“I’ve always wanted a mentor.”
“She seemed very supportive of your interest in art.”
When we reach the house, Blue tugs on my hand, stopping us in the driveway and turning me to face him. “I’ve got to hit the road, but I enjoyed our time together.”
He pulls me close, and his mouth settles over mine. The kiss is soft and sweet, and I can’t get enough.
Finally, he pulls back and opens my car door for me.
We say our goodbyes, and I have to be content with the fact that he stands and watches me pull out and drive away.
I’m floating on a high as I drive across town, and the rosy glow lasts all the way to Carmen’s house.
She comes out the door when I text her, and jumps into the passenger seat of my parked car.
“Tell me everything,” she demands. I’ve still got a dreamy smile on my face, and she squeals and squeezes my hand. “Oh, honey. I’m so happy for you.”
CHAPTER TEN
Luisa—
Friday night, my father caves to my mother and younger siblings' whining and takes us all to the county fair. It’s a family tradition with us, and I haven’t missed one since I was old enough to remember.
We’re loaded into my father’s big car. It’s the first fair that my older sister is not with us, but she and her husband and our cousins are all meeting up there tonight.
I haven’t heard from Blue since the morning we had breakfast and he kissed me goodbye. He told me he’d be busy this week with club matters and probably would be out of town. I laid awake at night, wondering what he’s doing and where he is. It’s been quiet in town with hardly a motorcycle in sight. Perhaps they all left town.
The only excitement was when Carmen and I went down and watched the carnival rides being set up for tonight’s opening. We watched the big Ferris wheel being erected, and the carousel and the funhouse. Last year, she dragged me onto the Zipper, and I got sick.
Carmen said she’d probably already be here when we arrived, and I look for her when my father parks in the gravel lot and we all pile out. I spot her standing by the food vendors, waving her arm.
I return it and ask my father if I can go off with her.
He gives me his permission, and I dash off to join her.
She’s got a box of popcorn and holds it out to me. I take some and glance around.
“Where’s Ramona and Marcela?”
She shrugs. “They were here earlier. I think they went to ride the Scrambler.”
“Oh. Have you been here long?”
“About twenty minutes. So?” She arcs her brow. “Have you heard from him?”
She means Blue. She’s been asking me this all week. “Not a word.”
“Have you texted him yet?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’ll contact me when he can. I’m not going to be that girl.”
“That girl?”
“The one who tries too hard. I’m not going to chase him.”
