Chapter 56: The Kiosk

Caspian set Janet's phone down on the counter. "How much to replace the screen?" he asked. The small kiosk in the middle of a small strip mall was the only place that looked like it had anything to do with technology. The mall was outdated with a few takeaways and vintage clothing stores.

"This old phone?" The guy at the counter balanced the phone in his hands, trying to determine whether it was worth his time. He was Asian with sleek black hair that was gelled down. His t-zone was covered with red zits, but his cheeks were blemish free. He had hazel eyes that were tinged orange and reminded me of the colours of Autumn.

"It's a matter of life and death," I told him.

He cocked his head to the side, signalling he hadn't understood a word I had said.

"Please," I begged, hoping to sway him.

He shook his head. "Sorry."

"Well, we tried." Caspian sighed in defeat.

"Do you know anywhere we could take it?" I enquired.

He gave me a blank look.

"Never mind." I excused the fact that his English wasn't the best.

"We'll try somewhere else," I suggested, sliding the phone off the counter and into my pocket.

"I fix phone." An older Asian man appeared out of nowhere. Caspian and I were both taken aback by his sudden appearance. It seemed like he had been crouching behind the counter waiting for the perfect moment to show himself. His hair was jet black as well, but there were a few wisps of grey just above his ears. He had perfect skin that was pulled tightly over his cheekbones, the result of which I assumed was anti-aging creams.

I looked to Caspian, who shrugged.

"Ok." I handed the phone to the newcomer. I was certain their plan was to act like they wouldn't fix the phone and then agree to fix it at an exorbitant price.

Caspian placed a mound of cash on the counter, next to the phone. "I'm a Stinger," was his reply to my raised eyebrows.

"Now for our date." Caspian wrapped an arm around my shoulder as we walked away from the kiosk. He nuzzled my cheek with his nose, as we walked past a toddler who was having a temper tantrum. For a weekday morning the mall was relatively full. I would have expected everyone to go to the bigger Sunset Coast mall, but it seemed like I was wrong. Apparently this was the place to come to if you wanted to walk your dog or grab a quick ice cream.

"So, where are we off to?" I asked.

"The beach," Caspian replied. "I'm going to teach you how to surf."

"Umm....," I pressed my teeth together, not sure I liked the idea of battling waves with no weapon besides a surfboard.

"It'll be fun," Caspian promised. "Just imagine how excited the dolphins will be to see a beautiful girl like you."

"Wow," I exclaimed. "You really do know how to get a girl to fall for your charms."

"That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask..." He paused, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Did it hurt?"

"What?" I ran over our conversation in my head, trying to figure out what he was talking about.

"Did it hurt when you were swept off your feet and fell head over heels in love with me?" he asked, trying to keep his face expressionless.

"Worst punch line ever." I shook my head, trying to hide my flaming cheeks.

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