Page 35 of The Friendly Fall

“I definitely think you’re better.” Nick shoots me a smirk and my face feels hot. “But to be honest, I think we’rebothreally terrible at this.”

“Yeah, for sure,” I choke out, the scent of his cologne still lingering in my nostrils. “Okay, now quit peeking. You’re going to ruin the big reveal.” I smirk.

Nick chuckles but obligingly turns back to his own pumpkin. As we continue painting in a comfortable silence, I can’t help but steal glances at him every now and then. The way his brow furrows in concentration, the hint of a smile playing on his lips—it’s captivating.

When we both finish our masterpieces (if you can call them that), we share a laugh at our lack of artistic talent.

“Wait, is my nose really that big?” I joke, looking at his pumpkin.

He laughs, shaking his head. “I think I might’ve made your eyes a little lopsided too.”

We both burst into laughter, the sound blending with the festive music and chatter around us.

“Why do I look like I have a pinched face?” He chuckles as he examines the pumpkin I painted. “I look like a prune with a beard.”

I giggle, unable to contain my own laughter at the monstrosity we’ve created. “Definitely shouldn’t quit our day jobs,” I add in an awkward way, realizing just how dumb I sound.

I don’t evenhavea day job.Ugh.

But he only laughs.

Chapter Thirteen

Nick

“Oh my gosh!” Eliza exclaims suddenly, just as I toss the wrapper for my hot dog into the trash. “That’sincredible.”

I furrow my brow, glancing around at the grassy area. I don’t see anything incredible. The park has been turned into an evening venue, along with a carnival. The live band has yet to start playing on the stage, but the sun is disappearing from the sky, so it won’t be long.

“Youhaveto do it,” she continues, and Ifinallysee whatshe’s talking about.

“Oh, no way,” I say, shaking my head as I take in the dunk tank which is currently recruiting volunteers. “I don’t have any extra clothes.”

“Come on, Nick.” Eliza turns to me, pleading as she still holds a half-eaten hot dog. From what I can tell, she’s been having a blast. She’s been laughingallevening, and I swear the sound is like music to my ears. There’s just something infectious about her…

But I’m not willingly letting her dunk me in cold water in the crisp October air.

“Why don’tyoudo it,” I suggest, nudging her playfully as she continues toward the dunk tank. “I know for certain I can dunk you.”

“Which is exactly whyI’mnotdoing it.” She tips her head back, her blonde hair spilling over her shoulders as her green eyes twinkle under the warm string lights.

Man, she’s gorgeous.

“I, on the other hand, have a terrible arm. There’s like a seventy percent chance that you won’t even get wet,” Eliza urges, just before tossing her hot dog wrapper into one of the trash cans. “Trust me. I played softball for like two seasons in middle school and spent most of my time on the bench.”

“Yeah, you should do it, Nick,” a familiar voice says from behind me.

“I’m with Eliza,” Vanessa adds, as she and Daniel join up with us.

“Oh hey, Vanessa!” Eliza beams.

“Hey, girl. I’m so glad you made it out tonight. This is my husband Daniel, by the way.” Vanessa gestures toward her husband.

“Nice to meet you, Daniel,” Eliza greets him warmly, and suddenly, my heart is doing flip-flops at the fact that Eliza’s meeting my best friend.

“Anyway,” Vanessa continues, “I hope she dunks you, Nick. But even if she doesn’t, it’d be nice to see you sweat.”

“And then you can cool off in the water,” Daniel jokes, punching me in the arm. “Plus, it’s for charity. And I’ll donate a hundred bucks to get you up there.”

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