Page 122 of Don't Make Me Beg
I flash her a wink. “I know.”
After the initial morning rush, Scout and I split up, leaving Colleen in charge of the entry booth. She’s helping with the face painting booth in the kiddie area while I make my rounds, Lucy’s pie-eating contest being my first stop.
“Can you believe this turnout?” Lucy says as she sneaks me a piece of warm apple pie. Hazel, Paige, and Mayor Stone are all helping her judge.
“Seems to be flowing well so far.”
“Well, I’m not the least bit surprised.” She nudges my shoulder and gives me a wink. “I always knew you had it in you.” She turns to leave, making her way back to sit with the other judges, leaving me stunned and speechless.
I scoff a laugh. “That would’ve been nice to know three months ago,” I mumble under my breath as I make my way to my next stop.
When I arrive at Miss Scarlett’s Kissing Booth, I’m met with a line at least fifty deep.
I’m making my way to the front when I feel someone grab my arm. “Hey, man, you can wait your turn like everyone… Oh, it’s you,” Fergus says as he applies a layer of cherry Chapstick to his lips.
I nod toward the empty booth where a sign tells me they’re taking a five-minute break. “What’s going on up there? Is everything okay?”
Gus tries to act casual, waving me off. “Oh yeah. I think she just needed a break to rehydrate.” He glances over his shoulder, looking annoyed. “Line’s been out to the road all day. There’s been quite a few repeat customers, too.” His lip curls in disgust as he glares at someone in front of him. “I’ve been sticking around, making sure no one gets handsy.”
I take note of the ticket in his hand and force myself to hold back my grin. “Right. Well, I know I can count on you to make sure things don’t get out of hand.”
“‘Course Scarlett had to wear that low-cut top,” he mumbles more to himself than to me. “I swear she does it on purpose, just trying to get under my skin.”
“You’re probably right, Gus. The only way to get through to a brat is by beating her at her own game.”
He looks at me. “How do I do that?”
“You’ve got to knock her socks off, man. When you get up there, you lay one on her so passionately that you make her forget her own name... And then you walk away, leave her hanging.” I give his shoulder a friendly pat. “I promise you, man, you kiss her like that, and she’ll be chasing after you to get another piece of Fergus Fletcher.”
“Thanks, Luka,” he says, and I swear I catch a glimmer in his eye. “You know, you’ve really surprised me today.” He gestures around us. “All of this turned out great. I mean… I can’t be sure entirely since you blocked the mural off… But you’ve done a good job bringing this festival together.”
I hold my hand over my heart. “Thanks, Gus, that means a lot coming from you.”
He gives me a nod, then pulls out his tube of Chapstick and coats his cracked lips in another layer.
Miss Scarlett returns to her seat. When she sees me, she gives me a thumbs up and silently mouths, “Good job. I’m so proud of you.”
Smiling, I nod and give her a wave, as my chest swells with sweet relief. It’s only after I’ve walked away that I realize their words of approval are filling cracks in my heart I never knew existed.
I check the time on my watch and click on my walkie-talkie. “Scout, can you meet me outside Theater in five?”
“Be right there,” she says right back.
I make one more stop before heading that way.
Scout’s eyes light up when she sees me, and I can’t get over how much lighter she seems. Her legs are tan in her cutoff denim shorts, and the baby pink tube top she’s wearing is giving my roaming eyes entirely too much skin to work with.
I pull her in for a hug, breathing in the scent of her shampoo before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re too fucking pretty to be walking around by yourself.” I grab her hand and straighten her ring, making sure the diamond is clearly in view. “Maybe we should get you a bigger ring. I’m not sure this one is obvious enough.”
She giggles and pushes me in the chest. “I love this ring and anything bigger would look like costume jewelry.” Her eyes flash over me like she’s trying to read me. She lifts a perfectly arched brow. “Why have I been summoned here?”
I hook an arm over her shoulder and lead her to the entrance. Looks like we’re right on time to catch the first performance. “It’s a surprise, remember?”
She pinches my side.
We make our way inside the historic theater, following the Phantom posters
“Is this new carpet?” Scout asks, her head shifting side to side as she looks around. “Oh my God, and the lights…” she points to the line of sconces illuminating the hallway. “Those are beautiful. When did they renovate? I think the last time I was here was for my dance recital when I was twelve… It looks so good.”
