I do. Once I push away the lights from the festival, I see stars twinkling in the night sky. There are no tall buildings to obstruct the view. For the first time in my life I feel like there’s something bigger than me and I don’t have to carry the burden for everyone.
“It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen the stars so clearly.”
“This is why I wanted to bring you on the ferris wheel.” I glance at him before returning my eyes to the sky. “Because in this moment there’s nothing for you to worry about or stress over. No wedding or kitchen that needs to be cleaned. Just us. A small piece of silence in a massive universe.”
A tiny part of me wonders if this is just a line, but I know in my gut he means every word. He’s showing me he understands me in ways nobody else has. I don’t think he realizes the gift he’s given me today.
The ding of my phone breaks the moment. I glance at the screen to see a test from Daniela.
Daniela: We’re heading out. Let me know when you’re on your way home.
“Is everything okay?” Parker asks as the ferris wheel moves backward and we begin our descent.
“Yeah, my sister’s leaving.”
“Do you need to go?”
“No.” I hesitate before asking the next question. It’s too soon to be feeling what I am considering we’re dating to keep our families off our backs, but I can’t deny the connection I feel to him. “Actually, is it okay if I stay the night?”
I’m second guessing my request. Not because I don’t want to be here with Parker, but because I have to keep reminding myself this is supposed to be fake. I’m not supposed to feel anything for him. But every time we talk, or are together, that line becomes blurred.
“Is everything okay?” Parker sits next to me.
“Yep.” I nod. “Just taking in how the day has gone.”
“Please don’t tell me if you hated it. I don’t think my ego could take the hit.” He clutches his hands to his chest.
“Don’t be dramatic.” I smack his leg. “Today was amazing. I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun.”
Or had someone take care of me and put my wants first.
“Whew, I was worried you thought our little town fair was silly. I make fun of Asheville, a lot, but I’m proud of it. Does that make sense?”
He sets his wine glass on the table and leans back into the corner of the sofa.
“Yeah, it does. It’s good that you have a close-knit community. I don’t even know most of our neighbors.”
“Wow. I run into old teachers on a weekly basis.”
He moves closer to me the distance between us smaller and smaller.
“I’m actually glad I don’t have that problem.” Hopefully we get off this subject soon. I hated high school. It wasn’t an easy time for me.
He must notice because he grabs his glass. “Sorry if I seemed pushy today with all the rides.”
“Honestly, it was nice not having to make any decisions.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m the one everyone in the family turns to when something needs to get done. Or, when they can’t make up their mind. It’s exhausting.”
“I’m glad I could take that burden off your shoulders, even if it was only for a day.”
“So, really, I should be the one thanking you. If only all my days were this easy. I know when I get home tomorrow Daniela will have wedding stuff to talk about.”
“Well, tonight you don’t have to worry about anything wedding related. It’s just me and you.” He runs his fingers along my thigh.
“Are you sure this is a smart decision?” I should stop his hand from moving further up my leg, but I don’t. Being with Parker feels right. Like it’s inevitable, no matter how hard we try to fight it. Fake or not, we can’t deny the chemistry between us.
