“I’m having a really good time and thank you for putting so much thought into trying to make this the best spring break,” I said, popping another piece of pretzel into my mouth.
Ashton put a handover mine. “Of course.”
“I’m having a great time and I’m glad you’re having fun. I hope your pictures are making people jealous. Though you having fun is the most important.” Steven finished off his pretzel.
That too made me feel good. Yeah, this wasn’t just a show for my socials. I was truly enjoying everything.
“Where to now?” Ashton asked as we cleaned up.
“We have to go see the penguins.” Steven bounced in excitement. “Did you know that somebody got arrested for sneaking into the penguin exhibit and trying to teach them to tap dance?”
I laughed. “That is both horrifying and entertaining.”
“It was probably scary for the penguins, but part of me wishes that they actually could tap dance, because that would be amazing,” Steven added.
Now he was between Ashton and me, swinging our hands like a little boy.
People grinned at us as we walked past. I wasn't sure if it was because they were adorable or if people recognized them.
We walked through the penguin exhibit, then a few others, finally ending up in the petting zoo.
I crouched down by the baby goats. “They’re so cute. Do you think anyone would miss one if I put it under my shirt?”
Steven laughed. “Part of me wants to say go for it. But I don’t think Marilyn would like it if we caused a PR disaster for stealing animals from the zoo.”
“True, it’s not like I could bring it back to my dorm.” I gave the goat a pat.
“Your school has a farm, who will notice an extra goat?” He grinned. A baby goat headbutted him in the leg.
“True. One of my roommates caught a bunch of baby chicks on campus and raised them in her shower. She brought them to the farm after her RA found out, because by that time they were pretty domesticated, and we weren’t sure we could just let them loose,” I said.
Ashton came over with cups of food and we fed the animals. A sheep came over and started eating out of Steven’s cup. I laughed.
“Are you hungry?” Steven asked as we left the petting zoo and walked past a café. “I was thinking we could now go to the plant bar for happy hour and get some appetizers and drinks. But I also thought it would be fun to walk around and go to the farmer’s market, so I was just figuring out the order of things.”
The exit was through the gift shop and a giant display of plushies caught my eye.
“I could use some food. I like the idea of going to the bar first for happy hour and then walking around. You mentioned buying ingredients there, then going back to your place and making something, then watching a movie.” I definitely wanted a movie and cuddles.
Maybe more.
“That sounds great.” Steven held up agiantstuffed penguin. “He wants to come home with you.” He made the penguin attack me.
I laughed, pretending to fend the stuffie off. It probably wouldn’t fit in my suitcase. “Hmmm, how about this littleguy?” I held up a small one on a little clasp. “I can attach him to my backpack and carry him around with me.”
“Perfect.” He went to pay for it and I froze. I hadn't actually meant to assume he was going to buy it. I was willing to get it for myself.
Ashton’s arms wrapped around me. “It’s fine.”
“Are you sure? I really, really appreciate all of this.”
“It's our pleasure. We truly want to make sure you have a good time,” he said.
“Are you having a good time, too?” I whispered. He was a little quieter than Steven, but I was drawn to him just as much,
Maybe even a little more.
He gave me a big squeeze. “Yes.”
