Page 69 of Breaking Point
I offer the teen boy a small smile. “That’s me.”
His eyes widen with such awe I shuffle my feet around.
“C-can I—would you?—”
Offering a friendly smile, I step closer to the booth, noting how he hasn’t finished the question but his hand shakes around his phone with the camera app already open.
“Of course, whenever you’re ready.”
“Oh my god, my brother is going to freak.” He turns in the ticket booth, not bothering to step out as he holds up his phone and snaps what feels like a hundred images. Quickly turning back to me, he grins. “Thanks, Crawford! Good luck next week!”
Dipping my chin, I offer my thanks and quickly find my way to Bella’s side, who is utterly oblivious to those around her. Is it delusional of me to wish she’s this content because she feels safe with me?
Most of my female friends are constantly on alert, and I know from my interactions with Bella you can’t get much past her. She’s read me like a book, picking up on cues I didn’t even realize I was giving. But now, a serial killer could be running through thecarnival with blood gushing down the blade and she’d be pointing at a ride, unaware.
“What are we thinking? Move clockwise, zigzag, or by aisles?”
Frowning, I peer down at the map in her hands, noting the tents and stalls erected sporadically and wondering if we’re looking at the same map.
“What do you mean?”
She peers at me as if I’m the one who’s sounding strange. Using her pointer finger she shows me the numerous routes her mind has conjured up as options. It should be disconcerting how she views the map, and yet for some startling reason, I find it to be the most adorable thing.
How beautiful to have a mind that works in such a mysterious way. Or perhaps I’m the one with fewer brain cells because I would have just wandered. And maybe she’s not as unaware as I thought, because she points out exit strategies if we need them.
“Bella,” I say softly, halting her long-winded spiel.
Her mouth pops open. “Oh, sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
She shrugs. “I rambled. We can go whichever direction you wish.”
Although as she says it, her eyes grow tight and her fingers tap out a rhythm on the map in her hands. Searching her face, I wish the excitement would come back. It’s why I say, “I think a clockwise rotation will work best.”
Something sparks to life in her eyes, the walls that rose slowly lowering. “You do?”
“Absolutely.” And before I can think about what I’m doing, I wrap my arm around her shoulder and grin down at her. “Lead the way, Stratford.”
Chapter 18
Bella
LAYLA
he took you to the winter carnival???
a man after your heart
BELLA
how the hell do you know where we are?
LAYLA
the puck bunnies are all over it
BELLA
