My phone vibrates and I’m thankful for the distraction. Monique’s name lights up the screen and I swipe to answer the video call.
‘Can I call you back?’ I say. ‘I’m getting a grilling.’
‘From who?’ Monique finger-combs her silky red locks away from her face.
I flip the phone around, showing Monique the face that’s drilling a hole into mine.
‘Mr F!’ Her tone is sweet. ‘I understand the importance of a grilling, but I need my best friend. It’s really important.’
‘Monique—’
‘It’s just a quickie. Lady problems.’
Mr Fernando’s lips press into a firm line, though there’s the hint of a smile. Sometimes, I think he craves a little femininity in his life.
I excuse myself from the room, holding the camera in front of me.
‘Girl.’ Monique’s picture shakes as she props up her phone before taking a step back. ‘Are these boots too much for a date tonight?’
I assess her bright green thigh-highs with leggings tucked into them. ‘Absolutely not. You may as well give the lucky man a full preview into your personality.’
‘Okay good. They were for Lucifer’s Dream, but seeing as that’s cancelled—’
‘It’s cancelled?’
She rolls her eyes and scoffs, leaning in close to the camera. ‘I told you this at Paradiso, remember?’
I do remember … vaguely. But I was so caught up about Landon and his challenge that I never told her I already knew because … ‘The park’s flooded.’
‘Yeah,’ she says, ‘There’s nowhere for the carnival to go. Anyway, I’d better head off. Love ya.’ She smooches the screen before hanging up.
But Mayor Arblaster said the carnival could continue if there was a large section of closed-off land … land like the speedway parking lot.
What if the carnival didn’t have to be cancelled … but was moved?
I head back to the office, my body buzzing with determination.
‘Mr F, I have an idea. Will you come talk to the mayor with me?’
Chapter 19
Ryker
FOUR YEARS AGO
On the edge of town, car headlights light up the night.
The bright lights of neon underglows illuminate the asphalt, while custom rims glint with chrome. The blast furnaces were practically begging for some action, and we’re always more than happy to bring the noise.
No one knows who started The Lost Tropics, but Jace and I have been coming since sophomore year. Everywhere I look, I’m completely immersed in the music, rumbling exhausts, noise and money.
I follow the gravel road and park the bike at the bottom of the hill. After killing the engine, I use my foot to bring the kickstand out. Gianna squeezes me tighter before I reach around, offering her my hand.
She places her warm palm in mine and steps off to the side. I follow and help her remove the helmet. Her hands fly up to fix her curls. Bringing her in close with my hand around her nape, I press my lips to her forehead.
‘Your hair is fine,’ I mumble against her soft skin, taking in her sweet scent of jasmine and lemons. ‘You look perfect.’
She peeks up at me, brown eyes sparkling under the lights. A small smile forms across her perfect plump lips as redness floods across her nose and cheeks.
