“That’s not the best compromise, but I have a feeling it’s all I can get.”
“It definitely is. We’re supposed to be relaxing, not acting like there’s a point system for excursions.”
He frowns. “They do have a deal. Go on three and the fourth one is on them.”
“In one day?”
“Doesn’t matter. We’re going to the local market.”
“I love a good shopping spree.”
“You get a $10 budget.”
I burst into laughter. I’m so comfortable with him again it catches me off guard. I never thought we’d get back here, joking around in the sun like nothing between us ever broke.
But something did break.
And somehow, we’ve pieced it back together into something new.
“I love you,” I say.
He smiles widely. “I love you too, Lily.”
Javonte stands beside a display of woven straw bags, reading the little card propped against the table like he’s studying film.
“You know this is one of the oldest industries here?” he says.
I look up from a round bag with wooden handles. “Did you research the art market?”
“I researched excursions. This was under cultural experiences.”
“That sounds like a yes.”
He ignores me and points to the bag in my hand. “They used to weave baskets for carrying fruit and fishing stuff. Then tourists started buying them, and it turned into this whole craft market thing.”
I stare at him.
“What?” he asks.
“You’re cute when you come with facts.”
“I’m trying to enhance the experience.”
“You’re trying to be a sexy tour guide.”
He leans closer. “Is it working?”
I look down at the bag, then back at him. “Unfortunately.”
He grins and reaches for the bag. “Then we’re buying it.”
“You don’t even know how much it costs. I bet it’s more than my $10 budget.”
Javonte laughs so loud the vendor jumps. “I know you smiled when you picked it up.”
I go to pay it on my own, and Javonte swats my card away. It lands in the sand. “Hey!”
He leans over and picks it up, putting it in his pocket. “What did Mint Condition say? ‘What kind of man would I be?’”
