Page 8 of Lost Summer
“Fruity coming right up!” I winked as I spun around, heading for the bar.
“You’re awful! But in a good way.” Her eyes shone with affection as she relaxed back against the fence, arms resting casually at her sides, a relaxed vibe that made my heart swell and my thoughts muddled. “I’ll come with you.”
She’s fucking stunning.
As we waited in line, Adele turned her attention to me.
“So, what’s your take on all of this?” She gestured expansively at the festival, her brow furrowing slightly. “Is it as good as you expected?”
“Hell, yes! This is everything I didn’t know I needed. And now I’m ready for a wild ride!” I laughed, glancing at her with intrigue. “Or at least a snippet of your life outside of here.”
“Ha! Not today,” she retorted, sticking out her tongue playfully. “I’ll save the serious stuff for Monday when I’m back trying to get my life in order.”
“No, we can’t do that! Festivals are for letting loose,” I advised, leaning in closer to her as the scent of rain drifted in, permeating the air. “Today? Today is about adventure.”
She turned to face me fully, her expression shifting into soft seriousness yet still tinged with playfulness. “Adventure, huh? Like what? Climbing trees and challenging strangers to impromptu dance-offs?”
“Definitely, and maybe even karaoke if we can find a spot,” I explained, feeling suddenly bold.
“Oh no, no, no,” she laughed, the sound bright and infectious. “You’ll not catch me belting out ‘Wonderwall’ in public!”
“Challenge accepted!” I announced, pointing toward the buzzing crowd. “But come on, let’s find a karaoke tent. I’ll cheer you on from the front row while you try to hit those high notes.”
Adele rolled her eyes in mock dismay, but her smile belied her feigned annoyance. “You are relentless, aren’t you? Alright then, but only if you promise to go first.”
“That’s my girl! Always ready to put me on the spot!” I grinned, feeling a charged excitement build as we approached the bar.
After placing our drink orders, I scanned the crowd breathlessly. Standing beside Adele, the force of life and spontaneity enveloped me.
The bartender slid us our fruity drinks—bright and cheerful with little umbrellas perched precariously on top—and as weclinked our plastic cups, I felt that same spark of connection digging deeper.
“To unforgettable memories!” Adele toasted, her eyes twinkling.
“To unforgettable memories!” I echoed, sipping mine as tangy fruit flavours burst between my tongue and palate, refreshing and zesty. “Now, let’s find that karaoke tent. As a matter of priority.”
We wandered away from the bar, drinks in hand, veins alive and humming.
“Can you feel that?” I asked, barely able to keep my voice steady over the noise. “This festival vibe. It’s amazing!”
Adele paused to take a sip of her drink, the vibrant colours of her lips contrasting against the tropical concoction. “Totally! It’s like...like magic!”
“Exactly, festival magic!” I replied, gesturing to the sea of laughter and dancing feet surrounding us.
The vibrant energy of the festival pulsed all around us, saturating the air as we ventured deeper into the crowds. Just then, a riotous shout broke through the thrum of music and laughter—powerful and unmistakable.
“There they are!” Adele’s friend’s voice cut through the haze like a beacon. She bounded toward us, her electric blue hair a wild flash against the waves of people, her excitement illuminating the space like fireworks.
“Hey! I thought I’d find you here!” she declared, skidding to a stop beside us, a wide grin plastered across her face.
Adele’s eyes lit up as she turned to her friend, her joy infectious. “Orion! We were just about to dive into the karaoke tent!”
“Only if you plan on singing ‘Wonderwall’ without cringing!” Orion shot back, a teasing glint in her eye. “But if you’re ready for major embarrassment, I’d be delighted to record it!”
“Perfect!” I grinned. “I’ll take requests while you two sing.”
“No way! You’re twisted!” Adele laughed, her voice bubbling over in that same uncontrollable delight I’d come to cherish.
Orion elbowed her friend gently. “With those charms? He’ll have all the free beers he could want!”
