Chapter Five ★ Shopping Cont’

｡☆✼★━ Luna ━★✼☆｡

The merlady wrapped up my outfit in a pink box with strings for handles. Across the side it had gold script lettering that read Lilys. I did a double take. No wonder Pearl insisted on buying because this place was expensive with a capital ‘E’.

We both swam out of the little shop and I hissed, “You didn’t need ta go and do that. I could’ve got it.”

Pearl wore a small smirk. Her dark purple eyes pinned me where I stood. I hung my head and sighed, “Yer right. Lilys ain’t something I can afford right now.”

“Dang right.” She agreed and continued on down to the local cafe. Yes, merpeople drink things. We just drink it differently… that’s all.

With a swish of my tail I caught up with her and then got in front of her while swimming backwards. I pointed at her, “At least let me get our afternoon treat. T’aint right that yer buying all the time.”

Pearl shrugged her shoulders and moved on past me to the cafe. I tugged at her arm and pleaded, “Ah, c’mon Pearl. Ya gotta let me have some dignity.”

She shook her head and twisted in the water to roll me off of her. Dang it. Why is she being so dang stubborn? Well, fine two can play this game and I’m a faster swimmer than she’ll ever be.

I tucked a strand of my short blond hair over my ear and pulled back ready to launch myself into first place. Pearl was almost to the entrance to the cafe but I’m pretty sure I can beat her. Alright, on one, two, thre–

Arms encircled around my waist and swung me around in a whirlwind. If this continued I swear I’ll puke on the offender. His deep laughter rumbled in my ear and sent tingles throughout my entire body.

“Ray.” I gasped.

He slowed down and turned me around. He cradled my head and dipped me backwards. Mmmm. The soft caress of his luscious lips crushed upon mine with the sweet taste of vanilla and honey. 

I love it when he surprises and showers me with kisses. Everything pulsed and vibrated in time with his own heartbeat. Our tongues danced in each others mouths as my body continued to meld with his warm touch.

A feminine voice broke the magic, “Ahem.”

Ray pulled back and unwrapped his strong arms away from me. We both blushed and giggled as Pearl gave us both the stink eye.

The corners of her mouth tugged up into a lopsided smile. Her shoulders shook for she could no longer hold in the mirth that bubbled over. A hearty silvery laugh escaped her lips. The sparkle in her eyes told me that she was in on this meeting.

My mouth dropped open and I looked over at Ray, “This was all planned?”

He nodded and replied in a french accent, “Oui. Mademoiselle Pearl put me up to it.”

Oh my Triton, his accent is hot! I literally am melting in my boots right now because I cannot handle his foreign accent. Though his dark green tail that complimented his ripped abs, chiseled chin with sparkling emerald eyes and dark hair certainly added to the whole package. 

My cheeks flushed with heat and turned away. If I continued to look at him I’m afraid that the setting in the shopping square would rapidly change from a PG-13 to a NC-17. Ah, Triton, what did I do to earn such a handsome man?

Pearl hooked her arm around mine and led me away from Ray. She called over her shoulder to Ray, “I’ll bring her back. I promise. Though she needs to make good on her promise first.”

“Of course. We all need to make good on our promises no matter how big or small.” He waved at us then winked. I nearly fainted.

Pearl pulled me back up and whispered, “Get yourself together girl. Remember you’ve got a date with him tonight at Abalone.”

“Eeek.” I squeaked.

“Mademoiselle?” Ray called out.

Pearl replied, “Don’t worry. She’s fine. We’ll be right back.”

“Merci.” He said then blew a kiss my way. Eek. He is so frigging hot.

We entered the cafe through the opened archway and got in line. I continued to stare ahead when a boy asked, “Miss…. uh miss… your order? Ahem, how may I take your order?”

I blinked. Order? Order what? Pearl giggled. She held up two fingers and said, “Two venti bebes, please.”

The boy bobbed his head, “Got it. Do you want jelly with that?”

“Yech,” I stuck my tongue out. “Jelly with bebes? Uh, no, thank you.”

He punched the buttons on the register then looked up, “Total is eight sand dollars.”

Pearl moved a little to the side and gestured, “Pay the man.”

Eep. Do I have enough? I reached around to grab the small purse that hung from a thin string. I undid the clasp and peeked inside then worried my bottom lip.

The boy said again, “That’ll be eight sand dollars.”

Pearl arched an eyebrow, “Do you have enough?”

“Um,” I looked between the two as my cheeks flushed again. “Could you make that 1 tall bebe and 1 venti bebe?”

Of course asking for my order to get changed after he rung it up made him hit the buttons with more force than needed. However, I didn’t have the money to pay for two venti. The kid looked back up at me and said, “That’ll be five and half sand dollars.”

My jaw dropped, “Since when does the cost of a venti and a tall equal five and half sand dollars?”

The teen raised his hands, “I just work here. Don’t get mad at me. I can swap out the tall with a micro instead.”

“Fine.” I grumped and crossed my arms.

‧͙⁺˚*·༓☾ – TO BE CONTINUED… –☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙