Page 93
She laughed. “One day I’ll be a famous author and you’ll be asking me for an autograph!”
“Better believe it!” He smiled as they passed the craft tent. “And what about Sunita? What’s she taking?”
“Journalism. We’re planning on sharing her aunt’s flat in New Cross.”
“Smart,” said Nick. “You’ll be less homesick if you’re together.”
A hollow ache throbbed in Evie’s chest. Amidst all the excitement of this grown-up adventure, the thought of leaving Orkney, of leaving her comfort zone kept her awake most nights. “It’ll be weird without Fiona, though. It’s been the three of us for so long.”
“Rupert said she’ll study here? Same school as him, right?”
“Yeah, she starts next month. The archeology program doesn’t require Advanced Highers results, the lucky duck.”
“At least you’ll have one more year together before heading off to the Big Smoke,” said Nick.
Evie watched his hand dive into his jacket pocket. How she wished she could hold it again. “Gotta make the most of it.”
Finishing the cotton candy, they shared a waffle and strolled around the park, checking out various vendors and exhibits (the falconry attraction was a favorite). Evie challenged Nick to a spin on the bumper cars where they both plowed recklessly into one another over and over again. Then, Nick threw down his own dare at the bust-a-balloon game, bragging about his aptitude for darts until Evie burst two rows, capturing the grand prize (a googly-eyed elephant), which she happily pressed into his arms. But while they were having a laugh, the unspoken lingered between them—their kiss on the trampoline two days earlier.
Evie smoothed the tuft of black hair on the elephant’s head.
“Horton loves that,” said Nick.
“Horton?”
He nodded. “All my cuddly toys have names.”
“All? How many do you have?”
“A few.” He bounced the elephant in his arms. “See, I’m not as cool as people think I am, Tigger.”
My nickname from the trampoline! A fire blazed in her belly.
“This one’s special, though,” said Nick, smiling. “I’ve never had a girl win me a prize before.”
Evie couldn’t avoid the elephant in the proverbial room—or on the island—any longer. Passing classmates, cousins, and neighbors with brief but cheerful greetings, she felt their hurried whispers and inquisitive glances. The Orkney rumor mill was whirling in full speculation mode and so was she. Were they just friends? Were they a couple? Or were they a couple of friends who’d crashed together, all feral lips and urgent tongues, only to realize they’d awkwardly crossed a line? Well, maybe Nick had checked that box, but Evie sure hadn’t, and one thing was certain: she couldn’t just pretend the trampoline kiss hadn’t happened.
Sucking in a deep breath, she lifted her chin. “Nick—”
“Evie, I—”
Speaking at the same time, they both fell into nervous laughter.
Nick waved Horton’s pudgy foot. “Ladies first.”
His chivalry was adorable but dangerous. What if she offered her heart and he tossed it back? She couldn’t risk it. Nick had to speak first. As much as it might hurt hearing It was a mistake, it would hurt more to spill her feelings and watch his sparkling eyes dull with pity and revulsion.
“Uh, no…guests go first.” Dreading another public rejection, Evie sized up the row of funfair rides and their garish murals and backdrops. “Let’s…head back here.” She emotionally braced herself as they walked behind the rectangular hoarding. It’s best to know.
“Oh wait…”
Evie’s heart stuttered.
Nick reached up and pinched something off her upper cheek. “Eyelash.” He held up his finger, showing off the little brown crescent. “You know what to do.”
Her wish was a no-brainer, the same one she’d silently profess over birthday candles and shooting stars and seedy dandelion parachutes. I wish Nick fancied me. Evie blew the lash away, and with it her hopes for an angst-free conversation.
“Okay.” Hugging the elephant, Nick let out a shaky breath. “I told myself earlier not to dick around and just…say it.”
