Page 21 of The Billionaire's Teacher

“Smells amazing.” I drew in a deeper breath.

“Food lives up to the hype.” She flashed a grin my way as she reached for my helmet and hooked both of them over the handlebars of the scooter. “Come on. We’re early enough to get a table in the shade.”

The café was already doing a brisk business, but there were still tables with shade from more than the umbrella overhead. Since the heat and humidity had already made their presence known as well, I was definitely on board with whatever help we could find to keep the temperatures cool. Or cool-ish. True cool wasn’t an option.

I followed Sunny to a table. She plopped down in one of the chairs looking out at the street. I hesitated, then sat beside her, taking in the same view. I wasn’t sure I could handle sitting across from her and focusing on her face—and her tanned shoulders—right now. Not until my system settled from our proximity on the scooter.

“What’s good?” I plucked one of the plastic-coated menus from beside the umbrella’s pole and scanned the offerings.

“Everything.”

I glanced over.

She held up her hands. “Promise. I’ve never had something that I didn’t love here. Most of the time, I just ask the server to bring me what’s best today.”

“All right.” I put the menu back. There was enough food on the boat that if I didn’t end up enjoying lunch, I wouldn’t starve. It wouldn’t the be the first time I made a meal out of snacks. More than likely, it wouldn’t be the last time either.

I’d barely finished the thought when a teenage girl appeared at our table with a grin. “Sunny!”

“Hi, Martina.” Sunny rolled the “r” and the girl’s name took on a whole new flair. “What’s good today?”

“You always ask that. I told Mama you were here. She’s working on something special for you.” Martina’s gaze shifted to me. “Should I make it two?”

I nodded, even though I didn’t think she was actually addressing me. “Why not?”

Martina beamed then turned back to Sunny. “I like this one. We have a newfresca?”

“All right. Let’s give it a shot.” Sunny looked at me. “There’s only been one I didn’t like, you game?”

I shrugged. “Let’s do it.”

“I’ll be right back.” Martina hurried away.

“What was the one you didn’t like?” There were a handful of restaurants back home that played around with house-madefrescas. At least I knew what I was getting into with that.

“They mixed pineapple and passion fruit. It wasn’t my thing. Others seemed to like it though, so I can’t even say it was bad. Just not a drink I found refreshing and pleasant.”

I nodded. “I’m not sure I could pick out passion fruit on a dare.”

“It grows down here. Like a weed, in some places. You can’t beat fresh like that, but for me, if there’s passion fruit, I don’t want any other flavors mixed in. It’s strong enough on its own.”

I didn’t have to answer because Martina returned with two tall glasses filled with ice and a vaguely green liquid. Straws poked out of the drink, paper still covering their tops.

“Be sure to tell me what you think.” Martina placed a glass in front of each of us.

Sunny tugged off the straw wrapper and took a long sip. She tipped her head to the side and closed her eyes. After a long moment, she swallowed. “Heavy on the lime. Is it papaya?”

“Just a touch. There’s one more in there.” Martina watched Sunny with dancing eyes.

Obviously, it was going to be tricky. Or, at least, the girl hoped to stump Sunshine. Curious, I took the wrapper off the top of my straw and sipped. The icy blast of tart and sweet in perfect balance was delicious. And refreshing, as advertised. I got the lime that Sunny mentioned, but beyond that I had no idea. And I was just fine with that. I didn’t need to know what was in something to enjoy it.

“Star fruit.” Sunshine set down her glass and met Martina’s gaze. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

“I can’t. But Mama will be impressed. Maybe annoyed. She thought for sure she would get you with that one. Your food’s almost ready.”

When Martina had moved away, I looked at Sunny. “Star fruit?”

“It’s green, star-shaped—”

---