Page 18 of Unexpected Pass

“Sure.”

She looked like she wanted to say more, but she didn’t, and I was glad. We rode in silence for the rest of the drive. Kellon fiddled with his phone, and I joined Ms. Barnes in looking out the window and taking in the scenery.

“Oh shit! This is high!”Phileigh squealed as we crept up the tracks.

Her grip tightened on the safety bar. I couldn’t help but chuckle. I was getting a kick out of seeing her squirm. The elephants hadn’t even gone that high on the last ride, and she screamed. I didn’t know how I’d gotten her on this roller coaster.

“You’re afraid of heights, huh?”

She shot me a playful glare. “How can you tell?”

“Just a guess,” I teased, making her laugh as the ride dropped over the hill at full speed.

“Aah! Oh my God!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. “I’m going to die!”

I laughed at her dramatics and placed my arm across her, anchoring her to the seat for protection. The urge to protect her surprised me, but I welcomed it.

“Oh, shit!”

Her voice was mixed with laughter and screams. It was intoxicating, and I couldn’t help but think of what her screams would sound like when I was inside of her.

“I got you,” I reassured her as we went for our last twist and turn.

She gripped my arm as she squealed. Shawty was scared as shit.

“This is my last roller coaster!”

That was probably for the best. I didn’t think she could survive another. I nodded as the ride slowed to a complete stop and our lap bars lifted.

“I need to sit down after that.” She gasped as we stumbled out of the ride.

I glanced down at my watch, which had been buzzing the entire ride. I already knew it was my mom reminding me about the schedule. I was due to start press thirty minutes ago, but I wanted to enjoy a few more rides with Phileigh.

“How about we grab something to eat after the interview?” I said, spotting my mom gesturing me toward an awning where the press and a crowd of fans had gathered. Phileigh’s eyes followed my gaze, and she nodded her head.

“Sounds good. I’m going to have a seat right here, though. My heart is still pounding from that ride.” She took a seat on a small bench.

“Come on. I’ll get you a seat over there.”

I didn’t want to leave her presence for several reasons. I’d brought her here, so she was my responsibility.

“Go, go! I’ll be fine,” she insisted, holding onto her stomach.

The coaster must have really shaken her up. She probably felt a little nauseous. I stared at her for a moment, trying to gauge if she was okay.

“Kellon!” My mother’s voice broke through the crowd of fans yelling my name.

“Just relax. I’ll have Monte get you some water.”

I was concerned, but I had to go to the interview. It was a part of my contract.

“I’ll be right back, aight? Don’t turn into Cinderella.”

I smiled at her, trying to make her feel better.

“I won’t. I’ll be right here watching.”

With that, I headed toward the press area, stopping briefly to sign a few autographs. I hated doing press, but I loved showing love to the fans, especially the little, brown-skinned ones who looked like me.

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