of apples.
"Dr. Helm," she acknowledged him with a smile.
She hadn't seen him since the day before when she'd faked her little stomach ailment. She was afraid she might have given herself away when she'd spoken a bit more vehemently than she'd meant. She'd have to keep her cool today, even though that wasn't the easiest thing to do around Robert Helm.
"It's a beautiful day isn't it doctor?" she asked cheerfully, placing another lemon in her basket.
"I suppose so, despite this infernal heat," he replied as he picked up an apple, examined it and put it back down. Then glancing up at the large umbrella he added, "In England we use these things for rain. I guess that wouldn't be a possibility here."
"Yes doctor, rainshowers are definitely rare in Santa Elena," she agreed as she moved a ways down the stall to the yellow and green peppers. "Sometimes I'd give anything for a bit of a deluge."
Helm watched the young senorita as she smelled one of peppers and placed it inside her basket. Hefting a few apples of his own, he thought about her visit the previous day. She'd said some things that made him wonder if she was really the shallow noblewoman she pretended to be.
Tessa glanced at him and his growing supply of apples.
"You should get a basket, doctor," she suggested.
"No, I think I've got it," he responded surely, three apples in each hand. He followed after her as she moved to the tomatoes. "You know Senorita, sometimes I get the feeling that you only play the part of a wealthy, privileged land owner."
"Is that so doctor?" Tessa queried as she gingerly squeezed a tomato. Was he going to call her bluff?
"Yes it is," he answered, "In fact when I first met you I thought you were one of the most self-centered, vapid little rich girls I'd ever seen."
At that statement Tessa's worry turned to anger. So much for keeping her cool.
"Is that a fact, doctor?" she ground out between nearly clenched teeth.
Helm nodded nonchalantly at her.
"Well that's funny, because when I first met you I thought you were an arrogant, self-centered apple grabber," she replied sweetly.
Helm let out a bark of laughter.
"And what was it that changed your mind, Senorita?" he asked.
"Who says I've changed my mind, doctor?" she answered. Then tossing a tomato in his direction, she took her leave.
Instinct made him reach for the flying fruit which in turn caused him to drop all his apples in a pile at his feet. Not to mention the fact that the tomato was overripe and was now squished in his hand.
Helm shook his head and sighed.
"Something tells me I didn't handle that situation as well as I could have."
