Read This Time for Free Online Page B

asked. As she finished her sentence she realized how silly she sounded. While she was comfortable in St. Pala, she was still a foreigner and foreigners were targets, especially downtown.
    The man looked her over and smiled. “Yu’ stunnin’ and very stylish.”
    Kelee couldn’t help but smile at his compliment, but this was not the time or the place for compliments: her bag and her sister’s car were stolen. She kicked herself for not being as careful as she should have been. She should have known better; she was downtown, not uptown. She turned to stare at the spot where she had parked the car and contemplated her next move. She needed to get back to Lori. Kelee really didn’t want to interrupt her, but Lori had to know her car was stolen. The police also had to be informed. This was a mess. She had never been robbed before, not even in New York City. She felt stripped; she didn’t like it at all.
    Lori was three long blocks away and the sun was piping hot. Kelee didn’t know if she could make it there without passing out. She looked down the long, hot, bare road and bit her lips.
    â€œI can’t believe this is happening to me,” she moaned in frustration.
    â€œTell yu’ wha’. I was just ’bout to have lunch across the street. Let’s get out of the sun. Yu’ can make yu’ call from there and get some’ting to drink.”
    â€œI was about to go there to eat when that ass stole my bag.”
    â€œSo join me for a drink? Yu’ look like yu’ could use one.”
    Kelee knew he was right. She was thirsty, hungry, and sweating. However, she had to be careful: she didn’t know him.
    â€œThanks, but no.”
    â€œYu’ can’t just stand here,” he pointed out.
    She knew he was right. At the moment she could use the help, but her guard was up—especially after what had just happened.
    â€œThanks, but I don’t know yu’,” she responded.
    â€œTyce.” He held a hand out to her with the most infectious smile. She looked at his hand before taking it.
    â€œKelee,” she said.
    He shook her hand gently. “Kelee, that’s pretty.” His smile was comforting.
    â€œThanks,” she said.
    â€œCare to join me?” He gestured towards the restaurant. What harm was in it anyway? Her throat was parched; she could use a cool drink.
    â€œOnly for a drink, then I have to call my sister.”
    â€œOK,” he said and led her through the parking lot, across the street, and into the cool restaurant. The restaurant was called Yams. Its billboard outside advertised traditional dishes.
    â€œWelcome, Mr. T.” The hostess greeted them with a bright smile. “Yu’ usual table?” So he was a regular, Kelee noted, and relaxed a bit.
    â€œThanks, Janet. Two lemonades, please,” Tyce said to the hostess. Janet nodded and led them to a table at the far end of the room. Their table offered up a great view of the entire restaurant. It was simply decorated with bright pastel mismatched colored tables and chairs that actually worked. Local art lined the wall, with an array of mini Caribbean flags hanging from the rafters. Soft Caribbean fused jazz played in the background. Tyce assisted her into her seat. Kelee thanked him. He took his seat and handed her his cell phone.
    â€œMake yu’ call.”
    She took the phone. “Thank yu’.” Kelee smiled at him and dialed Lori’s cell, praying she hadn’t turned her phone off. The phone went to voice mail. She frowned and ended the call.
    â€œShe’s not answerin’?” Tyce inquired.
    â€œShe’s in a meeting so her phone is off.”
    A waitress bought them lemonades and menus.
    â€œWhen does her meetin’ end?”
    â€œAn hour.” Kelee sipped her lemonade and sighed as the refreshing liquid slid down her parched throat.
    â€œSo have some lunch an’ I’ll take yu’ to her