Because I can’t handle this girl tonight. She does not take no for an answer.
He saunters over to us. “Hey, gorgeous. What are you doing with this bum?”
“I was hoping Nick was free tonight. I just got a Brazilian wax, and I thought he could check it out and tell me if he liked it.”
My jaw tightens. I already told her I was seeing someone the other day when she threw herself in my lap while I was trying to eat lunch.
“Tiffany, like I said, I’m seeing someone.”
She juts out her lower lip. “You only live once, Nick. Don’t you wanna have a little fun? You’re always so uptight.”
“Not the last two weeks,” Jinxy teases.
Tiffany drags her hand down my chest, and I shift the stuffed animal so she has to step back. Honestly, this whole thing is pissing me off. I can’t imagine how women deal with this kind of shit all the time.
Jinxy tosses his arm around her shoulders. “Just be patient, babe. It’s nothing serious. Nick will be a free man come second semester.”
What the fuck does that mean?
When she wanders off to hang out with her friends, I whack Jinxy on the shoulder. “Why the hell did you say that?”
“Because it buys you time.” He taps on his temple. “No one ever recognizes my genius. See, by then, you and Abby will be settled in that weird little domestic thing you have going on, and poor Tiffany will be looking to rebound. Don’t worry. I volunteer as tribute to soothe her aching soul with my minty-fresh taint.”
I bust out laughing. “You’re so fucking weird sometimes.”
He beats on his chest. “I’m weird all the time, bro. It’s a mantle I wear proudly.”
When Abby and Hazel return, Paige points to a ride. “Who’s going with me?”
I follow her finger. Oh, fuck no. “That looks dangerous.”
The Magic Carpet Ride is on some kind of pendulum that swings in a circle. The riders strap in, facing the crowd, before they’re whipped up and around.
Abby hops up and down and claps. “That looks like fun.” She gives me one of those sweet smiles I can’t resist. “I’ll be right back.” She hooks her arm in Paige’s before they run off to the ride.
As I watch the ride spin around, my stomach tightens. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
I’m about to drag her back when Mav elbows me. “Come on, buzzkill. Let your girl enjoy herself.”
Does everyone know Abby and I are dating? Not that I care, but it’s weird getting attention for dating someone.
The girls walk up some small stairs and onto the platform that holds the ride. It’s all one giant contraption. Jesus, that thing looks rickety.
Hazel tugs my hand. “Can I go too?”
With one arm around her unicorn, I lift her with my other. “Honey, there’s a height requirement for that ride.” At least, there should be. “I can take you on the Teacups when they’re done.” That’s a safe little kiddie ride where no one will get whiplash or hurl. “Besides, I need you to keep me company.”
She smiles and squeezes my neck. “Okay, Daddy. I keep you company.”
Baylee graciously grabs the unicorn before I let it drag in the dirt. “I can help you until they get back.” She shivers. “Carnival rides give me the creeps.”
Maverick elbows her. “Come on, Bay. Don’t be a wimp.”
She holds her hand out. “If you have a death wish, go for it, but that carnie looks like he’s barely sober.”
Those words send a chill straight through me. I study the ride operator, hating that Baylee’s right. He’s sipping something out of a giant plastic container that I suspect isn’t soda.
I wander closer, hoping I’m wrong. He’s not wobbling or being weird. Now that I’m a few feet away, I realize the ride operator doesn’t look drunk, just tired. I’m an asshole for thinking the worst, I suppose. I just worry. I let out a relieved breath.
