Page 23 of Carnival Obsession

“Oh my god, Alice, look at this!” Lily exclaims, holding up a stunning red dress with a sweetheart neckline. “You’ve got to try this on. It’s so you!”

She’s right. It’s exactly the kind of style I love. I take the dress from her, admiring the silky fabric. “It’s gorgeous!”

After about twenty minutes, we both have loads of outfits to try on. We make our way to the fitting rooms. I slip into the red dress and zip it up, gasping at my reflection. The dress hugs my curves perfectly, and the vibrant color makes my skin glow.

“Let me see!” Lily calls from outside the fitting room.

I step out, doing a little twirl. Lily’s eyes widen, and she claps her hands together. “Alice, you look incredible! That dress was made for you.”

I smile, but it quickly fades as reality sets in. “It’s perfect, but I can’t justify buying it now. It’s 100 dollars,” I admit, my heart sinking at my lack of income.

Lily frowns. “Why not? You deserve to treat yourself every once in a while.”

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “I want to be a bit more mindful of my spending at the moment,” I say, hoping she won’t press further.

Lily looks at me curiously but doesn’t pry. Normally, I’m all for splashing out on things I don’t need.

She holds up a black and white polka dot dress. “Well, I’m definitely trying this on. Cade won’t be able to keep his eyes off me if it fits!”

I force a smile. “It’ll look great on you. Get in there.”

I’m trying to be supportive of her, even though she’s dating a psychopath who is going to leave town anyway. And I can’t really say anything since I can’t stop thinking about Lars, and he might be just as unhinged as Cade in a different way.

I beam as Lily emerges from the fitting room, twirling around. “You look incredible! Cade will lose his mind when he sees you in that.”

Lily grins, smoothing her hands over the fabric. “I know, right? It’s perfection.” She glances at the price tag and winces. “And a lot of money, but totally worth the splurge.”

After Lily pays for her dress, we exit the shop, arms linked together again. “The park is just around the corner,” I say. “We can stop and enjoy the sunshine for a bit before we head home.”

Lily nods. “Sounds perfect! It’ll be like old times—gossiping on a park bench and people-watching.”

We stroll leisurely through the quaint streets until we reach the park’s entrance. Lush green grass stretches before us, dotted with towering oak trees that provide welcome shade. A few families and couples lounge on blankets, enjoying picnics and each other’s company.

Lily and I claim an empty bench, settling in and basking in the warm afternoon glow. We sit in comfortable silence for a while, simply taking in the sights and sounds around us.

Eventually, Lily nudges me with her elbow. “So, have you heard from Jenna lately?”

I shake my head, immediately knowing where this is going. “No, but I’m sure you’re about to fill me in on the gossip.”

Lily launches into the latest gossip about our former classmate. Before long, we’re reminiscing about our high school days.

As we dissolve into a fit of giggles, my gaze wanders across the park. My laughter catches in my throat, and my stomach drops.

Lars is there, striding across the grass with his usual confident gait. I think he might approach us momentarily, and my heart starts pounding, but he veers off and settles onto a bench near Lily and me.

I try to act casual, but his eyes are on me, boring into me with an intensity that makes me shiver. Lily continues chattering away, oblivious to my unease.

Tearing my gaze away from Lars, I focus intently on Lily. But no matter how hard I try to engage in our conversation, I can’t shake the feeling of being watched.

Lars doesn’t move to approach us, but his presence is enough to set me on edge. I shift uncomfortably on the bench, my palms sweaty as I wonder what he might want.

Is he following me? Trying to intimidate me?

After all, the last time I saw him, he chased me on his motorcycle through town.

One thing is certain: the carefree, relaxing day Lily and I had planned has taken an unsettling turn. As much as I try to push Lars from my mind, his looming presence casts a dark shadow over our afternoon in the park.

15

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