“Point taken.” I chuckle, my tone light. I lean forward again, keeping the playful smirk on. “Soooo, let’s get to know each other.”
Serena hesitates before responding. I can see it in her eyes that she’s trying to figure out what to say. Her eyes light up slightly and angles her head, one hand resting on the counter. “Three truths and a lie. You first.”
I cross my arms and rest a finger on my chin, gathering my thoughts to form my get-to-know-me banter. Once I have it in mind, I gesture to the closest booth in the dining area. “Shall we?”
We slip into the booth, Serena settling in across from me. Her gaze flickers to the open window, and her reaction is immediate–a sharp intake of breath. Without a second thought, she snatches her phone from her apron and aims it toward the window.
“What are you doing?”
She shushes me like I’m ruining her train of thoughts.
Less than a minute passes and I repeat the same question.
Serena keeps her eyes glued to her phone before her gaze locks onto mine. “I get a little excited when the sky looks pretty, so I take pictures of it.” She shakes her head briefly like she’s switching the gears in her head. “You ready to play ice breaker?”
I chuckle, getting lost in her eyes for a second before coming back to reality. “Three truths and a lie.” I tick them off my fingers as I go on, “I used to play baseball. My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip. I failed my driver’s test three times. When I was nine, I won a baking contest with my grandmother’s cookie recipe.” I lean closer to the table. “Which one is the lie?”
Serena takes a minute or two to consider my random choices. She clears her throat after some time, ready to answer. “The last one sounds like a stretch. I have to guess the baking contest.”
I drum both hands to replicate a drumroll on the table. “Wrong.”
She blinks, then blinks again. I take this as an opportunity to explain myself. “I passed my driver’s test in one try. Have a little faith in me.” I point out with a wink.
“Now I need to know about these cookies,” Serena says, waving a hand.
“How ’bout I bake you a batch?”
The pink hair clip she’s wearing matches her cheeks.
“I spent a summer with my grandmother, and shelivesfor baking.”
“That sounds sweet.” She clears her throat and repositions her upper body to sit up. She, too, starts ticking her fingers as she goes on. “I can play piano. I’ve never gone to the Fall Fest. I’veaced every math test. And, I like white chocolate more than milk chocolate.”
I take a moment to spot the lie. Once I have my answer, I sit up. “Everyone’s gone to the Fall Fest, that’s definitely the lie.”
Serena brings her hand up to her mouth, trying to hide her grin. “Wrong.”
I laugh, shaking my head at her trying to mock me from earlier. “Wait a minute, what? Really?”
She nods, her laughter sneaking out of her lips that’s attempting to not curve upwards. “Swear.”
I shake my head, in disbelief. “The Fall Fest is everything here.”
“So I’ve heard.”
Fall Fest is a beloved event and cherished by everyone in Charlotte and surrounding towns. The long lines for deep-fried corn dogs, apple cider scent dances through the air, game booths lined up with stuffed animals and prizes waiting to be earned, and innovative fair foods showcased in the food halls make the magic happen. It’s where families go for a fun day, locals volunteer their time, tourists venture out of state to experience it, preteens parade around with candy apples in hand and couples enjoy their romantic dates. It’s the yearly event that everyone looks forward to.
So, the fact that this girl is telling me she’s never been is upfront unbelievable.
As though she reads my thoughts, she chuckles and stands up for a brief moment to grab her water bottle. I can’t help but keep my eyes glued on her the entire time. I spent the past year improving myself–working out, studying non-stop, investing time with family and friends–all to avoid falling into the familiar rabbit hole of liking someone. Especially someone I just met.
But I can’t play dumb this time, and I want to. I do. But, I don’t know, maybe it’s love at first sight or something.
What the fuck am I saying? I’m not sure if it’s love, maybe it’s some kind of ooey gooey feeling she’s giving me, but I do know, there’ssomethingabout Serena. Something that makes me want to spend time getting to know her.
“Hey Serena, can you cash out tips while I finish up inventory?” a voice asks from the front counter just as she’s returning.
Serena turns her head back and comes to a halt, “Yeah.” She returns her attention to me once the person walks back into the kitchen. “I should probably finish closing. It was nice seeing you again.” She says as I nod and slide out of the booth. “See you around?”
