Page 4 of Run, Little Bunny

“Because you’re my baby sister.”

“Just because I’m six years younger than you doesn’t make me a baby.”

“Says the baby.”

I nudge her. “Well … Chad’s never said anything that would make me think he’s interested.”

Not that I’ve been looking for an in. I’ve been obsessed with Aaron Olson, the hottest guy in Lake Geneva, for the last year.But Aaron’s off the market now … and definitely not interested in me.

Chad.Replaying some of my conversations with him, I smile. He’s funny and smart. He gave me some great advice when I was buying my car. Nothing but big brother vibes.

“Go ask Nicholas who the bunny is if you’re so curious. He would know being on the town’s business council and helping put on these events.”

“I’m not that curious! I’m channeling my inner Nancy Drew.”

“You’re curious!”

But Chad’s never outright flirted with me.Sure, he tips well, but nothing like the guys who use it as a form of flirting. The bunny, though … the bunny’s been unusually interested in me today.

“If you do my nails, I’ll flirt with the bunny,” I propose.

“Flirt how?”

“I’ll give him a kiss on the cheek for the photo.”

Megan gasps, her face lighting up. “You would not!”

“If you promise to do my nails, I will.”

She cocks her head. “What if the bunny wants your number after?”

I burst out laughing. “Yeah, right.”

“If the bunny is that obsessed with you, he’ll ask for your number.”

I roll my eyes. “We’re not going to run every possible scenario while we wait in this line. I’m just going to give him a kiss on the cheek.”

4

Standing in this oversized bunny suit, I’ve reached the point where my only goal is survival. The sun’s beating down now, and the inside of this costume feels like a sauna. The mask blocks out most of my peripheral vision, so all I can do is wave at the blur of kids approaching for a photo. Each high-five feels like I’m clinging to my last shred of dignity.

It's almost over. I’ll soon be retired as Buttons the Bunny for good. Then, beers. A lot of beers.

I sit on the hay bale, tired of standing, but I really don’t want kids to sit on my lap for photos. That’s weird, so I stand back up for more awkward crouching and kids crying at the sight of my freakishly large eyes.

There she is—Anna. Of course.

She’s standing in line with her nephew and sister. I can't tell if it’s the sweat or the fact that I’ve been harboring this crush on her for months, but my heart starts to race. I watch as they inch closer, and Anna’s laughing at something Megan said. She looks too good in this cropped jacket and jeans. I usually see her in some variation of a black dress or black top and skirt. Always tight.Another reason why I like going to La Nonna.

And then Megan nudges her, and Anna looks at me—well, at Buttons the Bunny—with this cute face that looks like it's plotting something.

Interesting.

The line moves up, and Cam’s there, bouncing in place as he steps up for his photo. I bend down, giving him a high-five and a wave, trying not to think about Anna standing a few feet away until the camera flashes.

I can’t help it, though. My eyes keep drifting to her.

“Go on,” Megan says, nudging Anna toward me. She approaches, her smile wide and teasing.

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