Page 35 of Arranging Ayra
“One more?”
“I promise.”
“Where to?”
“Oblivion.”
A roller coaster that ultimately had us chugging our way up and up and up, only to crest and have us facing the black hole below.
“Oh... heck, no.”
“Oh, yes.”
As if in a freefall, the coaster suddenly went down the straight vertical track, falling into a black hole where riders screamed their horror and/or thrill.
“You win, Barn,” I said as we walked away from Oblivion.
“Impressed.”
“Very much so.”
“Then my work is done.” He smiled as he took my hand.
Exhausted by the quick succession of roller coasters, we took our time and strolled through the crowd, enjoying their excitement. We grabbed some caramel corn, shared a candy apple and chomped down on a bit of cotton candy all while enjoying the immensity of the park.
“It really is a lovely park, Barn. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“I thought you might enjoy the change of pace.”
We’d made our way back to Galactica where Barn retrieved my lost hat.
“Here you go, madame,” he said as he set it atop my head.
“Thank you.”
“Other than a bite here and there, I’ve neglected to feed you.”
“Good thing, too. With all those rides, I’m not sure I would have been able to keep anything down.”
“I know a lovely place about a half hour from London. The food is delicious, the wine top-notch and the service impeccable.”
I looked down at my attire.
“Fear not,” he said. “Many of their patrons are tourist who tend to keep a more... shall we say... easy manner of dress. You’ll fit right in, I assure you.”
We arrived at the eatery - a charming little place tucked away in a small but appealing town. Upon entering, the maitre’d seemed to know Barn, but made no obvious show of it.
We were seated at a cozy table for two near a window overlooking the Seine.
“Barnaby? Is that you?”
I looked up to see Naya coming to us.
“Mum?” Barn said as he got to his feet to greet his mother. “Whatever are you doing here?” He kissed her cheek and gave her a warm hug. “This is so unexpected.”
“Dear, you know how your father loves this place.” She turned to me. “He simply can’t get enough of their steaks.”
“Nice to see you, Mrs. Darcy,” I said in greeting as I also got to my feet.
