Clayton leaned in. “I got us Lightning Lane Passes—shorter wait times.”
From the front of the bus Ruth crossed her arms. “Whogot them?”
Clayton sighed. “Fine. Ruth did.”
They all stepped off the bus—except for Gus. Clayton had invited him but he’d declined, saying he could use some peace and quiet. Jamie figured spending a day with ten-year-old girls wasn’t exactly his idea of relaxation.
“I bet even Satan’s sweating today,” Clayton said, wiping the back of his hand across his brow.
Jamie put on her sunglasses and borrowed one of Clayton’s ball caps. “I’m literally melting.” The pavement shimmered under the relentless sun and the scent of churros and sunscreen thickened the air.
A woman with anancynametag greeted them at the entrance, handing out passes—though not before asking Clayton for a selfie. The twins doubled over in laughter, whispering something to each other that probably wasn’t flattering.
Freddy hung back, keeping a watchful eye as they entered the park. Jamie thought it was ridiculous that Shorty had hired a security guard. It wasn’t like Disneyland was prime territory for an ambush—too many cameras, too many witnesses.
Charlotte clutched Jamie’s hand while Emily stuck close to Clayton, and Ruth walked with Nolan. Jamie had been meaning to corner her assistant for days, but ever since Nolan showed up the two had been glued together. She had no idea if it was getting serious but she planned on finding out.
Jamie barely remembered the park’s layout so they started with the Red Car Trolley, but all it did was circle back to where they started.
The girls were all about the thrill rides—the scarier the better—and Jamie was more than happy to join them. She loved fast rides. It had been over five years since she’d been to an amusement park, mostly because Derrick hated them. For all his on-screen bravado, the action star was terrified of rollercoasters or anything that moved too fast. At first Jamie couldn’t believe it. Then, as she got to know him, it made perfect sense.
First up was Goofy’s Sky School, a jerky rollercoaster known for its sudden turns and whiplash curves. Clayton and Emily took the front seat while Jamie and Charlotte settled into the back. Ruth and Nolan stayed behind with Freddy, who stood with his arms crossed, looking unimpressed.
“I’ll film it,” Ruth said, holding her phone.
The lap bars locked in and with a sharp jolt they were off.
The track twisted and dropped unpredictably, sending Charlotte shrieking as she latched onto Jamie in a full-body grip. Jamie, half laughing, half gasping for air, slid an arm around her in reassurance. Up front Clayton and Emily threw their hands in the air, leaning into every hairpin turn with reckless excitement.
Show-offs.
The adrenaline junkies rode three more coasters before finally admitting defeat—not by fear but hunger. They wandered into Disneyland Park, settling at an outdoor table under the shaded gazebo of the Carnation Cafe.
Freddy, however, didn’t sit. He stood outside the structure scanning the crowd, his posture alert. Even at Disneyland he was on duty.
“Come with me to the restroom,” Jamie whispered in Ruth’s ear.
Ruth turned her head and asked, “Is it that time of the month?”
“No, I just want to have a chat.” Jamie stood from the table and her assistant followed. Freddy clocked them immediately and started after them.
Jamie turned with a smile. “We’re just going to the restroom.”
“I’ll wait by the entrance,” he said with a nod.
Inside Jamie washed her hands—a habit she’d picked up after living with a germophobe. She had to admit that she hadn’t been sick in a while, so it seemed like a good one to keep.
Ruth joined her at the sink and cracked her gum. “What’s up?”
“I feel like we haven’t really talked since Nolan and the kids arrived.”
“Sorry, I’ve been spending all my time with him.” She met Jamie’s gaze in the mirror. “Do you need me to do something?”
Jamie shook her head. “No, not at all. I’ve been busy studying.”
Ruth smiled. “It was sweet of Clayton to arrange this trip. I think he did it more for you than for the girls.”
Jamie shrugged. “What’s going on with you and Nolan? Anything you want to tell me?”
