I spot Ella and August walking back as I collect my winnings, and they’re laughing. Only it’s more than that. They’re not flirty, but the way they lean toward each other feels familiar. And even though that’s exactly what we do, create trust so our case can see a new perspective, this strikes me as different somehow.
“So you’re a basketball shark,” Justin says, handing me another five bucks.
“I mean, I did warn you I’d take your money,” I reply. “Less shark, more truth.”
“They’re back,” Leah announces of August and Ella’s return. “Time to conquer the Zipper!”
There are a few hoots of agreement, and like a human amoeba, we all move toward the ride that Charlie Atkins once fear-peed on in the fourth grade, soaking not only himself but also Bentley in the process.
My phone buzzes again, and I frown at the text conversation that has been slowly accumulating all day.
Bentley
My thumb lingers over the keys, but no response comes, none that sounds right anyway. My heart rate elevates, and I shove the phone back in my pocket. This whole thing is absurd. I don’t like Bentley like that. So why do I even care? I should just accept his apology and move on.
Ella moves to Justin’s side while August and I fall behind the group, close enough to eavesdrop, but not close enough to crowd them.
“Where’d you run off to?” Justin asks Ella.
She shrugs. “Went on the Ferris wheel.”
“Alone?” Justin asks.
And suddenly August is searching my face like I pulled one over on him. I eye him right back, now completely convinced that something atypical happened on that Ferris wheel.