Page 32 of Rematch
Gianna threw her arms around Audrey in a tight hug. “Text me when you get home,” the wind carried her voice.
They released each other, and Gianna disappeared between the rows of cars.
The smile on Audrey’s lips left with her friend. Her chest rose and fell in a deep sigh as she glanced around the flashing lights of the carnival. She wrapped her arms around herself and started walking through the aisle on the right, making a beeline for the array of picnic tables nearby. The seating area wasilluminated by the golden lights of the ferris wheel and carousel on either side of it.
Audrey sat down at one of the empty tables. Eyes fixed on the carousel, she leaned her back against the edge of the table. Her frown deepened as she dived into her thoughts, finally left alone to deal with them. At least she thought she was.
“Is this seat taken?” I asked, unveiling myself.
She jumped at the sound of my voice. Her eyes darted to me, and her frown quickly transformed into a pout. “Yes,” she said.
“By who? Your imaginary boyfriend.” I sat on the small inch she left open near the edge of the bench and playfully shoved her. “Move over.”
Rolling her eyes, she complied, scooting over enough to let me sit comfortably beside her. “You ain’t shit for the stunt you pulled earlier. You know that, right?”
“What do you mean? Are you not single?”
She looked away. “Mind your business.”
“Can’t. I bought you funnel cake,” I said, offering the plate to her.
Audrey glanced at it from the corner of her eye. Her lips twitched, and I knew she was fighting to keep her pout alive.
“Come on,” I encouraged. “It’s your favorite.”
“Just because I’m accepting it doesn’t mean you’re forgiven,” she said as she reached for the funnel cake and pulled a piece off. She hummed as she popped it in her mouth and chewed. “Hmm, and it’s fresh.”
“Warrants extra brownie points?”
She shot me a side-eye. “You wish.”
“Hey, you can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“Shut up and eat.”
Chuckling, I obeyed and pulled off a piece on the other side of the funnel cake.
We ate in a content silence for a few minutes, watching the other patrons mill around the carnival. Well, at least she did.
I kept my eyes on Audrey, admiring the way the lights lit up her face. Beneath them, her irises glittered like amber gems. The golden light traced over her cheeks, outlining their cherubic shape.
Audrey glanced at me midway into taking another bite and caught my shameless stare. Her brows stitched together, but she didn’t comment.
Shame. I was banking on the moment to tell her how beautiful she looked.
“So, are you done working for the night?” I asked to prevent an awkward silence from falling over us.
“Yeah. But I’m staying until ten. I’m driving Dad home, and I told him he wasn’t staying all night.”
I checked my watch. It was only eight-thirty. More than enough time for me to take her on a spin around the carnival. “Are you trying to race me in the water gun game?”
“Only if you’re prepared to lose.”
“Oh, you think you still got it?”
She scoffed. “I know I do.” She grabbed my hand and bounced off the bench. “Come on,” she said as she started tugging me up. “Let’s go.”
Grinning, I wrapped my fingers around hers and let her tow me back towards the rows of game booths.
