Grandma lowers herself onto the chair next to mine. “Why don’t you take a walk around town and see where you end up?”
I’m about to argue, but she goes on, “Don’t stay cooped up in the house all day. Go out. Get some fresh air.”
I nod toward the oven packed with cookies. “You need help with those?”
She waves her hand. “A few neighbors offered to take them to the festival for me, same as they do every year. I’ll be fine. You go out and have fun.” She stands. “But first, you need to eat something.” She stacks a few pancakes on two plates, then we eat together. We don’t say much to one another. I can feel that she wants to bring up my parents, but she hesitates. I really don’t want to talk about them.
Once I’m done with my food, I thank her, grab my jacket, and head out the door. The weather is decent today, perfect for a festival, I guess. Never been to one before.
I don’t exactly know where I’m going, but my phone will make sure I don’t get lost. River Spring is small, but you don’t really feel just how tiny it is. There are houses and shops all over, people rushing in the distance. Probably to the festival. I go in the opposite direction.
Passing more houses, the school, there’s nothing really interesting. I catch a few kidsfrom school going by, some waving, the girls smiling. A few ignore me.
I enter a coffee shop, just to have something to do. I’m not much of a coffee person, and choose hot chocolate instead. The topic around the store is of course the festival. It really is a big deal here.
After wandering around town a bit more, I figure it’s time for me to head home. Might as well get started on some more paintings to sell. Now that I’ll return the cash to Jason, I need to come up with a few hundred dollars to pay for that guitar.
In the distance, I spot rollercoaster tracks peeking out from behind tall trees, can hear kids laughing, guests having a good time. I wonder if Artemis is one of those people. If her eyes are shining with excitement.
Before I know what I’m doing, I’m standing at the entrance to the festival.
The place is packed with parents and kids running around, wanting to see and experience everything the festival has to offer. There are many rides and carnival games a few feet away and different food stands.
My eyes sweep around, but I’m not sure who I’m looking for.
That’s a lie. I know exactly who I’m looking for. It takes me a few minutes to find her standing before a popcorn stall. Everyone pushes and shoves as if they’ve never eaten that buttery goodness in their lives.
I shove my hands in my pockets as I watch Artemis pay for her food, then she turns around. Her eyes lock on mine and surprise enters them.
“Ryan?” She hurries over. “Hi. I thought you weren’t coming. I mean, you said you weren’t going with me, not that you weren’t going at all.” She holds the popcorn bag out to me. “Want some? It’s so good. Like, really good. Maybe because today’s special and everything.” She takes a deep breath. “Wow. I don’t know why I can’t stop talking.” Biting her lip, she looks away.
I step toward her. “I wasn’t going to come, but I ended up here…somehow.”
She lifts a brow. “Huh?”
“Never mind.” I glance around. “So this is the festival.”
She follows my gaze. “Yep. It gets bigger and better every year. At least that’s how it feels. My parents put a lot of work into this. Especially my mom. She loves doing things for the town.” She glances my way. “Want to walk around together?”
Chapter Eight
Artemis
I don’t know why my heart pounds as I wait for Ryan’s response. It’s not like I asked him on a date or anything. And why do I turn into such a blabbermouth when I’m around him? That’s never happened before.
Did I mention he looks sogood, with his long hair falling into his eyes? And he smells pretty good, too.
He slides his hands out of his pockets, his eyes roving over the different activities. “Sure.”
My stomach lurches like butterflies are flapping around in there. “Really? Cool. I mean, that’s great. What do you want to do first?”
He shrugs. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
I gesture around. “Do you like carnival games? Rides? Want to get your face painted? It’s kind of for kids, but no one really cares. I do it every year and always choose something new.” I press my lips together. There I go rambling again.
He has no expression on his face as he continues looking around. I always come to the festival as a third wheel to Jenna and Jason, but maybe things will be different this time. Assuming Ryan wants to hang out with me. It’s hard to know anything because he’s so confusing and mysterious.
Why did he even come? A part of me hopes it’s because of me, but I know I’m being silly.
