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“It sounds like you really enjoy it.” I can’t help but enjoy her squirming around in her chair, so I want to see what’s next. “Are you planning on going?”
“I was thinking about it,” she admits quietly, watching me contemplate the idea. “You’ve been to Rome, right?”
“More than once,” I nod, wondering what that has to do with our current conversation.
But then she adds: “What’s that famous quote that the Romans say? When in Rome…”
“Do as the Romans do.” I grin, now catching her point.
“As someone who hasn’t lived in a small town, you have pretty big opinions about them without properly exploring them,” Meg challenges, finishing her ice cream. “Interesting.”
“It seems that I might be missing the mark then?” I grin. “Would it be okay if I accompany you to this infamous festival?”
Her prolonged quiet just endears me to her even more. Then she finally answers.
“I suppose.”
Chapter twelve
Meg – On a Ferris Wheel
It’s the evening of the festival. The sky is burning red and orange as the sun is setting outside my window.
For some reason, I’m overthinking everything I try on, wondering what Drew would think about it. It’s not like we’re going on a super fancy date or anything. It’s just a couple of rides, some food, and that’s it. I keep reminding myself that he is just a guy and I have no reason to be nervous over this. Despite my best efforts, my stomach is filled with butterflies that won’t go away.
The festival is always something Mia and I looked forward to each summer as kids, as did other children. I figured since it was a fun and familiar place to be, I wouldn’t be so nervous around Drew when it was just the two of us.
I was surprised when he said he’d love to go. Because of his serious exterior when we first met, I didn’t think a summer festival would be something he would be interested in, but apparently, I’m wrong.
I finally slip into a pink, flowy sundress, sandals, and a light cover for when it gets cooler in the evening. I decide on wearing my long blonde hair in loose curls to gently frame my face. And I throw on a bit of makeup to help brighten my features.
I decide to walk to the festival. It’s at the local park, only an eight-or-nine-minutes’ walk away from my cottage. The cool sea air circles around me as I breathe in deeply. I attempt to keep this up to stay calm as I make my way to the festival ground.
Drew said he would meet me there for some reason, so I guess I’ll find him. It’s not a big deal but I do wonder why he went on ahead.
The gentle breeze caresses my cheeks as I wrap my arms closer to my body, thinking I should have brought a heavier cover to keep me warm later tonight. The air is crisp and refreshing to my senses as I begin to hear the live music from the high school band playing.
Cymbals and trumpets are jazzing along as I get closer. Children dance to the beat of the joyous music, their faces decorated as glittering sea animals.
The aroma of delicious fair food fills my nose as the bright lights of the ferris wheel on the far end of the park start to light up the night. The energy of the scene is so lively and upbeat.
It makes me remember just how incredible Seaside is. I can’t help but wonder how things would be different if the whole world knew of a treasure like this. I continue to admire the radiant ferris wheel until someone breaks my concentration.
“Meg!” I hear Drew’s voice to my left, coming from the cotton candy stand. He holds a white paper bag and is dressed in casual attire of shorts and a white t-shirt. His deep brown eyes catch my attention as he comes closer.
And okay, I admit, his strong arms and broad shoulders inside that shirt are not too shabby either.
“Cotton candy?” he offers, holding up the paper bag. I gladly accept the warm, sweet treat that is the best reminder that summer has arrived.
“Why, thank you,” I reply, gingerly eating it. I can feel how hot it still is and don’t want to burn my mouth. Blue raspberry and sugar coat my palate as it sings in satisfaction.
“You look great by the way,” Drew adds, popping another bite in his mouth. I grin and roll my eyes but he shakes his head. “I’m not kidding. I’ve seen you in different colors and no matter what you wear, you look incredible.”
“Sun dresses are just easy and they go with everything else,” I shrug. “Plain and simple.”
“You are anything but,” he replies, with flirtation in his voice. Once again, he surprises me and I don’t know how to respond.
“Well, as you said before, this is supposed to be a distraction,” I counter, finally. “What should we do first?”
