She smiled, her dimple making an appearance. “It’s the most logical order.”
“I think so. I don’t wanna be riding the Mega Drop with a belly full of food while carrying a giant unicorn.”
“Exactly.” She laughed. “Can you guarantee an oversized stuffed toy?”
“I never miss a shot.”
“Let’s do this.” She hooked her hand on his elbow, leading him forward.
It was official. Sophia was his favorite sister.
Screamer
Lorelei
She hadn’t had so much fun in what seemed like forever. Life had become an endless loop of rising with the sun, doing her chores, caring for everybody else but herself, and then going to bed. When was it her turn to live a little?
Now. Now it was her turn. What she was starting to realize was that now had always been the answer. Every day presented at least one moment where she could find something to treasure just for her.
She sounded like a banshee as the roller-coaster took another plunge before twisting into a loop. Gripping the rail for dear life, exhilaration collided with pure joy to split her face in a wide smile. The coaster pulled to a sudden stop, creeping forward the last few feet to let the passengers off.
She turned to find Toni grinning at her. “You’re a screamer.”
Her face was probably already pink from the ride. Enough to hide her responding blush. “I can’t help it. There’s something wrong with people who don’t scream when they’re hurtling through space, strapped down by a metal bar.”
“What are you tryna say?” He hopped out before spinning around to help her.
“You’re not normal.” Her tiny hand rested in his. She didn’t pull away after regaining her feet. It was too good. Sturdy. Warm.
“What is normal, anyways?” He didn’t release his hold, either.
That one move spoke of possibilities. She quashed the spark of hope flickering to life. This was Toni. He was her friend.
“It’s something the media made up to keep us all feeling inadequate,” She quipped.
“Ooh, are we talkin’ conspiracy theories?” He bumped her with his shoulder.
“I’m open if you are.” She shrugged.
Could I be open to taking a leap of faith?
Flashing lights illuminated his face like the indicator on a car. Maybe they were taking a change in direction. Maybe the line between friend/neighbor and something more was getting a little blurred. As she heard the rollercoaster take a dive, dragging screams from its riders’ lungs she kinda felt like she was still strapped in that seat.
What if they did start something?
If their lives collided and their potential unleashed, would it be enough to obliterate any obstacles in their way?
She had no idea. But maybe she couldn’t let go of the cowboy next door that easily.
“Do aliens exist?” he asked.
She almost laughed. Not at his question, but at the realization he could be just as weird as she was. “It’s a big universe. I think it’d be pretty incredible if they didn’t.”
He waved a hand at the sky. “What if there are multiple universes?”
“Sure. Why not?” She winked.
He tossed an arm over her shoulders. “You’re a glass-half-full kinda gal.”
She had to inhale to steady her rioting heart, cinnamon and sugar-coated air saturating her lungs. The blaring music, strobing lights, bustle and rabble of the crowd all faded to a din as her focus pinpointed everywhere they touched. “Just trying to see all angles.”
“I wish I could be more like you.” Regret edged his tone.
“Why? What’s so bad about being you?”
His lips drew tight as he pushed air through his nostrils. “I’ve always been second best, I guess.”
Surprise lifted her brows. How could he honestly believe that when he was the one his parents relied on the most? They knew he was the dependable one because the farm was more than just a job to him. “You’ve got middle-child syndrome.”
“Is that so?” He eyed her side-on.
“Yeah. Do you remember when we were down at the river, and you caught the biggest fish, but Grey caught the most?”
“Yeah,” he almost snarled.
“Your mama was so proud of both of you. She cooked a big dinner and said something about us having enough to go around. Your face dropped. You thought she was making a big deal of your brother catching more than you.”
“Wasn’t she?” He slowed his pace.
“Not at all. The complement was directed towards the biggest catch of the day. She was looking at you, but you were too busy scowling at your plate.” And Grey had rolled his eyes like he didn’t give a shit. She remembered it, plain as day.
Toni pressed his lips together, staring at his feet as they walked through the crowds.
Oh, crap. He’d gone quiet. “I’ve upset you.”
“You’ve got me re-evaluating my entire childhood.”
Wow. “Seriously?” She hoped that was a good thing.
“Mm-hmm.”
Searching his face, she saw the boy he once was. A tender protectiveness welled behind her sternum. “You always were the deepest thinker.”
“That doesn’t sound like a compliment.” He smirked.
“It is. It means you care. You have compassion. You don’t jump into things easily.” She’d always believed that the woman who got to share a life with him would be incredibly lucky. And as the thought resurfaced, this time it came with a pang of jealousy. Crap.
“Neither do you.” He stopped in front of the giant wheel, his arm retreating from her shoulders so he could twine his fingers with hers. “Wanna see the universe?”
Lory flashed her teeth. “Which one?”
“Very funny.” Tugging on her hand, he led her to the end of the queue.
The wheel turned slowly, each of its spokes decorated in lights. Ahead of them, the line-up
