Page 2 of Zero
“Precisely.”
“I know what you need.”
I looked over at him. “Really? What’s that?”
He glanced over his shoulders then pulled up to what looked like a hut with signs at the front.
Ice cold Red Stripe.
Star apples for sale.
Orange juice – Taste the healthy goodness.
I arched a brow.
As was my habit, I took in the surrounding area. There wasn’t really much there other than the hut. Across the street, some kids played with a tattered soccer ball, not too far from them was a vendor, selling different kinds of things.
Other than that, traffic moved by freely.
When I returned my eyes to the hut, it wasn’t hard to see it was some kind of store. I was close enough now to make out the other signs–ads for rum, ice-cream bars and something calledBusta.
“What’s a Busta?” I asked.
“Why?”
I pointed to the sign.
“A drink.” Justice replied. “There’s also a candy with the same name.”
“I see.” I kept my eyes on the men playing dominoes out front, as well as another man by a stereo system mounted on a makeshift table backed by two massive speakers.
“They have a party here every Friday night.” Justice explained as he pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head.
‘Doesn’t look big enough for a party.”
“Outdoors.” Justice smirked. “I’ll bring you. Are you a partyer?”
“Not really.” I replied. “But—as they say—when in Rome.”
“I love the way you think.” Justice turned off the ignition and we both climbed out. I followed him to the building and watched the way Justice greeted the men—they seemed familiar with each other.
As I walked by, I couldn’t help feeling their eyes on me.
I supposed being the only Japanese in the area, I was going to pull some eyes my way from time to time.
In greeting, I tipped up my chin and stepped into the cramped space. While Justice called out to someone, I focused on the snacks around me, reading one packet after another. Everything was new to me except a couple bags of potato chips.
Along with the chips, I gathered a few chocolate bars, some gummy worms and a tin of mints. I found a case of water close to the backdoor, as well as a case of cola and some gum. Once I paid for my things and Justice’s, we carted them all back to the truck and continued on our way.
The drive took us through the heart of Ocho Rios straight into St. Ann’s Bay and up a hill overlooking the ocean. When he stopped, it was in front of a house.
“This is where you’ll be staying.” Justice said, pushing his sunglasses to the top of his head and climbing from the truck.
Together we brought all the things in and he showed me around.
“The bedroom is in here.” Justice stepped aside.
I walked by him, dropped my bag on the floor and looked around. Hardwood floor, a bed bigger than anything I could have imagined and doors leading straight out to a view that took my breath away.
