Read Online Always Remembered by Kelly Risser - Free Book Online Page B

them while they exchanged niceties. Several faces
looked irritated. “But it won’t be fine for long unless we get
moving and clear the stairs for others.” He let Deanna go first. He
tried to let Dex pass, but he refused.
    “After you, Prince. I insist.” He bowed at
the waist and waited. With a sigh, Evan turned and followed Deanna
down the stairs, the exchange forgotten as soon as he stepped out
of the entryway. It was like walking into any mall back home with
bright lights, rows of stores advertising sales, and the tempting
scent of fried food and coffee.
    A quick glance told him that the stores were
not the same as those in Halifax. There was no Abercrombie and
Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, or Starbucks here. In fact, closer
inspection showed that most stores were named by what they
sold — Jeans, Hats, Jewelry. Not the most
creative group of creatures , he thought, finally seeing the
sign he was searching for — Coffee and
Snacks.
    Deanna giggled. “I see you found the food and
coffee. Your eyes just lit up.” She took his hand again, and he let
her. She cast shy glances up at him as they walked to the food
area.
    Several stands selling drinks and food
surrounded a grouping of tables. Only a few people were eating. It
was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. Since Evan missed
breakfast and lunch, he didn’t care what time it was, he was
getting something to eat. When they were close enough to read the
signs, though, he frowned. The currency was not one that he
recognized. How could he forget about paying? He didn’t have any
money.
    “What kind of money do you use?” he asked
Deanna, pointing to the closest sign.
    “Here, I’ve got it.” Deanna pulled some coins
out of her pocket and handed them to Evan. He was surprised by
their weight. They were heavy and dull gold in color. Maybe they
were made of real gold. Evan wouldn’t doubt it. He held one up and
inspected it. One side appeared to have a triton carved into it,
although the markings were well worn. The image on the other side
looked like a pyramid. All the details were rubbed smooth, which
made Evan wonder if the coins were centuries old.
    “I can’t let you pay.” While the coins were
fascinating, he couldn’t keep them. He handed them back to Deanna,
deciding he’d rather go hungry. He hated being financially
dependent on others. Since his first paper route, he had saved and
paid his own way.
    “Do you have any okro?” Deanna jingled the
coins in her hand, her eyebrows raised. Okro must be the name of
their currency. After a moment, he shook his head, and she gave him
a sly glance. “Then you have to let me pay, don’t you?”
    When Evan hesitated, she patted his shoulder
in a friendly manner. “Don’t worry. You can pay me back.”
    He relented, but vowed that he would hit Ken
up for money the first chance he got. If Ken was going to steal his
power and keep him prisoner, then damn it, he was going to pay Evan
for it.
    At Deanna’s suggestion, Evan got a wrap
sandwich. It wasn’t bad. The outside was seaweed, like the kind
used to roll sushi. The inside was a seafood salad of sorts.
Similar to tuna salad, but with a fresher taste. It came with
French fries, too, and Evan was pleased to discover they tasted
like normal fries. Maybe a little soggier, and they definitely
needed salt, but close enough.
    “Do you like it?” Deanna asked. She leaned on
her elbows and watched him eat. She wasn’t hungry, since, unlike
him, she had breakfast and lunch.
    “It’s good.” Evan sipped the coffee, which
was black, thick as tar, and scalding. The flavor was smoky, and he
found he preferred it that way.
    “What do you want to do next?” She bounced a
little in her seat.
    He offered her the last couple of fries while
he finished his wrap. She ate them, her bites dainty. “Can we talk
somewhere?” he asked quietly.
    “Aren’t we talking now?” She leaned in and
matched his hushed tone.
    “I mean somewhere private.”
    “There