L O C A V O R E
noun [loh-kuh-vawr, -vohr]

A person who makes the effort to eat food that is grown, raised, or produced locally, usually within 100 miles of home.

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You couldn't understand his deal. You have noticed his presence for the past month or so at the local farmer's market, picking up tomatoes and cabbage, apples and pears, and glancing at you from time to time. You knew where he worked, at the wealthy family manor in town, the Tallis' property.

They were alright, you thought, a bit too much money for no use. Your family and many others in town needed a better life, living in houses passed down for generations. At least you had a roof over your head, in like other poor souls neighbouring.

You greeted Tabitha at her stall where she sells fresh honey every week. "Two jars please," You requested and she smiled at you. You heard a man call out your name and you turned to see who it was.

"[y/n], how's the family?" Henry, an old fishermen asked with a rather merry tone.

"They're great Mr. O'Donnell!"

"Say hello to your mother for me," He told and you nodded your head happily.

Your father had passed away when your were younger, your brother stepped in to take his role though you felt pity for him. He's still young for taking such a large responsibility, being 3 years younger than you. But your mother needs all the help she can get and that's where you provide with buying the local produce for your household.

"Here you go [y/n], and a little slice of honey cake my niece baked," Tabitha shared and you smiled widely.

"Thank you so much Mrs. Williams!" You said with a grin and placed all the items in the basket hanging on your arm. Tabitha started to chuckle as she cleaned her table.

"That boy will never get tired of following you around like a lost puppy searching for a good ol' bone!" She joked and you looked at her with confusion. She pointed at a couple of stalls away, near a group of trees where you could clearly see your 'admirer'.

You rolled your eyes and laughed, "I think I ought to deal with him. He's going to get the Tallis' in trouble!"

You started to brisk walk towards the guy. Who is this guy? Robbie Turner, or so you have been informed. He's gardener and nothing more, living on the opposite end of where you live, in a small cottage with his mother. You've passed by his house a few times when you've taken your dog on a walk.

You've seen glimpses of him but have never stumbled into his way. Some of the younger and rather fanciful girls in town have talked about him to you, and about how you're so lucky to have a charming blue-eyed gentleman in love with you.

You'd laugh at that. A gentleman is supposed to be a perfect example of a man, and he would not conceal his identity and poke his business into your life without you knowing.

You just wish your life would be simpler than something in a romance novel you'd read in your spare time. Other girls fantasize about their 'prince charming' or their 'hero' but you never fancied anything other than your reality.

You pushed past a group of people trying out some cheeses, looking over their shoulder to see if-

He's gone, he's not there anymore, You thought and widened your eyes.

You stopped and looked around frantically, unable to focus on anything else but finding Robbie's presence.

You spotted someone behind a bush, ducking down quickly when you turned to look at you. You smirked widely and started to hurry towards it, when a young man got up suddenly and started to back away.

You squinted your eyes and moved your head around to get a look at his face which was covered by branches and leaves.

"Excuse me, I just want to talk!" You informed, pushing away the tree's leaves from your face, "Hello? I just want to-"

THUMP!

You stopped walking suddenly, gasping in shock and covering your moth when the man running away from your tripped on a large tree root sticking out of the ground. His things tumbled out of the basket that was in his hands. He groaned as he held his head with pain.

"R-Robbie Turner?" The voice echoed in his aching head. He leaned his body on his elbows and stared at you with eyes slightly shut, the glare of the sun making your figure a beautiful silhouette.

"H-H-How do you know my name?" He stammers and you start to pick up the fruits and vegetables that fell onto the ground.

"You're the talk of the town Mr. Turner, you're famous for your... secretive habits," You teased and placed a hand full of food in the basket. He started to collect the rest of the items and you picked up the basket.

"Here you are-"

When you stood up straight and stepped closer to hand him his basket, you did not realise the proximity of the both of you. Your face was inches away from his and you finally got a good long look at his features.

Probably the most elegant and enchanting blue eyes stared back at you, lush pink lips and slightly rosy cheeks made him seem rather adorable. He had a way of avoiding a person's gaze. Some would find it rude but you found it quite pleasing... He was pleasing from everywhere.

"I'm [y/n] [y/l/n]," You introduced and smiled and he nodded his head quickly.

"Y-Yes I know-I mean, h-hello [y/n]," He replied in a rush, "Thank you for helping me here."

"Of course," You said then looked around, "Well I should probably be on my way. Mother would be awfully worried about my whereabouts."

You smile at him and bid him farewell, then started to walk away from him while he stared at you. You grinned then turned back, "You know, Mr. Turner, I believe spying is shunned upon in society. If you'd like to know me better, I suggest you talk to me face to face."

He gulped and looked to the ground with shame. He bit his lips then jogged towards you and started walking beside you.

"I apologise Ms. [y/l/n]-"

"Please, [y/n]."

"And I Robbie."

"Do go on Robbie, you were apologising about something?" You smirked and he raised an eyebrow.

"I just wanted to let you know that I was only mesmerized by you, the way you walk and you talk and how you're so nice to everyone in town," He explained, "I did not want to seem like a fool to be watching your every move."

You stopped walking then looked at him from toe to heaf, "Alright Robbie, perhaps I'll lend you another chance."

He smiled so brightly, it made you feel happy inside. "And by the looks of your soaked basket, I owe you another pint of milk too!"