Page 32 of Arranging Ayra
I glanced at the clock on my bedside table. Twenty minutes to go. All I needed was a comfortable pair of shoes and an easy to tote bag.
I rummaged through the bottom of my closet and pulled out a pair of flip flops. I was about to slip them on, then wondered if we might hike on a rocky path or go horseback riding... or do any one of a dozen activities that would be rendered difficult with a pair of flip flops.
Tossing them back into my closet, I then pulled out my broken-in blue walking shoes. Perhaps not the most fashionable thing I could have chosen, but I would not end up complaining about sore feet no matter the activity Barn had in store for me.
With fifteen minutes to spare, I grabbed my bag and headed out to the lot where Barn’s car was parked.
In the distance, I saw him, so handsome and cool as he leaned against his gleaming red sports coupe.
My heart pounded.
“Well, well,” he said as I approached him. “A lady who is not only on time, but even several minutes early. I do appreciate that.”
Smiling, I nodded as I quickly looked him over. Clearly, his notion of ‘casual’ was a little more refined than mine. Wearing tan colored pants, belted with braided brown leather, and a crisp white button-down shirt with open collar, he seemed every bit the country gentleman... a very hot and handsome country gentleman... even down to his leather loafers.
“Ready for a day of fun and surprises?” he said as he opened the passenger door for me.
“Eager for everything you have to throw at me, Mr. Darcy.”
We drove off.
“Could you give me a hint as to where you’re taking me?” I asked.
“I did.”
Frowning, I looked at him.
“I told you to dress casually. That’s a hint.”
“It’s a rather vague hint.”
“Perhaps, but a hint all the same.”
Realizing I wouldn’t get any more information out of him, I smiled and simply enjoyed the ride. The sun was bright, the skies clear and the countryside magnificent. Truth was, it didn’t really matter at all where we were going. What mattered was that I was with him... not just to run errands, but to actually spend the day together... at his request.
Oh, my heart.
“We’re almost there,” he said after some time.
He turned here and there, slowed down, then entered a vast parking area.
“What is this?” I said.
“Alton Towers.”
“What’s Alton Towers?” And then I saw a roller coaster zip by. “An amusement park?”
“Surprise!”
I was giddy with joy... such joy. “Oh, Barn! That is a great surprise. I love amusement parks.”
“Good,” he said as he parked the car. “You’re in for a real treat. This place is wild.”
We walked to the entrance, the sounds of happy and excited people all around us. Barn paid the fares, and we entered a child’s wildest imagination.
“Where to begin,” he said. “Do you like roller coasters?”
“I love roller coasters,” I said as I took in the sights and sounds around us. “But I have to warn you, I’ve been to dozens of parks in America, and we have some pretty cool roller coasters. You might find me a little difficult to impress.”
