“Yeah, right. Seeing is believing.”
I finish eating, ignoring Allison.
“Anyways, we have to start practising the song for the fair.”
“We haven’t even signed up yet!” He informs whining. Wait, we didn’t?
“Then we go after you eat.” I say, somehow progressively more annoyed.
The food on his plate lasts five minutes, and then we leave home.
We’re already out of the gate when Jake turns to me and asks, “May I hold your hand,honey?”
“Yes…” I say unsure and more preoccupied with the hands, to ever call him out for the nickname. When his hand grabs mine, I flinch a little at the sudden touch. Deal with it, Madelaine.
“You okay?” He asks, surely noticing.
“I’m just not a big fan of physical touch.”
I hate all types of physical touch,definitelynot my love language. I mean I like to give hugs, but that only happens when I’m excited or need comfort.
“Now that you’re my girlfriend, you better get used to it, because there will be a lot.” He jokes, but I, being me, take it personally.
“Whoa, easy there. There isnotgoing to be that much.” Pause. “Hand holding and…” Do I really have to say it?Fine. “Hugs,” I make a disgusted face, “are allowed, but that’s all you’ll get.”
“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“Oh no, you always have a choice,honey, we just want to make it believable, don’t we?”
“I can’t believe I underestimated your blackmail abilities. Okay, fine. But don’t you think people are going to be suspicious if the famous Jake West doesn’t kiss his girlfriend?” He has a point, but I’m not going to tell him he’s right. Instead, I respond,
“You’re right, they will find it suspicious if the town’s whore isn’t putting his tongue down my throat…” He fake-laughs, which makes me smile. “You can only kiss me if it’s really,reallynecessary. Like if someone questions our relationship. Deal?”
“Deal.”
Silence takes hold of us, but not for long, because my thoughts burst through my mouth.
“This issoweird.” I state, lifting our hands.
“I know. I couldn’t stop thinking about it last night.” He sighs in agreement.
“Ah, always thinking of me, aren’t yousweet…” I joke, pinching his cheek like I’m sure his grandma does, and he slaps my hands away.
“Stop that.” He speaks, rubbing his cheek like I’m contagious, annoyed.
“Oh, how the tables have turned.” I happily grin, and he rolls his eyes.
I love seeing him like this.Love is a strong word to be associated with him.Let’s take a deep breath and rethink our words of choice. Ienjoyseeing him like this.
We continue our conversation, each one of us defending our positions until we reach the town board. The flyer states that the person responsible for signing up is… Linda! Good. With Jake’s hand still holding mine, I drag him to the ice cream place.
“Good afternoon, Linda!” I greet.
The second she sees me, she speeds to me and presses her palm to my forehead.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Madelaine Brown, are you sick? Fever? Headache? Anything?”
