Page 192 of The Hookup Situation
The fire pops and crackles, sparks shooting up into the October night. I could sit here until midnight, letting the townsfolk swirl around us, pretending the world outside of us doesn’t exist.
“All right, lovebirds!” Zane shouts, cutting through the spell as we stare at the flames.
Julie startles, blinking at me as a very large crowd gathers near the stage. Autumn grins and enjoys every second.
“What’s happening?” Julie whispers.
“Costume contest,” I say, already groaning at Zane, who’s tugging me up by the arm.
“On stage. Both of you.” He doesn’t give us a choice.
Julie’s laugh bubbles against my chest as she takes my hand. “Come on, Aladdin. Let’s dazzle the crowd.”
We’re moved onto the small stage, and the Fairy Godmothers sitin the front row, fanning themselves dramatically. I’m convinced they fell straight out of aBridgertonepisode with those petticoats and wigs.
“And for our final entry of the night!”
Julie’s cheeks turn pink, but she plays along, lifting the hem of her costume to curtsy while I bow.
The crowd cheers with approval.
“Vote time! This is based on loudness, so scream for who you want to win!” Autumn calls into the microphone. “For the pirates! The skeletons! The vampires and …” She gestures to us. “Princess Jasmine and Aladdin!”
The cheer is deafening. People chant our names, the Fairy Godmothers leading with, “Jules and Nick! Jules and Nick!” until I chuckle.
Julie turns to me and grins. I never want to forget this look on her face.
“Unanimous,” Autumn declares. “The winners are Nick and Jules!”
Zane steps forward, holding up an envelope like it’s a goddamn Oscar.
“Grand prize,” he says, milking it for all it’s worth. “Weekend trip to Napa Valley during Valentine’s Day. Compliments of Autumn and me.”
Julie gasps. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Zane says. “Flights, hotel, vineyard tours. The works. You’re welcome.”
She hugs him so hard that he actually stumbles. “Thank you.”
I cross my arms. “You couldn’t have just given away a bottle of wine?”
Zane smirks and leans in. “That’s too easy.”
Julie beams at me, her green eyes shining like she’s already picturing the trip. I can’t wait to get away with her.
When we finally take the steps off the stage, her grin is so bright that it could light the entire town.
“We’re going. No matter what our decision is tonight,” she insists.
“I’ll agree to that,” I say, knowing that if she doesn’t choose me tonight, I’m still promised one last week with her. It’s a selfish agreement.
As the band returns to the stage, I steer her toward the haunted house at the edge of the lawn. “We have one last scare.”
The structure looms at the front of Hollow Manor, with fog spilling down the steps and strobe lights flashing in the windows. Screams echo from inside, followed by laughter. Julie squeezes my hand tighter, her jeweled bracelets glinting in the moonlight.
“I don’t think I want to get jump scared,” she mutters.
“I’ll protect you,” I tease, tugging her closer.
