CHAPTER 2

Absently, I rubbed my finger on my bottom lip. I walked from the bus stop to the parking lot of the amusement park reliving the moment I’d met him. Back and forth I did it, but the tingle from Tristan’s kiss lingered.

For two weeks.

Yeah, it’s been that long since I’ve seen him and I still missed him. Maybe, because holding on to the thought that someone so beautiful could want to be with me, if only for a little while. Want me. Just as much as I wanted them, it, made me feel special. There were lots of things I wanted now. All the stuff I took for granted just months ago. But the one thing I’d never allowed myself to do was to hope that a guy like him would even talk to a girl like me. Short, slightly curvy, with bust way too big, making me look a bit chunky if I didn’t wear tight t-shirts. Just hoping, he might be at the park one day to see me again, got me through the days. It gave me something to take my mind off the fact that I may have to find somewhere to sleep tonight.

Earlier in the school year, everything I knew was the middle class lifestyle my father projected. To us. To everyone. When that changed, I found, so did I. It was like every emotion I’d had was bottled up inside me while I walked through a cloud of numbness. Seeing Tristan, spending the day with him, gave me a fantasy. It made me forget, if just for a little while, all the ugliness around me. But fantasies won’t feed me, won’t save me.

I forced my hand from my lip, and let out a deep breath, while speeding up my stride.

The park was slow today. It was a Monday. And it was doubtful he’d come. I had to face the facts about him, like I had to about all the not-so-great things going on in my life.

I slowed at the ticket booth, waved to the old lady who’d checked my ticket the first day.

“Sorina! Come here, hun,” Ms. Robinson called. For an old woman her voice was loud and clear.

When I got to her window, she pushed some cash under it. “Can you do me a favor and get me one of those funnel cakes?” She smiled at me, a rare find even though she’d started waving at me just two days ago.

“Okay. Do you want a drink?” I grinned back at her because I still was getting used to her being nice to me.

“No, don’t need the sugar.”

I lifted an eyebrow and took the money.

“But there is extra for you to get one too. Consider it payment for running the errand since they don’t like to give me breaks.”

“Thanks!” I secretly wanted to jump for joy. I didn’t have breakfast and after taking the bus then walking, I was starving. The funnel cake place was way in the back of the park. Part of me wanted to stay near the front, just in case Tristan showed up. But I had to be honest; he wasn’t coming.

In no time I ran to the back of the park, my stomach growling loudly at the thought of some much-needed food. I hadn’t eaten since yesterday when I finished off some park guest’s half-eaten hotdog and fries. Gotta love babies, they never finish their food.

I barely stopped in front of the funnel cake window before the girl, a little older than me, opened the window. “Hungry?” she said, laughing.

“Kinda, but I’m getting this for the lady at the front. She said she skipped breakfast.” I waved the money at her. “And I need two of them.”

“No worries. I’ll give you a tray,” the girl peeked behind her, “the manager’s not here, so I’ll let you try the ice cream and toppings. If you like them, then spread the word. They haven’t been selling well.”

“Thanks! I’d like strawberries and cream. Just on mine though, I think the older lady has some health issues. I don’t even think she’s supposed to be eating this stuff.”

“Probably not. Wait here.” The girl scurried to the back of the little trailer.

I drummed my fingers while glancing around the park. Then my breath caught, or did I choke on it? I don’t know, but Tristan was walking my way. And he was alone. This time he was wearing jeans and a plaid shirt, with his t-shirt poking out just under the two buttons that were undone. His hair was shorter, but still that thick burnt brown that had gold highlights from the sun. Seeing him was like running into an old friend. One you’d missed badly. Not only that, but I knew he would take my mind off all the drama at home. And I needed that, a diversion. A sweet diversion.

“Shut your mouth. Or something might fly in it.” The girl slid me the funnel cakes in a tray. “My name is Peaches. If you come back, ask for me and I’ll give you more ‘samples’. Now go sell some.”

“Uh-huh, thanks.” I barely got out the words. He’d stopped, and appeared to be looking around for someone. Probably not me. My heart sank.

“Trust me, staring only makes them cocky,” the girl yelled from behind me. “Now take the food and walk past him. Do a wink over the shoulder, it always works for me.”

I didn’t take my eyes off him, afraid I was dreaming, “I will,” I mumbled.

Absently, I grabbed the tray. With my heart pounding in my chest, I slowly walked in his direction. I hoped he would notice me. I chanted to myself. With all my brave talk from a moment ago, my hands were shaking so bad, dropping the dessert was a real possibility.

“Keep cool, keep cool,” I whispered.

Just at that moment, he pivoted. His full lips widened into a delicious smile, and I was in heaven...until I stumbled.

Tristan caught my elbow in one hand and the tray in the other. “You okay? Uh...” He actually appeared like he didn’t know my name.

“I’m Sorina. I know the name’s hard to remember.” I steadied myself and reached for the tray.

“So do you remember my name?” Tristan gave me that sideways smile that made my tummy tickle.

“Tristan. How can I forget, you kidnapped me for a day to pretend to be your girlfriend.”

His face appeared somber for a moment. “Yeah, about that…”

I held up my hand to stop him. “It’s okay. I didn’t mind at all. I know you said you were coming back to spend more time with me, but honestly I didn’t think you would. That’s okay because I had a great time.”

“Well, that’s why I’m here. I wanted to spend the day with you. Only if you’ll have me, though.”

I licked my lips trying to figure out if today was another one of those times when something bad happens to you, and an angel gifts you with something special.

“Well?” He stepped closer.

“Sure. I have to drop off one of these funnel cakes first. Want to come?” I adjusted the tray.

“Alright. Is one yours?” He fell in step with me as I walked. His legs were much longer than mine, so he slowed a bit.

“Yep, the one with all the toppings. I can’t wait to eat it.” At that moment my stupid stomach decided to growl—loudly.

Tristan just smiled at me and took the plain one on the side. “Go ahead and take a taste of yours so the whip cream doesn’t melt. And if you eat the toppings before we get back to the booth, I’ll treat you to a soda.”

“That’s a bet, this will be...” I sniffed over the treat and took a big bite off the tilting tower of whipped cream, “gone in no time.”

“It’s better than my breakfast. Leftover pizza and an energy drink.” Tristan smiled, bending down a bit to peek at me. He adjusted the plate in his hand as he stepped closer while walking next to me. Our arms almost touched.

“Sounds good to me. I’m not picky these days.” I bit my tongue, literally bit it, once I realized I’d let something embarrassing about me slip out. From the way Tristan dressed, in designer tennis shoes, nice clothes, even the diamond stud in one of his ears, let me know that he didn’t have the same problems I did. And to me, that was a good thing. Talking to him allowed me to live in another place, the world I’d taken for granted before my family slipped into chaos.

He gave me an almost shy smile. “I like girls who don’t mind my bad eating habits, so many don’t eat at all and the thought of cold pizza makes them run.”

“What else do you like to do? Are you working this summer?” I spied Ms. Robinson waving at me.

“I work, kind of. I have my own business you know.”

“I got to take this to her. Can you hold mine,” I leaned in, “without eating it all?”

“You’d share with me?” He placed his hand on his chest feigning shock. “I’m humbled.”

I placed my hand on my hip, giving him a stern look. “Just leave me some with the strawberries on top.” I ran to Ms. Robinson with a grin on my face and butterflies in my stomach. Tristan came back to see me!

After giving Ms. Robinson her food and change, I jogged to Tristan who was sitting on the grass area near the flower art in the shape of a color-splashed mushroom.

Out of breath, my mouth watered at the strawberry he popped in his mouth.

“Is there enough left for me?” I joked and sat next to him.

He patted the grass near him. “Closer so we can split it evenly.”

Hesitantly, I scooted over, still in disbelief that this gorgeous, nice guy wanted to spend time with me. I reached for the fork on the tray. He grabbed it before I had a chance to. Then he pierced it through a ripe strawberry and waved it at me.

“Open up.” He taunted me with the fruit.

“I uh.” I didn’t know what to do except drop my jaw.

“It’s good.” He slipped it through my lips. “You seem to take care of everyone else, maybe you won’t mind me taking care of you a little.”

With my mouth full, hoping I didn’t appear desperate, I mumbled, “You don’t have to.”

“But I want to.” He jabbed another berry with a piece of dough. Then popped it into his mouth while staring ahead, thoughtfully. “Don’t think I’m a creep when I say this, but I was watching you the first day at the park. You were in line waiting to get your picture taken. I saw you earlier than that, when you jumped out of a car near the entrance.”

I swallowed, forcing myself to hold back the spontaneous tears that threatened to fall. That day was the worst and the best all mixed into a balled-up memory I’d tried not to dwell on.

Tristan turned toward me. “You do think I’m a creep?” He started to stand.

By reflex, I grabbed his hand. The tingles that ran through my arm at touching him caused me to release him. “That was one of the best moments of my life. I don’t think you’re a creep. I’m flattered I caught your attention. Even if it was just to pretend to be your girlfriend to save you from your friends that day.”

Tristan broke out in a huge smile. “Thank you. Ready for that soda?”

I nodded. Then stood, brushing my hands on my jeans. “Thanks for treating.”

“Stop thanking me. I know you appreciate it, but you helped me first, remember?” He slowed a bit as if just realizing that my short stature caused me to have to walk briskly to catch up.

“You’ve got it. So, what kind of work do you do?” I wondered if he modeled or something. He looked the type and, to be honest, even the best looking guys at my school never seemed to have it put together as well as he did. My few boyfriends compared to him, were seriously lacking – although, they were nice enough.

“I work on computers. Taught myself how to be a neighborhood techie. My dad helped me out a lot before he died in a motorcycle accident last year.” Tristan’s lips thinned.

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what to say, I just watched the features on his face transform from sadness to peace.

“It’s alright. I’ve dealt with it. My mom is strong and even tried learning to work on computers with me by watching YouTube videos.”

“She sounds great.” I slowed with him as we stood in line for our drink.

“She is.” He reached down and intertwined his fingers with mine. “You remind me of her in a lot of ways.”

“Really?” I was getting choked up again. That’s the best compliment anyone had ever given me. My mother was great, but sometimes I felt as though she wasn’t as strong as I needed her to be. But Tristan’s mom sounded amazing.

“Really. You saved me, like she did by making me smile.” He tugged me up to the counter. “Two Slurpees. Cherry and Blue Ice.”

“Can I have the Blue Ice?” I asked. I’d been eyeing the drink for the last week from the time when they started selling it.

Tristan took the drinks and handed me one. He went to the table and I gladly followed. I held in a giggle at the thought that popped into my head: I’d follow you to the ends of the Earth. Yep, I had it bad.

“So are you working this summer?” Tristan asked while playing with his straw in the frozen drink.

“No, uh…but I’m looking for a job. I need a work permit and it’s hard to get since I’m in between schools.” No way was I telling him the details of my father’s lack of a job due to an embarrassing firing, and the losing our house. I didn’t even want to think of where I’d have to sleep tonight when the park closed. My mother whispered to me as I left the latest hotel we were in, to take all my stuff since we wouldn’t be returning there.

He frowned while staring at me. “You can work for me. I could use an assistant, and I don’t need a work permit.”

My jaw dropped yet again. Is this guy for real or is he my own personal angel? Had to be, because lately, he’s been a good luck charm for me.

Tristan held up a hand in warning. “Don’t even think of telling me no.” He leaned closer, grasping my hand while tapping his finger on my knuckle. “Honestly, I could use the help.”

“I never worked on computers before.” I really wanted to take the job, even if it wasn’t just for the money, but for the chance to be closer to him. Not just because he was gorgeous, but because of the kindness I observed in his eyes. Deep within them, I saw that he cared.

“Neither did my mom, but I taught her how to change a motherboard, check diagnostics and install computer systems in cars I bought. She gave up the job a few months ago to help my sister with her new baby.”

“I’d love to help.” That’s all I could manage to say. Otherwise, I’d probably start crying right there. He didn’t realize how much he was helping me and my family.

“Well…” Tristan’s watch alarm went off. He glanced down, irritated, and cut it off. “It pays well. That’s a reminder that in an hour I have someone bringing over their plans for a network install in their medical practice.”

“Oh, do you have to go meet them?” My heart sank. I didn’t want him to leave.

“Yeah, I do. But I don’t want to.” Tristan smiled at me. “Can you begin work this weekend?” Tristan started to rise. I just watched him, forcing myself not to hug him and beg him to take me with him now.

“Sure. How do I get there?” I didn’t want to start trying to figure out how I would get the bus money. It already took me days of collecting coins off the ground in the park to come up with today’s bus fare. But I didn’t want to give off signals on how broke I was.

“I’ll pick you up here – at the park.” The alarm on his wrist went off again. “I gotta go. See you Friday.”

“Bye.” With each step he took further away, the reality of my life came clearer. Tonight, I’d have to find someplace to sleep. Now to search out a place in the park I could go undetected. Maybe the dreams of what’s to come on after I started working will make sleeping on the hard ground softer.