Part 17 (1/2)

*How do you know what we can and can't afford?' Sas pulled her mum's gold credit card from her purse and flashed it in front of the shop a.s.sistant's face.

The smug expression slipped away. *I didn't mean ... It's just...' she stammered.

*c.r.a.p stuff anyway,' said Sas. She flicked her hair over her shoulder and marched out the door. I thrust the floaty dress at the orange girl and scurried after Sas.

*She looks like an underfed oompah loompah,' said Sas, loud enough for the girl to hear. *I'm so over these stuck-up people.' There was something in her voice I couldn't name.

Khaden weaved through shoppers. *I'm starving. Let's eat.'

*There's a burger place back there,' I said pointing over my shoulder.

Sas rolled her eyes. *Oh come on, we can do better than that.'

*Yeah, but can we afford better than that?' asked Khaden.

*Hey, we aren't putting food on your mum's credit card,' I said, both palms facing Sas.

*It's her old card. I only keep it in my purse to impress.' She grinned and strutted up the street.

Khaden and I sighed and followed.

She stepped inside a cafe with ceiling-to-floor open windows. One look at the other diners and their sungla.s.ses and flashy jewellery, and I knew the place was way out of our reach.

I cleared my throat. *Sas, that vego place back there looked-'

She cut me off with a withering look. *We eat here.'

*Come on, Sas,' said Khaden, turning to go. *We don't belong in here.'

Sas grabbed his arm. *What makes anyone here better than us?'

A waiter dressed in black glided over. *Toilets are for clients only,' he said.

*Terrific to hear. When we use them, we'll know they are clean,' I said, giving him my sweetest smile. *Table for three, for lunch.'

*By the windows,' added Sas, already walking to a table in the far corner.

The waiter s.n.a.t.c.hed three menus from the counter and followed Sas.

I chewed on my bottom lip to stop myself from smiling.

*I'll be back to take your drink order,' said the waiter, dealing out the menus like cards. He huffed to the counter, where he spoke to other staff. It was obvious they were talking about us.

Sas flipped open her menu. *Order big, guys.'

I opened the menu and gasped. *Sas, there's no way we can afford this. A soft drink sure, or even a bowl of chips to share, not that they probably even serve chips, but a meal...'

Khaden paled. *Yeah, Sas, why don't we just-'

She banged her menu on the table. *What is it with you two?'

*You definitely have this covered?' asked Khaden, his left eyebrow arched.

She didn't look up from the menu. *I'm having roasted pumpkin risotto and an iced chocolate.'

Khaden and I exchanged a look and then read the menu too.

Sas pushed her plate away from her, leant back and grinned. *That risotto rocked.'

*My steak was unreal, too.' Khaden rubbed his belly like Dad did after a big meal.

The green curry had made my lips numb and my nose run. I sipped my diet cola, trying to douse the burning in my mouth.

*Too hot?' asked Sas, nodding at my half-eaten meal.

*Nah, just not hungry.'

The waiter appeared at the table and cleared our plates.

*Dessert?'

*Thanks,' said Sas. *Three sticky date puddings. With b.u.t.terscotch sauce, of course.

*Of course,' said the waiter, his smile cold.

Dessert? I'd explode for sure. When I opened my mouth to say so, Sas grimaced so I stayed quiet.

The waiter glided to the counter.

Khaden leant forward, frowning.

*Sas, I can't eat another-'

*You don't have to. We're doing a runner,' she hissed, reaching for her bag.

*A what?' I asked.

*A runner! You know, run off without-'

*I know what you mean, but-'

*Ruby, either you run or you pay for all our meals.' Her voice was like steel. *And shut your mouth.'

*Sas, if we get caught...'

*We won't.' Her eyes were on the waiters at the counter. *Meet at the tram stop on Malvern Road, okay?' She pushed her chair back and stood. *Ready?'

Khaden grinned, a cat ready to pounce.

I clutched my bag to my chest.