The Dragon's Fate - Roxie Ray Page 0,32

but Monday was our only totally free day.

A trip to the coast was exactly what we needed. Springtime on the coast was always busy, but we were lucky to be in a tiny town that most tourists overlooked.

Still, when we got to the beach, it was pretty packed. With it being spring break, it was likely a bunch of locals all doing what we were, and sure enough, I saw several of my students. I hadn’t been here long enough to have any former students.

We ate food that was really bad for us and played in the sand. Hayden spotted a necklace at one of the many market stalls that dotted the tiny boardwalk. They were all over the place and booming with business.

The necklace was an intricately shaped dragon with gold gems as eyes. Hayden looked at me with big eyes. I sighed and got out my debit card. “If you weren’t such a good kid, I swear.”

The older woman manning the stall chuckled. “Being a good daughter brings many rewards.” She winked at Hayden. “You have good taste in jewelry. This dragon is special.” She took it off the stand and put it on Hayden. “See the gems on the dragon’s eyes?”

Hayden clutched the dragon and looked closely at it. The chain was long on her, so it hung halfway down her chest. “Yes. They’re pretty.”

“They’re tourmaline. Wear the dragon all the time and it will protect you and your family.” The older woman winked at me, and I laughed it off. Some people really got off on how much protection they could get from a rock.

But Hayden was enthralled with it. She tucked it down inside her shirt. “It’s warm,” she whispered as I held out my card.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Is it cash only? I have some here, depending on the price of the necklace.”

The older woman cocked her head at Hayden and a slow smile spread over her face. “This one is on the house. Your little girl reminds me of someone.”

I held out a twenty. “Oh, no, please take this. I can’t accept it for free.”

She pushed my hand back. “Now, now. Let an old woman indulge a little girl.”

Hayden beamed up at her before throwing her arms around her. “Thank you!”

The woman looked startled for just a moment, then melted and hugged Hayden back. “My pleasure, sweet one. Now, just promise me you won’t take it off?”

“I promise,” Hayden chirped.

She kept pulling it out throughout the day and looking at it. Once when she did, I could’ve sworn I saw the eyes glow, but when I looked again, I was sure it had to be in my head. A reflection of light.

We walked around a while longer before Hayden tugged on my hand. “I’m hungry again.”

I chuckled because, for an almost seven-year-old, she ate like a grown man.

“Come on, there’s a food truck up here.” We headed toward the closest parking lot as someone called out my name.

I turned to see Jace coming down the boardwalk behind us with two small children hanging onto his legs.

I didn’t bother fighting my smile. He looked so dang cute with the kids I couldn’t help myself. It was an adorable sight.

“You should’ve told me you’d be here today,” he said. “We could’ve let the kids hang out and explore together.”

Hayden waved at the little ones tumbling off of Jace’s legs, then looked up at Jace, seeming to notice him for the first time. “You’re the man who was dying at the store that day,” she said. “I’m glad you didn’t die.”

“Me, too,” Jace said conspiratorially as I laughed. “It did feel like I was dying, but I’m doing a lot better now.”

Hayden pointed at the kids who were a bit younger than her. “Who are they?”

“I’m Will,” the little boy said.

“And I’m Walker,” said the girl.

“That’s a weird name,” Hayden said.

“Hayden!” I hissed. “That was rude. Apologize now.”

Hayden looked at her feet, embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to say anything hurtful,” she whispered. “I’m sorry, Walker.”

Walker looked at Hayden. “What’s your name?”

“Hayden.”

“That’s weird too. We can be friends.”

Hayden brightened up. “Okay!”

Walker took Hayden’s hand. “Have you played any of the games yet?”

Hayden shook her head. “No, where are they?”

All three kids looked at Jace and me. “Can we go?” Will asked Jace.

He looked at me. “Up to Bri.”

“Please, Mom?” Hayden looked so hopeful.

“I thought you were hungry,” I said.

She shrugged. “I can wait until after we play games.”

I laughed and threw my hands up. At least it would