Jack took Ellie to the dunking booth, the carousel, and the Ferris wheel, and when they were done, they spent some time playing carnival games.
“I’m glad you talked me into this,” said Jack as they strolled toward the concession area. “I’m having fun.”
Ellie grinned. “So am I.”
Jack found a quiet spot between the tents and pulled Ellie into a kiss.
“What if Clara sees?”
Jack scanned the crowd. “I think we’re good,” he said, then kissed her again.
Parting, Ellie checked the time. “Come on. The fireworks will be starting soon.”
Jack found a stand selling kettle corn, so he stood in line while Ellie waited at the pavilion. When he’d paid for the corn, Jack circled back to get her, and as he approached, he noticed a young man—tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a letterman’s jacket—hovering over Ellie.
“Can I help you?”
The young man snapped his head around at Jack. “Beat it, man. Can’t you see the lady and I are having a conversation.”
“The lady’s with me,” Jack said, stepping between them.
The young man appeared taken aback. “Who are you, her boyfriend?”
“As a matter of fact, I am.” Jack took Ellie’s hand and led her out of the pavilion.
But instead of ending there, the young man stalked them across the fairgrounds, taunting Ellie with whistles and catcalls.
“Just keep walking,” said Ellie.
Jack tried his best to ignore the young man, but when he screamed an obscenity at them, Jack had heard enough. He turned on his heel and glared at the young man. “Didn’t I tell you to back off?” He was angry now, unable to suppress the rage building inside him.
Ellie tugged at his arm. “Let’s go, Jack.”
The young man mocked him. “Yeah, Jack, walk away before someone gets hurt. And by someone, I mean you.” He pressed a finger into Jack’s chest.
But Jack had never backed down from a fight, and he wasn’t going to start now. They stood toe-to-toe, the young man towering over him. Jack surveyed the crowd, which had taken notice. But before he passed the point of no return, Jack thought of Ellie, so instead of making a scene, he backed away, hoping that would bring the conflict to an end.
But the young man persisted. “That’s right, Jackie,” he mocked. “Walk away, you coward.”
Jack stopped and glanced at Ellie. Seeing the fear in her eyes, he knew the only option he had was to fight. Jack turned around and rolled up his sleeves. When the young man was within striking distance, Jack threw a quick right that landed squarely on the side of his face. A gasp went up from the onlookers. The young man staggered back a few steps, shook himself, then returned with a right of his own. Jack took it like a man, but his mouth was numb from the impact. He drew a hand across his lip and saw blood. Shaking the cobwebs, Jack lunged forward and tackled the other man to the ground.
They rolled around, each struggling to gain the advantage. Finally, after outmaneuvering the young man, Jack got the upper hand and landed a flurry of punches. When it was all over, the young man lay unconscious, bleeding from his mouth and nose.
But Jack’s victory was short-lived as the sound of police whistles stole his attention.
“Jack, come on,” Ellie urged as the police converged on the scene. She pulled him to his feet, and they disappeared into the crowd.
By the time they found Clara, Jack’s shirt was stained with blood. Ellie got a towel while Clara fetched some ice.
Exhausted, Jack sat down and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Ellie.”
“Don’t be. There was nothing you could do. I’m just sorry about your lip. Can I see?”
He removed the towel, and she examined the injury. “Does it hurt?”
“A little.” Now that the adrenaline had worn off, there was an intense throbbing.
Clara returned then with a bag of ice and handed it to Ellie.
