His eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn’t decipher. I walked back into the house and placed the vase in the center of our dining table, standing back and admiring the view. “And thank you for this dress…I’ve never owned something so fancy before.”
My cheeks heated again, and my whole body became covered in goosebumps as his fingertips brushed my bare back. I turned, and with his other hand, he embraced me and kissed me softly. Butterflies danced in my stomach even as he pulled away.
“I couldn’t resist getting it for you when I saw it,” he grinned. “Shall we go then, Flower?” He held out his elbow, and I felt pure bliss as I interlocked my arm with his.
We arrived at the festival in Linora Park. The typically bare lawn was filled with people, twinkly lights, food stands, and tables. Music and laughter could be heard in the distance, and this place was just…alive.
People were dancing, twirling their gowns about in a large open spot in front of a band playing upbeat tunes. Quill and I appeared out of place, and it was at that moment I realized the eyes weren’t just on Quill as we made our way to the dance area. They were on me as well.
I looked like I belonged in the Inner Ring.
“People are staring,” I whispered.
Quill chuckled. “How could they not? You are stunning.”
My cheeks heated, and then I saw one of the food stands that was set up. Excitedly, I pulled Quill towards it.
“Where are we going?” he laughed.
We got in line as I pointed to the man behind the stand, handing out steaming pieces of—
“Pizza!” Quill exclaimed with wide eyes. He turned and grinned as he looked down at me.
“Okay, don’t get too excited, in case you don’t like it,” I chuckled as I rubbed the back of my neck.
“If you like it, I’m sure I will.”
We moved closer in the line. “It's essentially bread covered with tomato sauce and cheese. But you can get different toppings or eat it plain.”
“What do you recommend?” he asked.
“Plain cheese is always good. But you can get it with different meats or vegetables—” I realized I wasn’t answering his question. “I’m getting pepperoni.”
He bit his lip. “Then I shall get the same thing.”
“Copycat,” I teased, nudging his side. He nudged me back.
We got to the counter, Quill being as cute as ever as he ordered our two slices. He paid, and I was going to complain but didn’t feel the urge to. I was too excited to see his reaction, and seeing the worker's face when he gave a large tip warmed my heart.
We sat at one of the many tables set up by the food vendors. Quill held his piece up to his mouth, then froze, smiling at me with a gaping mouth.
“Don’t keep me in suspense!” I giggled.
He took a bite, and I studied him with a curious expression.
He swallowed, twisting his lips to the side as if contemplating how he felt about it.
“Oh no, you hate it.”
“No, I am just thinking of how my parents will feel when I tell them I’m moving down here,” he grinned and finished chewing. “This is fantastic.”
“You tease.” I took a bite of mine. It was fantastic, but I had never had Inner Ring food before to compare it to.
“I cannot believe we don’t have anything like this in the—” he hesitated. “In the Inner Ring.” He looked to the groups of people dancing while taking another bite. The music was fast and lively, with musicians playing various instruments. Say what you will of the Outer Ring, but we certainly had talent down here.
After we finished our slices, Quill said he wanted to dance with me. We stood and stalked towards the area hand in hand.
“What, you aren’t going to lick the sauce off my lips?” I joked. I knew there was no sauce; I was cautious with my eating to avoid getting anything on my dress.
