Alice had been half expecting for Freddie to completely ignore her request, so when the hat arrived for her, she wasn't sure what to do about it. His failure to respond perhaps indicated that he was just being nice, but the internal conflict in her head and heart forced her out that evening.
She had meant to come a lot sooner except she had been stopped on her way out and had to make up some convoluted lie and then carry out said lie until the coast was clear. So as she pushed open the front door, she realized that the store was very near to closing and she couldn't decide if that was bad or good.
Alice took a couple of moments to browse around the shop, and she grabbed a few things she thought Abby might like, just inspect them. However, as she heard a familiar voice boom through the store, she nearly dropped them in fright, and as soon as she was able, placed them back on the shelf. She made her way to the counter, attempting not to be seen until she revealed herself. She edged toward the counter, Freddie distracted.