Chapter 17 #2
Callan inclined his head. “A pleasure to meet you, mistress. Daisy speaks very highly of you.”
“Well, isn’t that an accent to die for.” Zara took his hand, an appraising look in her eyes. “She’s been sending me pictures from all your stops.”
They settled in the living room, enjoying salads and fruit. Greens and vegetables were a welcome change after all the junk and road trip food.
Daisy looked around. “The light is fantastic in here.” Her friend had eclectic taste, and the apartment was bright and welcoming, just like her.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Zara was charming and witty, and Callan’s old-world manners and stories, not to mention his to-die-for accent totally charmed her best friend.
“So, Callan,” Zara said, leaning forward with a mischievous smile, “Daisy tells me you’re from the 14th century. I’ve never met a time-traveler before.”
He looked at Daisy, a brow arched, but she kept her face neutral, curious to what he’d say.
Callan shrugged, green eyes twinkling. “Aye, I’ve had quite the journey to end up here. I have tried to go back, but seems I am destined to be here.”
Zara nodded. “It sounds like you want to go back?”
“Aye. My brother is there. The only family I have left.”
He missed Daisy’s wince, but Zara caught it and gave her a sad smile.
Her friend continued. “What’s been the most surprising thing about our time?”
“Besides the horseless carriages, modern technology, the food, and towering buildings?” Callan mused. “The ease and speed of travel. I wish to go up in the sky in a metal bird.”
Daisy watched the exchange, unable to say anything, wanting to know what her friend thought of him.
Zara was logical and down to earth. Callan’s genuine bewilderment and fascination with modern life were hard to fake.
Zara seemed equally entranced, her skepticism fading as the conversation continued.
As they prepared to leave, Zara pulled Daisy aside. “Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?”
Sensing they wanted time alone, Callan clipped the leash on Frankie. “I’ll take him for a walk and meet you at the van.”
“Okay.” She waited until the door shut behind him, then collapsed into the oversized floral chair.
Zara looked serious, sitting across from her, her eyes searching Daisy’s face.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I believe him. The stories, his reactions—he’s not making it up. I think he really is from the past.” She shook her head. “I can’t get over it. If scientists could figure out how he did it…”
A jolt of hope and relief flooded through her as Zara’s words resonated deep within, dispelling the last of her doubts. “You really believe him?”
Zara nodded. “Yeah, I do. But be careful. He wants to go back and I’m afraid this one will break your heart.”
As she walked down to the camper van, Daisy’s mind was racing. She turned to Callan, who was waiting by the van with Frankie.
“Ready to explore more of this wondrous city?” he asked, smiling.
Daisy nodded, her heart full of newfound certainty. “Yeah, let’s go. By the way. I believe you. About everything.”
Callan’s expression softened, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief. “Thank ye, lass.”
The sun was high in the sky as Daisy, Callan, and Frankie set off from Zara’s apartment to explore the city. The streets bustled with activity, and the atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation for the 4th of July celebrations later that evening.
Their first stop was Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence had been signed. The building’s red-brick facade and tall steeple stood proudly against the blue sky.
They joined a guided tour, and Callan listened intently as the guide recounted the events of July 1776.
Next, they visited the Liberty Bell. The bell’s iconic crack and storied past captivated Callan.
“Why keep a broken bell?” he asked, his brow furrowed.
“It’s a symbol of freedom,” Daisy explained. “Even though it’s cracked, it still represents the strength and endurance of the American people.”
Hungry from all the walking, they made their way to Reading Terminal Market, a bustling food hall filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to mouthwatering cheesesteaks.
“Ready to try a Philly cheesesteak?” Daisy asked.
“Aye, I’ve been looking forward to it,” Callan replied, patting his nonexistent belly.
They found a vendor known for their cheesesteaks and ordered a couple of sandwiches. As they sat down to eat, the rich aroma of grilled steak, melted cheese, and onions wafted through the air.
Frankie ate the meat sans bun and cheese, then drank a bowl of water. The vendor had a stack of bowls for people who brought their dogs along.
Callan took a bite, eyes lighting up. “Delicious. I think I will have another.”
Daisy laughed, pleased to see him enjoying the local cuisine. “I’m glad you like it. Philly does food right.”
Afterwards, they strolled along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, lined with flags from around the world. The pathway led them to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its iconic “Rocky Steps.”
“Feel like doing the Rocky run?” Daisy teased, nodding towards the steps.
She had to explain Rocky, and then he nodded. “If ye wish it, but I will beat you to the top. My legs are longer.” He winked at her. “Yours are more fetching, but ye will lose, lass.”
“If I win, you do laundry for the rest of the trip.”
He pretended to think about it. “If I win the wager, you will not leave dishes in the sink for the rest of the trip.”
“Ouch.” She pretended to tie the laces on her sneakers, then jumped up and yelled, “Go!”
They raced up the steps, Callan beating her by a mile. At the top, they turned to take in the stunning view of the city skyline.
“Guess I’ll be doing the dishes.” She leaned over, hands on her knees, breathing heavily.
They made their way to Penn’s Landing, where crowds had gathered along the Delaware River for the festivities.
The sun set, casting a golden glow over the water as a live concert began. Music filled the air, and people danced and sang along, enjoying the festivities.
Callan looked around, taking it all in. “This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. So many people, even more than a clan gathering.”
“Just wait until the fireworks start. It’s going to be amazing.”
She put special earmuffs on Frankie to muffle the noise so he wouldn’t be scared, and she kept a tight hold on his leash even though he was lying on the ground next to them.
As darkness fell, the first fireworks exploded in the sky, painting it with brilliant colors. The crowd cheered, and the booms and crackles echoed across the river.
Callan’s eyes were wide with wonder as the questions practically flew from his lips.
She held up a hand. “We’ll go talk to one of the guys in charge later and you can ask him all the questions you want. All I know is that they’re pretty and they go boom.”
They sat watching the fireworks light up the night sky. The air was filled with the scent of food from several nearby vendors, the sound of music and laughter, and the warmth of the summer night made the night perfect.
As the grand finale burst into a spectacular array of colors and patterns, Daisy turned to him, her heart full. “Happy 4th of July.”
“To you as well.” He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Paused, then slowly sat back.
They shared a quiet moment, the world around them fading away as they sat, shoulders touching. It had been a perfect day.