Page 170 of The Maxwell Brothers
The fair was lively and packed, and I loved the energy. There were booths lined up all over the perimeter. The band played a number of catchy songs. They were talented, but it was too loud for my taste. Currently, we were looking at stands with trinkets, colorful jewelry, and hats. I wasn't buying anything, but I was giving my opinion to Emma.
"Those earrings would look fabulous on you," she said, pointing to a pair with dangling half-moons.
I shook my head, "No can do. After I move and stop paying rent, I'll finally be able to spoil myself a bit, but until then, I'm going to suck it up."
"I can buy them for you," she said excitedly.
"No, no, no, I won't hear of it." I appreciated the thought, but Emma didn’t need to be spending her money on me.
“Oh, come on, sis. You've always bought me things. Let me do the same for you now, please? Pretty pleaaaase?"
I shook my head, dragging my sister away from the stand before she got other ideas. "No. I'm the older sister. You don't get to invite me or buy anything for me."
“One of these days, I’ll change your mind on that.”
"Let’s change the subject. How was your date?" I asked. "You haven't said one word about the guy, so I'm assuming it didn't go well."
She scrunched her nose. "No, that was one of the worst dates I've had, and I didn't think it was possible to surpass the guy who showed up half an hour later and then shamelessly told me he was coming from a date and had one after me."
I grimaced. "Okay, I won’t ask for details, then.”
“Exactly. I don’t think I like these online dating apps at all.”
“Told you they’re tricky. You can’t really tell anything about a person when they’re hiding behind a screen.”
“Let’s focus on finding a hat. I’ve decided I need one. They have touristy prices here, but I like supporting local artists. Give me your honest opinion.”
She tried on five different hats. One looked like something out ofThe Great Gatsby, but it looked great on her. Two had a round, decent bowl, and the other two had huge ones. I didn’t like the last two.
“I understand huge hats in the summer. They protect you from the sun. But when it’s cold out, they’re just weird.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Turning to the sales associate, she handed her the black one with a small rim. “I’m taking this one.”
She paid quickly, and then we scoured the perimeter, deciding what to do next.
"Hey, isn't that Tyler there?" She pointed to the entrance booth.
I turned around abruptly, and my heart somersaulted.
“Oh wow.”
"What's he doing here?" she asked. "Did you tell him where we are?"
"Yeah, I did. But…"
"Oh my God, then he must be here to talk to you. Oh look, I think he's spotted us."
He had indeed. I also noticed two people behind him, a man and a woman.
"I'm staying right here next to you," Emma exclaimed.
"Thanks."
Tyler walked straight to us.
"Hi, you must be Emma," he said, looking at my sister.
"Yes I am. Nice to meet you, Tyler."
