Luke laughed. “Hey Sutton. Good to see you’re alive.” He went in for an awkward hug. He was tall and as we embraced I leaned my head into his chest. He smelled like a mix of fried foods covered up with heavenly cologne.
“Where do we get the wristbands?” Reagan asked.
“Oh there’s a booth right over here.” Luke said slowly strolling away motioning for us to follow. “It’s so crazy. I live here and I haven’t been on these rides in years.” He said over his shoulder.
“Hey Lukey.” The girl in the ticket booth swooned as we approached the window. “What can I do for you?”
“Hi Bianca. Two wristbands please.” My hand brushed against Luke’s wrist as I pleaded for him to let me pay for myself. He just shooed me away and pulled a few bills out of his wallet.
“What a gentleman.” The girl scoffed, wrapping the yellow wristbands around each of our wrists. “Enjoy your night!” She added sounding extremely forced and annoyed.
After Shane and Reagan acquired their wristbands we got in line for the swings. Things weren’t awkward with Luke, conversation just flowed.
“So tell me a little bit about you.” He started off.
“Well. I’m 18 and I’m starting my freshman year of college in the fall. I actually live in Massachusetts but I’m here for the summer. I’m staying on Shell Street, just a few blocks away.”
“That’s awesome! I’m 19. I just graduated high school too though. I live here in Coopersville, born and raised. My uncle owns the pizza shack that’s where I am most of the time,” he replied.
By the time we got to the front of the line and were about to get on the swings I almost forgot Shane and Reagan were there with us. “Hey here’s two doubles!” Reagan shouted as we followed her. I felt my cheeks getting red again.
Luke and I grabbed the double swing behind Reagan and Shane. As I was buckling myself in Luke said, “I know it’s stupid but I’m like so freaked out right now. I usually don’t go on these. The swings aren't my thing. I’ve seen too many youtube videos of people flying off into the water!”
I chucked a little. “Wow. I never pictured a guy like you to be afraid of the swings.”
“A guy like me? What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked. I felt my face flushing again. He flashed me a nervous grin and we were lifted up into the air. Each time we circled around we seemed to be going faster and faster. I swung my arms out as if I was flying and I felt the wind blowing through my hair. Luke giggled at me but continued to hold onto the chains for his life.
As the swings lowered us down to the ground Luke breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well you made it!” I exclaimed.
“Barely.” He grumbled, releasing the chains for us and pulling up the bar.
The four of us went on ride after ride. The ferris wheel, bumper cars, the frisbee, the pirate coaster, even the fun house. After we had gone on everything, we stopped by the ice cream stand.
“Hey Jimmy. Hook us up.” Luke winked at a kid behind the counter. He had tan skin, dark features and had a man bun.
“You know I gotchu,” he replied.
“We’re going to go grab a table.” Reagan winked at me and pulled Shane by the hand behind her.
“Oh yeah!” I heard Luke say as the kid behind the counter handed him a waffle topped with a mountain of ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and sprinkles.
“Wow that looks amazing,” I said.
“Told you so!” Luke replied cradling the delectable dish in his hands and carefully walking towards the picnic table.
Each of us had a spoon in our grasp and we devoured our dessert in minutes. “Wow that was so good. I’ve never had anything like that!” Reagan said licking the hot fudge off of each finger tip.
“I remember having those when I used to visit my aunt when I was younger but they were nothing compared to that.” I chimed in.
“I know all the tricks of this boardwalk.” Luke said with a wink. “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” he said softly leaning into us all. “This ice cream place is the only one the locals use. Since it’s farther off the boardwalk it’s cheaper and they load their sundaes up too.”
“You’re a keeper!” Shane said patting him on the back.
We all stood up and walked together towards the other end of the boardwalk. When we reached the pizza shop Luke stopped and turned to me. Reagan and Shane acted like they didn’t see us stop and kept walking.
“As much as today started out with an unfortunate event I’m almost glad it happened,” he said with a chuckle.
“Me too,” I replied nervously.
“You’re really beautiful,” Luke said brushing his handle gently over my bruised temple. He sent chills down my spine.
“Are you cold?” He asked, looking concerned. He lowered the drawstring bag off his back and pulled out a black Nike sweatshirt. “Here. It’s an excuse for you to see me again.” I pulled the sweatshirt over my head.“Looks good on you,” Luke said with one finger under my chin.
“Thanks so much for coming,” I said with a genuine smile.
“I would give you my number but my phone is kind of fucked right now. So you’ll have to come find me here.” I nodded and he put his arms out for a hug. My stomach filled with butterflies as he held me for a few seconds.
I strolled down the rest of the boardwalk and I could feel Luke’s eyes still on me making sure I got to Reagan and Shane safely.
“Oh my god Sutton could that have gone
