Page 109 of As the Rain Falls
Kayla: Cassiiiiie
My dance class was cancelled bc he teacher is sick
Want to hit the flea market after class??
Me: LET’S :D
We hit the flea market after class. The colorful tents crowd together just outside of Point-Mort, one of Le Port’s main tourist spots.
I bring Pepé along to tire him out, which turns out to be a smart move because Kayla’s in a haggling mood. We end up spending two hours going from stall to stall. Two sellers try yelling at us, but Pepé barks back, golden fury and wet snot and all. He is, after all, a very good boy.
Beckett and I have been texting back and forth about his never-ending energy. Getting him to do some exercise is definitely a must.
“Two for four gold-plated bracelets seems fair,” Kayla says, eyeing a matching set of bracelets exposed behind the vendor. “Five’s just plain robbery.”
“They’re not gold-plated,” I whisper, leaning in to grab one of the cheap rings I bought earlier from the same stall. I bite down, and it bends, the “gold” cracking like old paint. “See, it’s really cheap quality!”
Kayla gives me a long, unreadable look before raising her eyebrows and turning back to the seller. “You sold my friend crap rings, sir. I definitely deserve a discount.”
I wince, not wanting her to start a fight. I wasn’t planning on wearing the rings. The only reason why I got them in the first place was because of their design.
“This is the best you’ll find,” the man’s voice is nasal and rough. He is pretending not to see the damaged ring I’m still holding. “Five for two. Two fifty each.”
“I want them so bad,” Kayla pouts, grabbing my arm and shaking me like a kid begging for candy. “Won’t they look perfect with my white dress?”
They will, if she’s cool with them falling apart after one wear.
“I can lend you one of mine, Kayla,” I offer, knowing there are many bracelets gathering dust in jewelry boxes. I asked for a new one as a birthday gift. I think Nathaniel might be getting it for me.
Kayla rolls her eyes.
“But your wrists are tiny. They won’t fit mine.” She slides a few coins towards the man. “Here’s the money.”
“I’m only taking five, miss.”
“Four!” Kayla snaps, her voice sharp as she narrows her eyes at him. “Or nothing!”
It’s a clear attempt at intimidation. The vendor’s nostrils flare, and if looks could kill… Oh, Kayla would drop dead on the spot!
“Fine.” He snatches the coins, muttering under his breath about spoiled girls.
The man hands over the bracelets begrudgingly, and Kayla does a happy dance, grinning at me like she just won the war.I shake my head, embarrassed and endeared, and she picks me up and spins me around. Pepé barks, wanting to join our embrace.
For a boy, this dog’s got a real talent for acting like one of the girls.
I’ve officially kidnapped Beckett’s dog.Pepé spends more time at my place than his, even though Mr. Evans already left, and Beckett never complains. Truly, I’m terrified to check our textssometimes, dreading the day he’ll ask me to send Pepé back home. I’m getting too attached toboththe dogandhis owner.
“Are you up for ice cream before we head back to the beach?” Kayla asks, fixing my mascara with her thumb.
“Sure.” I tug Pepé‘s leash gently, and he follows after Kayla and I, tongue hanging out. “I think Pepé might need some water, though.”
“You’re such a good dog-sitter, Cassie,” she praises me, watching as I rub the dog’s ears. “Maybe you should start a business. Or adopt one yourself!”
“I’d want a girl dog,” I admit shyly, lowering my voice so Pepé won’t hear me. “Name her Cindy.”
“Cindy is such a good dog name! Very polite!”
We reach the ice cream stand, and while Kayla goes to buy our order, I stay behind watching Pepé. My phone starts to ring before she comes back. It’s Nathaniel.
