Page 79 of First Impressions of You

“Of course,” I agree, holding my arms open to embrace them for the photo. The three girls quickly turn, facing their moms with huge smiles coloring their faces. I quickly sweep my eyes between them at my sides, only now noticing that we all have pretty similar hair, unruly curls cascading down our backs.

“Thank you,” the three of them say in unison after their mother’s captured a few photos on her phone.

“You’re very welcome.”

“Okay, girls, let’s go. The line is moving.” It’s their dad who makes them start walking again, but I’m too surprised by all of it to make my legs move. They pass by me, and we share smiles as they go.

“They literally screamed when they saw that the princess looked like them.” Their mom stays behind to tell me this when they’re out of earshot. “They’re so excited to see this play.”

I let the easiest smile I’ve ever given curl my lips as I say, “I’m happy to hear that.” But they will likely never know how truly happy they made me.

I don’t want to go home yet. I don’t want to face Julia because I’m sure she’ll want to know what happened today. I don’t want to talk to Olivia or think about the fight we had this morning. Especially not after meeting those three girls in line for the show.

But Nights of Terror is starting in half an hour, and I definitely don’t want to stay for that experience again.

It’s almost time for dinner, and even though I’m not hungry, I know I should eat something because I haven’t eaten the whole day. I consider grabbing something from the park, but not even Sprinkled Dreams sounds appetizing.

I’m still trying to decide what to eat when I walk through the employee gate, round the 441 building, and make my way to Film Strip. As soon as I walk through the gate, I see Winter, leaning on the slim column between the Sheriff’s Gate and Socks Sensation. His arms are crossed in front of his chest, but his eyes are worried, not impatient.

“What are you doing here?” I ask and get a sincere smile in return.

“You haven’t greeted me like that in a while,” he points out. I’d forgotten about this. “Julia called me,” he answers. “She asked if I knew where you were, then I tried to call, but I couldn’t get hold of you. I was worried.”

I walk to him, unable to stop the pull he has on me.

“How did you know I was here?”

“I…” He takes a sudden interest in the window displaying a wide variety of printed socks. “I know how much you love it here. I figured this is where you’d come. And then I just asked around until someone told me they saw you.”

“How long have you been waiting?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he affirms. “I’d wait all day long.”

“Winter,” I say his name on a sigh.

“What happened?” he asks tenderly.

“I…” My throat clogs as I try to get the words out. “I rather not talk about it.”

He nods. A surge of relief instantly rushes through me like a tidal wave.

“Are you hungry?”

I shake my head, realizing the only thing I wanted is already right here.

“When was the last time you ate?” he insists.

“I don’t know.”

“Alright, we’re getting you some food.”

I’m so tired, I’m not completely aware how I get to Winter’s car. All I know is that the moment I climb in, a feeling of calm and familiarity sweeps through me, relaxing every muscle in my body. I’m so comfortable, I fall asleep before we get to the highway. One second, we’re in Burbank, the next the car is stopping, and I’m not exactly sure where we are.

Opening my eyes, I turn to find him watching me with a smile on his face.

“Did you know you talk in your sleep?”

“What? No, I don’t.” I might, though. Julia’s said something about that before.

---