Page 54 of In the Dust

16

The next day at around seven, I’m spending some time cleaning the house when Colton knocks on the front door. When I open it, he’s standing in front of me wearing a plaid button up. His sleeves are rolled up past his forearm, my favorite thing.

Dark jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat.

“Oh shit.”

He cranes his neck back, giving me a once over. “You forgot.”

The town fair; it’s been the same day since I can remember. “I did!” I laugh. “Ten minutes?”

He nods with a crooked grin. “Go.” He nudges his head forward, and I book it to my room, scouring through my closet for the perfect outfit.

As soon as I see it, I know now is the perfect time to wear it. I slide the mid-thigh length dress over my body. The sky-blue compliments my tanned skin. I run my hands over the little red strawberries that are scattered over the fabric.

I rush down the stairs. “Woah, girl, slow down,” Colton drawls.

I blush. “Let’s go.”

“No, no.” He grabs my hand, twirling me around. “Let me get a good look at you.”

“Stop it,” I tease.

He throws his arm around me. “My favorite dress.”

I smile. “I know.”

* * *

The fair is packed full,with everyone from town coming to join in on the fun.

As we walk through, the aroma of cotton candy and turkey legs dance around me.

“God, I’ve missed the fair!” It’s always so electric, the start of fall. A perfect time in Georgia. When the leaves grow yellow and orange, and hot chocolate is always on the stove.

“I missed having you as my date.”

His date.

Somehow, even after all these years and all the dates we’ve been on, he still gives me butterflies. If it were anyone else this soon after a breakup, I would think I was crazy … but this is Colton we’re talking about here.

We pass by a booth of kids getting face paint. “Want to?” he teases.

“You can get a big donkey on your face.” I stick my tongue out at him.

He nudges my shoulder. “You should do that.”

I still. “What?”

“Paint.”

A small laugh escapes me. “I don’t want to paint kids’ faces for hours on end.”

He traps my hand in his. “I mean on canvas, on walls, on anything. I want to see you painting again.”

I shake my head, trying to bring his attention elsewhere. “I checked on Pixie before we left. Her and her baby are doing so good.”

He nods, sensing my urgency for any other conversation. “Yeah, I’ve been checking too.”

---