He shrugs as he climbs to his feet. “I don’t mind the floor.”
He’s telling the truth. He doesn’t mind anything and never complains. He is the most hardworking, intelligent little boy I have ever met. His grandmother must be so proud.
Well, he’s not so little, but you know what I mean.
We walk out of the hostel and down the street. The sun is shining, and the weather is warm and balmy. “Nice day, isn’t it?”
“Uh-huh.” He smiles as he looks around.
We walk in silence for a while. “I want to buy some fresh fruit today and some tomatoes and lettuce.”
“I can carry those,” he suggests.
“Okay,” I reply. “That would be great.” I smile hard on the inside; every minute I spend with him, he pulls me more under his spell.
“You probably should get some apples and bananas too,” he says.
“I think I will.” I smile.
His phone rings, and he digs it out of his pocket. “It’s Mr. Christo,” he says.
“I’m not here,” I stammer. “Pretend you’re not with me.”
“I can’t lie.”
“Yes, you can,” I snap. “Do it.”
“Hello,” he answers. He listens and then smiles broadly.
I stand and watch him on his new fancy iPhone.
“Yes, I’m good.” Eddie smiles. We begin to walk again while I’m listening like a hawk.
“Miss Hazen?” Eddie’s eyes flick to me. “She’s good.” He listens again. “No, she didn’t go to Portugal. The others are back here now too. Their hostel closed.”
Eddie listens again and he frowns. “Last night? I don’t know what she did last night.”
“I went out,” I mouth.
“She went out,” he lies for me. His eyes flick to me again. “Who with?” he repeats Christopher’s question.
“Men,” I mouth.
Eddie frowns as he holds his hand up. “What men?” he mouths back.
“All of them,” I mouth.
Eddie nods, finally understanding the game. “A big bunch of guys. Good-looking dudes too.”
I smile goofily as I listen.
He cares.
“What did she wear?” Eddie frowns as he repeats the question. His eyes meet mine, and he scrunches up his face.
“White dress,” I mouth.
Eddie lies for me again. “I don’t know, a white dress.” Eddie listens and then rolls his eyes. “I’m not cutting up her dress.”
I put my hand over my mouth to stop myself from laughing.
“I’m not sure,” Eddie replies. He listens a bit. “Okay, I’ll try.”
“What?” I mouth.
He waves his hand in a don’t worry sign.
“I’m good.” He smiles. “No, it’s sunny.” He listens again. “I start at three. I’m going to the market with Miss Hazen this morning to buy fruit.” He frowns, and his eyes meet mine. “Don’t tell her you called? Why not?”
My heart sinks as I wait for the reply.
“Oh . . . I see.” He listens, and then eventually, he smiles. “Okay, bye.” He hangs up.