Page 45 of Fall With Me
The moment I’m free, I jump up, scrambling off the ride. There’s no way I can face Dawson right now. Instead of stopping or explaining myself, I run in the direction I think the bathrooms are located.
What is wrong with me? Why can’t I just enjoy the evening instead of turning everything into a competition? Why must I always try to prove I’m perfect?
Because if you’re perfect, people won’t leave you. They’ll want you and stick around.
In the bathroom, I lock myself in a stall. I take deep breaths, letting my mind go blank until my heart doesn’t feel like it’s about to stop working from pounding a million miles a second.
How am I supposed to face Dawson after this? He’ll gloat, rubbing at my raw emotions, which I absolutely deserve. This mess is my own creation, and I loathe the position Iput myself in, but I also can’t hide in the restroom all night. We’re here to scope out the festival.
The reminder that I have a job to do clears my mind enough for me to face the Reed boys. After using the facilities, I head out. But I don’t see them anywhere.
Pulling out my phone, I text Dawson.
Me: Hey, sorry about taking off like that. Where are you?
He replies instantly.
Dawson: Bouncing on the jumbo jumpers. I’m too old for this.
Whatever. Dawson is in sublime physical condition.
I head in their direction, taking in the activities I pass. This place is magical and if we weren’t trying to create an intimate atmosphere, it would be perfect for the company to enjoy.
A little girl dressed as a princess runs in and out of a playhouse. I smile, attempting to rid my heart of the ache growing within at the sight of her. Maybe I could be a mom someday. I like being around Finn and haven’t messed anything up between us. The mere thought of abandoning him makes my stomach clench. Have Dawson and Finn helped me realize this dream of mine isn’t as impossible as I feared?
It’s definitely a subject worth pondering later.
In the back corner, Dawson and Finn bounce on the giant rubber balloon. They’re playing tag, but Dawson exaggerates his movement, purposely missing Finn each time. Finn giggles with every failed attempt Dawson makes to catchhim. Warmth seeps into my chest, enhancing the longing I felt when I saw the little girl.
These two guys might not be my family, but being around them brightens my mood considerably.
Clapping, I holler, “Good job, Finn! Way to keep your dad hustling.”
Finn waves at me, darting away from Dawson’s extended hand. “He’s slllooooowwww,” Finn says, bending his knees, and jumping straight into the air.
I hope Finn wants to bounce one more time because this giant pad looks super fun. Can I still do a backflip?
An employee standing by the gate blows his whistle. “Time’s up! Get your shoes and exit to the back.”
Dawson and Finn grab their shoes from a cubby, meeting me at the exit.
“Chloe,” Finn says. “Come with us this time!”
Dawson’s brows rise. A question and an accusation in his expression. No doubt we’ll discuss my wimping out on the pumpkin basher. “Absolutely! Is your dad still it?”
Finn stares at his dad like he can’t believe Dawson never caught him. “Should we let him? He’s not very good.”
I chuckle.
Dawson grabs onto Finn, playfully rubbing knuckles on his head. “I was purposely going easy on you. Want to see what I’m really capable of?”
“Those are fighting words, Finn. I think we better let your dad prove himself.” Unlike me, who can’t follow through on the bets I make.
“Fine.” Finn shrugs. “But if he loses, he has to buy dinner.”
I cock my head to the side, smiling. “Who did you think was getting you dinner tonight?”
Finn stares blankly at me, like I’m dumb. “My dad. But he was going to suggest we only get a corn dog or something like that. Now he has to buy us drinks, fries,anda treat with our corn dogs.”
