I thought about it for a minute before answering. I didn’t have anything specific I needed; I just wanted to get us out of the house, and the market seemed like a good excuse. “I think the market will tell us what we need.”
She grinned and nodded, bending down to pet Duke. He wagged his tail and licked her, and I loved seeing it. I loved seeing the two of them interacting together.
We stopped at a few stands here and there. We tried samples of cheese and crackers, and even spicy pickles. I was glad I packed some water bottles, because spice and I didn’t get along unless it was in a book.
“Okay, can we look at things other than food? I’m going to have major heartburn later.”
I smiled. “For sure. I think I saw some jewelry over there.”
“Oh, I love that! Yes, let’s go there next, please.”
“Your wish is my command. Lead the way.”
She took Duke’s leash from me and headed toward the stand with earrings and necklaces. She introduced herself to the person operating the booth and I wasn’t particularly a fan of his response. His smile was friendly enough, but you could tell he didn’t want to be there. Maybe it was his mom’s booth, or sister’s? He looked younger than us.
I ignored him and walked around, looking at the homemade jewelry. They were all gorgeous and had a turquoise theme in the designs. Kaia came up next to me and smiled as she looked at everything.
“See anything you like?” she asked. There were a lot of things I liked, and I couldn’t pick just one.
“They’re all so beautiful that I’m not sure what I like more.”
I held up a pair of raindrop earrings and a pair of studs. “Get them both.” She shrugged as if the decision was obvious. Which I supposed it was. They weren’t terribly expensive, and I didn’t think I could pick just one.
Determined, I walked up to the table to pay. I smiled politely and wasn’t surprised when he didn’t return it. I’d hoped by the time we were ready to go, whoever actually owned the booth would be back and friendlier, but I assumed they were on a break or something.
His lips moved like he was talking to me, but I couldn’t really read them. His eyes darted to Kaia when she said something. Probably telling him I was deaf, as always. Anywhere we went, she’d say something before I could.
I didn’t know what he was saying, but she signed at the same time, and clearly he was more irritated and less sympathetic by what she said. He rolled his eyes and scrunched up his nose like he smelled something disgusting.
“Forty dollars, please.” He said the words so slowly, almost in a mocking way. I could only imagine him yelling the words, thinking I’d hear if he was loud enough. I took out my card, and his eyes rolled even harder. Seriously, why was he even there if he was so miserable?
Kaia took my card and handed the man cash. She spoke and signed at the same time. “Here. Try to be a little more compassionate with your next customers.” She took my hand and led me away from the booth.
She apologized over and over about the encounter, and I said it was fine, but I asked to go home. She knew something was up, though she didn’t ask me about it on the walk home.
I appreciated having her in my corner and always having my back, but moments like those made me think about the future.
Was this how life would always be? People being rude and not understanding, and Kaia coming to my rescue? Not even just Kaia, but a partner? Would I ever find someone who understood me and was patient with me the way she was? Would they say they understood and that it didn’t bother them, but would they secretly resent me for something I had no control over?
We got home, and after making sure Duke was fed and taken care of, I said goodnight and went to my room. I’d had enough social interaction for one day and just wanted to be left alone.
Chapter Eight
KAIA
Our trip to the farmers market the other day had been weighing on my mind.Daisy seemed like it didn’t bother her, but after we got home, she went straight to her room and didn’t come out for the rest of the night. It really got under my skin when people, especially those in customer service, acted like it was our fault they were stuck in a job they hated. Like we were inconveniencing them.
I had woken up a few minutes before my alarm, so I was just lying there, checking my emails. I had one from Drea about the construction of my office. She was updating me on the timeline. They were going to finish earlier than they’d previously said, which was nice. As much as I loved Drea, it would be good to have my own office.
I was just about to respond to Drea’s email, when I heard a brutal cough. I got out of bed and lightly opened my door, peeking down the hall. I saw Daisy leaving the bathroom with Duke at her feet. That little dog loved his momma, and they looked adorable together.
Once she turned the corner to the living room, I followed after her. She really was sick. By the time I entered the room, the poor thing was curled up in her chair with Duke in her lap. She was snuggled with him and her blanket, and looked so pale.
“Sunny, you don’t look so good,” I said, walking over to feel her head. She was burning up.
She scowled at me. “I know. Thanks.”
“Sorry,” I signed, scrunching my nose. “What do you need? Do you have meds? Do you want some tea? I can make you some soup.” I would’ve gotten her anything she wanted, and if we didn’t have it, I’d go find it.
