Page 81 of A Game Of Love

We walk side by side through the fair. We’ve been here for a few hours, and I thought we were having fun. Sure, the guys haven’t spoken much to each other, but everyone’s still standing.

Bishop made a few jokes and got a blank, unimpressed look from Toby, but I think we’re making progress.

“Come on, you big grump. You're just mad she took the last candy apple.” I bite my lip, trying to hold back my grin.

About a half hour ago, we took a break from games and rides to grab some snacks. We waited in line for fifteen minutes, and the whole time, Toby had his eye on a candy apple that looked like a pumpkin. But just as there was only one person in front of us, the little girl ordered the last one.

The look of devastation on Toby’s face was both pitiful and funny. He’s been grumpy ever since.

“Well, at nighttime, they don’t allow kids. Seems like a good idea if you ask me. Get rid of the ankle biters,” he huffs.

A woman with two kids looks at Toby with shock.

“Don’t mind him, ma’am. He didn’t get his nap today.” Bishop gives her a charming smile before steering Toby away. When we’re away from people, Bishop steps in front of him. “Can we not let this get to you, please?”

“Fine,” he sighs. “I’m hungry.” He shrugs. “I need to eat something when I take my meds.”

My eyes widen slightly, looking up to Bishop. He nods. “I’ll go find you something. You two stay there.”

“Thanks,” Toby says.

“You didn’t take your meds yet?”

He looks down at me with a bit of a guilty look. “I have them. I grabbed them before we left. I just forgot. Kind of got distracted by cleaning the couch then getting ready. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry. I’m just glad you remembered. I wish you said something sooner, though.”

“You were so excited when we got here to start going on the rides, I didn’t want to make you wait.”

“Toby,” I say softly, stepping closer. “Your health is more important. I can wait. Your meds can’t. Do you understand me?”

He nods.

“I want to kiss you right now,” he murmurs, towering over me. His hands reach for mine, our fingers brushing together.

I suck in a gasp, a needy spike filling my lower belly. “I want you to kiss me,” I whisper back, heart pounding in my chest.

Bishop and I have been doing our best not to leave Toby out. Today, we’re here as friends, doing something we’ve done for years as kids. Boyfriends are put to the side for now.

A throat clears behind us, and I take a step back. “Sorry.” Bishop steps up, handing Toby a hotdog and a can of soda. “Not that I care, but I saw a few guys from the team at the booth next to us.”

“Thanks.” Toby takes the food from Bishop. We move over to a picnic table so he can eat.

As we sit and talk, waiting for him to be done, my mind drifts.

I know he doesn’t want to tell anyone about us. It’s only been a few days since we’ve gotten together, a week since he caught Bishop and me together.

It’s still new, and he’s making more progress than I expected. Still, it’s moments like this I just want to be with them and not worry about who might see us, because there wouldn’t be anything to hide.

But I’m not going to push. I’ll give him time. How much time? That, I’m not sure. I already felt like I’ve given him years, how much more time does he need?

After Toby eats, we spend the rest of the day enjoying ourselves. We laugh, take photos, ride the rides.

Honestly, it’s the best day I’ve had in... well, I don’t remember how long.

The sun is setting, and all the kids are leaving. Now, it’s adult time. Something I haven’t been able to attend because you have to be at least sixteen years old. Last time we came to the Halloween fair, I was fifteen.

Toby and I drifted apart just before the Halloween of my sixteenth year. I didn’t want to go alone or do this yearly tradition with Bee or Jonas when it was mine, Toby's, and Bishop’s thing.

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