Page 138 of Sin City Lights

“I don’t know.”

He could feel her stare, even in the dark.“Do you love this girl?”

Did he?

He gave her an honest answer.“I don’t think I know how.”

Her laugh was so familiar.“Oh, Adam, honey. I’ve always said you underestimate yourself.”

Eve

“There’s Goofy.”

The costumed person waved to the group of kids, nodding exaggeratedly while posing for pictures.

“How about a photo?” Eve teased.

Adam shook his head.“Elvis was a freebie. Anything else, you’ll have to pay.”

She laughed, giving his hand a squeeze. “It might be worth it.” They passed the bronze statue of Walt and Mickey, a riot of bright yellow petunias at its base. “Last time I was here, I believed all these characters were real.”

“Long time ago.”

She nodded.“It was the only time.”

Adam looked genuinely surprised.“Only once? A native Floridian?”

“It was expensive. Besides, I had no one to take me after Grandma passed away. But the one time was magical. So many good memories here. I think I rode Dumbo four times.”

Immaculate grounds, just as she remembered. Everywhere, there were flowers. So many flowers, most of them red. Visitors milled about, many pushing strollers, and each building they passed was of a different color. Light blue and white, pink and cream, with balconies, awnings, and columns, they seemed to come straight out of a vintage postcard.

A chestnut horse pulled a tram on tracks. Inside it, on yellow benches, delighted children with their parents sat, while Winnie the Pooh and Tigger stood, waving at the passersby.

Although she’d liked his family, it was good to have Adam all to herself. He’d been pensive in the morning, but how could he not be after yesterday’s revelation? So she’d suggested a visit to Disney World.

Before she knew it, three hours had passed. After riding four of the five roller coasters, one of them twice, Adam seemed in a much better mood.

“I should have known you’d be a coaster guy,” she said after the second time riding Space Mountain.

“The only thing better than a coaster is an airplane. Are you thirsty?”

“Very.”

“Let’s get some water and find someplace to sit.”

They found a good spot in the shade, a wrought-iron bench surrounded by bright yellow pansies.

Adam downed his water in a few big gulps.“I can’t imagine doing this in the summer.”

“Neither can I, but so many people come here in July. It’s crazy.”

“Think you could live in Florida again?”

“Only if I were forced to. I never thought of coming back; there’s nothing for me here. I don’t think I could cope with the summer humidity anymore. Your sister seems to love it, though.”

He nodded.“She does. What did you think of the house?”

“Loved it. It’s gorgeous.”

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