Before Jesse could even reply, Arthur started toward the man holding it so that he could inquire from where the man had purchased it. He learned that they were selling the beverage nearby.
Hurrying back over to Jesse, Arthur exclaimed, “We’re off to the Illinois Building!”
“Oh, yes, that’ll be exciting,” Jesse replied sarcastically. He pursed his lips in an overly exaggerated manner and began to strokehis chin, clearly trying to make it look as though he was seriously pondering something. “Remind me, what state are we in again?”
Arthur smacked his arm. “I’m sure the fair’s organizers have ensured that our state’s building and its contents are thrilling enough. Besides, we’re not going there for educational purposes. Apparently, they’re selling something called orange cider. People are calling it—and I’m not even exaggerating, I swear to you—the ‘drink of the gods.’”
“Wow, with such a ludicrously inflated name, I’m sure it won’t be disappointing at all.”
“Stop being such a killjoy,” Arthur scolded before taking hold of Jesse’s sleeve. “Let’s go. I’m thirsty. And I’ll perish from dehydration if they run out before we can buy some.”
Exhaling a very fake sigh, Jesse followed, though Arthur noticed that the man couldn’t contain his burgeoning smile completely.
Weaving their way through the crowd, Jesse and Arthur passed several other buildings plus the Lagoon while they hurried to procure the supposedly incredible beverage. When they finally reached the Illinois Building, there was a huge crowd of fairgoers congregating out front, which made them pause. Arthur wondered if maybe it would be best if he purchased the drinks by himself so that only one of them would need to fight through the crowd.
“Wait here,” he said. “I’ll push my way through and buy one cider for each of us.”
Making his way to the Illinois Building, Arthur blurted out what had to have been more than twenty apologies as he shoved past groups of fairgoers. Luckily, the booth that was selling the drinks was right inside. Arthur didn’t bother to take in the look of the place, lest he become distracted. Instead, he purchased two ciders as quickly as possible and then left to find Jesse.
Outside, Jesse was waiting by the edge of the Lagoon, a bag of popcorn in each hand. Arthur held up the beverages with a look of what he hoped Jesse would read as exaggerated triumph.
“Popcorn?!” Arthur said when he reached Jesse. “Perfect!”
“It’s notexactlypopcorn. It’s covered in sugar or something.” Jesse tilted one of the bags forward slightly. “See?”
“Looks exciting.”
“Popcorn cannot be exciting,” Jesse countered playfully. “Even when it’s slathered in syrup.”
Arthur smirked. “We shall see.”
Jesse nodded toward one of the benches. “Should we sit?”
“Let’s,” Arthur confirmed.
They sat facing the Lagoon. Jesse placed the bags of popcorn between them, and Arthur handed Jesse his cup. Before taking a sip, Arthur looked over at the water and smiled, admiring the way the sunlight sparkled on the surface. It was so perfectly magical here.
Arthur was still lost in a trance as he brought the beverage to his lips, but once the orange liquid sloshed over his tongue, it catapulted him back to the present. Sweet and smooth, the cider reallywasone of the most incredible things that he had ever tasted.
“Oh, my Lord!” Arthur exclaimed. “Jesse, this is sinful. It’s too good to be sold.”
Jesse snorted a laugh. “You’re way too excited. There’s no way it’sthatgood.”
Jesse sniffed the liquid in his glass. Arthur pursed his lips, waiting with bated breath. Oh, there was no way Jesse wouldn’t like it! He could hardly wait to see his lover’s reaction.
Jesse took a sip. His eyes flew wide.
“Holy hell,” he spluttered. “Dammit, Arthur, I hate it that you were right.”
Arthur bellowed a laugh. “Oh, God, you are adorable.”
Color rushed to Jesse’s cheeks. Arthur would never tire of seeing it.
Next, both of them grabbed handfuls of popcorn. Arthur shoved a few pieces into his mouth and hummed, the caramel-like sweetness a symphony on his tongue.
“Incredible,” he said through the half-chewed food. “Absolutely incredible.”
Jesse nodded enthusiastically. “It’s really not bad,” he said.
