Page 59 of Collide
If it is, I don’t care.
The rotating wheel calls me like a beacon through the sea of students laughing and playing games. The smell of popcorn is long gone, replaced by the addicting scent of Aiden. Though that may just be my own hallucination.
The concession stands require re-stocking, the game operators need breaks, and there’s a serious booze problem that I’m willing to overlook as long as no one keels over and wrecks the expensive equipment.
The ring toss attendant, Kenna, looks minutes from falling apart, so I tap her out. The couples approaching the booth showcase an uncomfortable amount of PDA, but it doesn’t irritate me nearly as much as it usually does. My gaze drifts to the Ferris wheel again.
As I’m cleaning up after the last game, Kian leans against my booth while his date admires a large stuffed animal. “Think you can rig this to make me look good?”
I take his tickets and collect a few rings. “What’s in it for me?”
“The joy of seeing your best friend in the embrace of a woman?”
My laugh escapes me without warning, causing his date to look over. I wave. “She’s pretty.”
“Is that a yes?”
I shrug then hand him the wider rings meant for children.
“You’re awfully nice today,” he notes.
“I’m feeling charitable.”
His eyes widen like he's uncovered a big secret. “You’re getting laid.”
My face scrunches in disgust. “Why is that your first guess?”
“It’s not a guess. Either you’re getting laid, or there’s potential for it.”
I don’t want to dwell on whether he’s right or not. “You’re the last person who should know anything about my sex life.”
“You mean the non-existent one?”
I glare. “You’re one to talk.” That only has him sticking his tongue out. “If you must know, I’m just happy.”
Kian’s expression softens. “Good. I like seeing you happy.” Then he steps back, boasting to his date that he’s winning her the largest prize.
For once in my life, it looked like everything was going well. The carnival is a hit, my application only needs minor tweaks, and my poisonous feelings toward hockey are temporarily remedied by a certain captain.
A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my thoughts, and Kenna takes the key from me. “Shoo! You’ve been working all day. Go have some fun.”
“I can stay if you need a longer break.”
She pushes me out of her booth. “Go find your hockey hunk.” She shuts the wooden door.
I guess our hug was on display for the entire carnival.
I make my way through the crowd of drunk students. For the first time in months, I feel light. That night out at the bar with Aiden felt like the beginning of a new me.
“Great event, Summer.” Connor Atwood’s voice is close enough that I startle. His blond hair flows in the wind as he matches my quick strides.
“Thanks for coming, Connor.”
“I wouldn't have missed it.” He continues walking with me as I’m nearing the Ferris wheel. “What are you doing now? Maybe we can hang out for a bit.”
I’m completely ignoring Connor, but I can’t find it in me to care. With a giddy rush of excitement, I slow to search for one tall hockey captain.
“What do you say?” he asks.
