Page 5 of Run, Little Bunny

She’s getting a photo?Cam goes back to his mom, and now it’s me and Anna.

“You ready for this?” she asks, glancing at me—or the bunny, whatever—as if she’s daring me to react. I try to act cool, giving her a little wave with my massive paw.

Before I can even process what’s happening, Anna leans in, planting a kiss right on the side of the bunny’s cheek.

She’s fun.

I force myself to stay in character, waving to the camera as the photographer snaps a photo.

The moment feels like it lasts forever, and when Anna pulls back, she’s still smiling. I swear there’s something in her eyes—something teasing. She can’t know it’s me, right? But before I can figure it out, she’s already stepping back to rejoin her family.

“Nice bunny,” Megan says with a smirk as they walk away, and I stand there, frozen in the costume, feeling both ridiculous and … hopeful? I don’t even know anymore.

As soon as they’re out of sight, my phone buzzes in my pocket—because yes, this bunny costume has pockets. It’s a text from Nicholas.

Nicholas O’Malley

CB, you’re killing it out there.

Still up for beers at High Five after? We’re daring you to keep the bunny suit on.

I groan. Of course the guys are.

Chad Braun

You’re kidding, right?

Nicholas O’Malley

Nope. It’ll be legendary. Plus, you’ll drink for free. You in?

I sigh and look down at the fluffy, white suit that’s been torturing me for hours, then look around the crowd, trying to spot Anna. An idea strikes me. She doesn’t know it's me. Or maybe she does, but either way, I can’t let this day end without at least trying to make a move. If I’m going to embarrass myself further, I might as well go all the way.

Waving Lauren over, I ask her for a scrap of paper and a pen. She cocks a brow, but I’m not going to tell her why. I take off my oversized paws and scribble a note.My handwriting is terrible.

"You, me, High Five, one hour. I’ll be the guy in the bunny suit." - Buttons the Bunny

I’ll have enough time to run back to my place and shower. I need it after sweating in this suit. My hands are shaking a little as I fold it up.What am I doing?I shouldn’t be this nervous. This is either going to be the dumbest idea I’ve ever had or a great one.

Spotting Anna again, she’s standing near the park exit, talking with her sister. Now’s my chance.

I shuffle over, the ridiculous parachute pants rustling as I go. Anna turns her head, I’m sure hearing the noise and wondering why the Easter Bunny is approaching.Should I say something?I extend my hand and the note and decide not to speak.

She looks at me, surprised, before glancing down at the folded paper. Then she smiles, taking the paper from my paw. I wave because what else can I do? She gives me a small wave as I retreat back to the photo booth, unsure where else to go until she leaves.

Will she show up?It’s a crazy request to meet up with Buttons the Bunny at a bar.

5

“Itold you the Easter Bunny was staring at me!” I squeal after reading the note and handing it to my sister.

She chuckles, reading it. “So, are you going to go to High Five?”

“Um …”

“Oh, come on! This is what being young is all about. This is a story you're going to want to tell your kids someday.”

“How I went on a date with the Easter Bunny?”

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