“Umm, yes.”
A new car awaits me as I debate if I really want to do this. I don’t want to chicken out. My parents would have frowned upon something like this when I was growing up. It wouldn’t be suitable for someone like me to do.
It’s that thought that pushes me to do it.
Being perfect hasn’t gotten me anywhere with them. So why not take this chance and face my fears?
Tucking my hair into the collar of my sweatshirt, I take my seat and hold on.
“Have fun,” he tells me before I’m racing off.
“Ahh!” My shouts echo in the tiny space as the city comes into view. Lights flash before I’m speeding down into darkness.
Shrieks turn to laughter as my fear dissipates. By the time I get down to the bottom, Tag is waiting for me with the happiest look on his face.
“That was amazing.” I leap into his arms, peppering his face with kisses. “I can’t believe I did it.”
“You’re a badass, Liv. Don’t you ever forget it.” He gives me one soul-stirring kiss before pulling back. “Now, let’s go grab a drink and something to eat.”
This part of the city isn’t busy or crowded at this time of night. We find the food stall in the park where the attraction is and I sit at the picnic table while Tag grabs dinner.
Peering up at the slide, it’s hard to believe I did that.
“Want to do it again?” Tag asks, sitting down next to me.
I take the canned cocktail from him and crack it open. “Once is good.”
“And you had fun?”
I nod. “I always have fun with you. Isn’t that the plan?”
I know, Iknow, I need to give him more, but I can’t.Something has me holding back. Holding back the parts of me that I don’t like to show the world.
The messy bits that hurt when the people that love me don’t show it.
“Fun. Right.” A sadness washes over him, but before I can ask him about it, the mask slips back in place. “Well, let’s make sure you’re fed before we go off doing any more wild and crazy things tonight.”
I guess I’m not the only one feeling too many things tonight. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea. To fly by the seat of my pants and do something that hurts Tag.
I blow out a breath, wishing I could convey all of this to him. Instead, I rest my head on his shoulder and relish his quiet company.
Until the turmoil of my emotions settles, it’s all I can give him right now.
Chapter Twenty-Three
OLIVIA
I’m nervous. I shouldn’t be, but I am. After my emotional night with Tag, well, where I dragged him to do something adventurous with me, things have been off.
I don’t like the feeling. It’s unsettling. And tonight? I don’t feel any better because the girls and I are heading to the game.
Mask perfectly in place, I stand outside the rink to await their arrival. Having my girls here will make it easier.
I like Tag. I more than like him, if I’m being honest. But confessing those feelings to him is something I haven’t quite figured out how to do.
“You look fab, babe,” Imogen calls out as she struts toward me, looking radiant herself. A white, oversized puffer coat is zipped up to her chin with her blonde hair spilling out of a chocolate-brown hat.
“Thanks.” I tug at the bottom of my thick wool peacoat. It’s a plain black and matches my own black hat. I left my hair down for tonight and decided to curl it. I’m not fussy about makeup and only put a light coat of mascara on.
