Page 63 of Only Fate

She stands in front of me, shaking the bag in the air. “I ask a question. If you answer it correctly, I’ll toss it into your mouth.”

I throw my arms out. “Go for it, babe.”

“Did you want to come to the party tonight?”

“Hell no.” I catch the Skittle in my mouth when she throws it.

“But you came for me?”

“Yes.”

I miss the Skittle she throws, and it bounces off my car window and drops onto the ground.

“Am I the girl River referred to as your secret girlfriend?”

“Yes.” Another Skittle caught.

“Was I the only girl you watched on the dance floor?”

“You’re the only girl I watch,period.”

“Stalker style, or I’m just so beautiful that you can’t look away?” Her voice is playful.

“I was staring because you’re gorgeous, but some could say it was too much on the stalker side.”

“Correct. But FYI, you’re the only man I’ll allow to stalk me without kneeing you in the nuts.”

I slap my hand to my chest. “I’m so honored.” I steal the bag from her. “My turn.”

She performs ahave at itgesture.

“How excited were you to see me?”

“A little full of ourselves, are we?” She laughs.

“Answer the question.” I shake the bag in the air. “Or no Skittles for you.”

“Fine.” She drawls that word out. “I was super excited but nervous.”

I cast a Skittle toward her, but she misses.

“Why nervous?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugs and circles on her toes, motioning toward the party. “Being out of our bubble.”

“Being out of our bubble blows,” I grumble.

“It absolutely does. Give me milkshakes at the diner and the smell of mothballs in the library over this.”

“I’ve never heard a more correct answer.” I toss the Skittle and yell, “Bam!” when she catches it. I rip the bag open farther to discover only one Skittle left. “Final question, Esmeralda.”

She throws her arms out. “Go for it, Castillo.”

I pause. “Finaltwoquestions.”

“That’s cheating.”

“What if I tear the Skittle in half?”

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