Page 22 of Carnival Obsession

Isit across from Lily in our favorite booth at the diner, my stomach churning with the secrets I’ve been keeping from her. She smiles at me, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Lily has no idea that I lost my job. Or that I’m seeing a carnie. And to be honest, I don’t know how to explain any of it to her.

“Any more dates with the stalker?” I ask.

Lily blushes almost instantly but shakes her head. “Not exactly.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “What do you mean, not exactly?”

She shakes her head. “We’ve seen each other a couple of times since.” Her cheeks are bright red right now, and something tells me that they’ve seen each other means they’ve been fucking.

It’s hard to believe after all these years of Lily being this good little virgin, she lost it to some carnie psycho.

“Right, want to kiss and tell?” I ask.

Lily shoves me playfully. “No, I know you think I’m insane sleeping with him, but he’s just so obsessed with me, and I like it,” she admits.

I know exactly what she means. Lars is obsessive, and I love it. It gets me going like nothing else ever has.

“Fair enough.” I purse my lips. “But what happens when he leaves?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. We’re just having fun while he’s here, I guess.” A look in her eyes tells me she’s broken up by that, and I wonder if she’d go with him if he asked. “Enough about me,” Lily says, shaking her head. “How’s work going?”

Fuck.

I stare at my best friend, knowing I should come clean about Lars getting me fired, but I can’t bring myself to tell her. After all, I’ve been pretty fucking hypocritical telling her to watch her back with her stalker when Lars is acting psychotic but in a more direct way.

“Yeah, it’s good. Derek is the same as always. A complete asshole.” I hate lying to my best friend, but the truth is too complicated and raw.

Not to mention, I intend to beg Derek for my job back once Lars has left with the carnival.

“That man doesn’t appreciate you enough at all,” Lily says, biting her lip. “You should try to find someone else to work for, even if you have to commute.”

I nod noncommittally, wondering if that might be my answer to this dilemma. All I can do is tell Lily I quit because Derek is an asshole, and I’m looking for another job.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” I ask, wanting to change the subject.

She grins and leans forward. “I’m free all day.” She arches a brow. “I thought we could go check out that new vintage store that opened after lunch. I heard they have the cutest retro dresses!”

I smile. “That sounds amazing! You know I can never resist a good vintage find.”

Lily nods eagerly. “Exactly! And after that, we could swing by the park, and people-watch for a bit. It’s been too long since we’ve just hung out and gossiped like we used to.”

“You’re absolutely right,” I agree, feeling a wave of nostalgia. “We’ve been so caught up in work lately that we haven’t had a proper girls’ day in forever.”

“Well, consider today the official revival of our girls’ day tradition!” Lily declares, raising her glass. “To putting aside all the stress and drama, and just having some good old-fashioned fun.”

I clink my glass against hers. “I’ll drink to that.”

For the next hour, we lose ourselves in easy conversation, laughing and reminiscing about old times. All the while, I’m feeling guilty as hell while steering clear of talking about work.

We step out of the diner, the warm sun kissing our skin. It’s only a short walk to the new shop.

“I can’t wait to see what treasures we’ll find,” Lily gushes as we approach the store.

“Me too,” I agree. “I’ve been dying to expand my vintage collection.”

The bell above the door jingles as we enter, and we’re immediately transported to a bygone era. Racks of colorful dresses, blouses, and skirts fill the space, each piece more charming than the last.

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