5

40

KAYLA

“Ineedyouto pick something up.” I look up at Nana with my eyes narrowed.

“I’m busy.” I hold up my book, scowling. She’s Rae’s grandmother, but I spent so much time at Rae’s house when I was younger that she feels like family to me. We banter most of the time, pretending we don’t like each other, but really, I adore the woman.

“You’re relaxing.”

“Why aren’t you going?”

“I have a Zoom meeting with a supplier from Nepal in ten minutes.”

My sigh is heavy with annoyance as I refrain myself from rolling my eyes.

“It’s important,” she adds when I don’t reply.

“So ask Rae to go.”

“Rae is busy. Stop being a brat and just pick it up.” She drops her car keys in my lap, turning around to take off.

“I’m taking your car?” Must be really important because Nana rarely lets anyone drive her car. Let alone me. “I don’t even know what I need to pick up?” I screech. “And where?”

“At the Fun Fair. The one on the field behind the old Windham plantation. There is a stall there that sells gemstones. Tell them you’re coming for me.” She disappears into the house, before her head snaps back out. “And step on it!”

I wince when she slams the door shut again, leaving me sitting on the front porch.

That damned old bat. I want to tell her to shove it up her ass, but instead I get up, sulking, making my way to her car. A minute later, I’m sitting behind the wheel of her full black Ford Mustang, hitting the throttle for the sake of it.

The roaring engine makes me smile at the road in front of me while my sunglasses protect my eyes from the last sunny hours of the day.

Unintentionally, my mind goes to Bodi, thinking about how I miss sitting in his car as he drives us to work. I love starting my morning with him, even if those moments were mostly silent, with nothing more than the rumbling sound of his engine filling the car.

As if he can hear my thoughts, my phone vibrates on the dashboard and I see his name pop up.

BODI:Got any plans for tonight?

He’s been texting me every day. Wishing me a good morning. Asking me how I’m doing. This morning I caught myself being disappointed when I woke up without a message from him, and I realized I shouldn’t expect him to keep putting in all the effort. He was making an effort. I didn’t want him to think that was futile. It definitely wasn’t. Slowly, I’ve been allowing my feelings to seep back into my veins and he deserved some attention from my side. So I put my ego aside and texted him a good morning. He responded right away, and throughout the day, we’ve been sending messages back and forth. I can’t deny it’s why I’ve been chipper all day.

A few minutes later, I drive the car onto the field, parking it in the cordoned off bit that said parking. The entire field seems deserted, and I’m surprised no one here is on a Friday night.

I turn off the engine, then grab my phone.

KAYLA:Nana sent me out to pick something up. After that, I’ll probably go back to my book.

KAYLA:What about you?

BODI:I got an important meeting.

KAYLA:On a Friday night?

BODI:Business never stops, babe.

BODI:Unless it means spending time with you instead.

Laughing, I get out of the car, locking it as I scan the area. The music coming from the rides tells me the carnival is indeed open, but there is not a soul in sight. Reluctantly, I walk toward the entrance, listening for any human sounds with my phone tucked tightly in my hand.

I love going to the carnival, but right now, it’s giving me the chills. I feel like this is the start of a very bad slasher movie.

KAYLA:You’ll come find me if I get abducted, right?

BODI:What are you talking about?

KAYLA:Nana told me to pick something up from the Fun Fair. But the entire place is deserted.

BODI:A whole carnival to yourself. Sounds like a dream come true for you.

KAYLA:Unless a carny will hold me captive and throw me in his basement.

BODI:I’m pretty sure carnies have trailers.

KAYLA:This is the point where you tell me to text you when I’ve safely returned to my car.

BODI:I’m sure it will be fine.

BODI:And yes, I will always come find you.

Chuckling, I take the last steps to the entrance, then notice the big sign in front of the register.

*CLOSED DUE TO PRIVATE EVENT*

I curiously carry my feet through the open gate, roaming the area. The cheery sound of the merry-go-round is audible in the background and it’s kinda weird to see this place so empty. Like I’m sneaking in somewhere I’m not supposed to be.

While I let my eyes glance around, I saunter over the field, looking for the gemstone stall.

I can’t find it. But when my eyes lock with the most gorgeous green ones I’ve ever seen, I realize there probably isn’t one.

They peer at me like lasers, commanding my feet to a halt. I bring up my hand to cover up my gaping mouth, the shock clear on my face.

Bodi stands there, his hands tucked into his jean pockets, his broad chest covered by a plaid shirt. The same plaid shirt we met in, the one that’s engraved in my brain like a tattoo.

A wide grin splits his face, jolting the butterflies alive in my stomach.

I swallow, my knees feeling weak when I put my legs back in motion, shaking my head in disbelief.

“What is this?” I ask, giggling. When I finally feel some strength seeping back in my muscles, I break out into a run. He holds his arms out, and I launch myself at his body like a damn koala. My legs are wrapped around his waist, my arms almost strangling as I squeeze his neck. I breathe in his coco wax, feeling an instant high rush through my mind.

“Hey, baby,” he whispers in my ear.

“What is this?” I lean back, locking my eyes with his.

“My grand gesture.”

I blink, holding back the big toothy smile that’s dying to get out.

“You rented the entire carnival for the night?”

He hums in agreement.

“You hate the carnival.”