He huffs, running his hand through his hair, stopping to pull at the roots. Frustration is oozing off him.
“Do you want me to lose my job?”
I shake my head back and forth. “No. Of course not. I’m only asking you to look into things.”
He takes several steps toward me until we’re toe-to-toe. His hand reaches out, running back through my hair, placing a loose strand behind my ear. “If I could follow up on these leads, I would.”
But I can’t. He might not say it, but it’s clearly written all over his face.
If he wants to walk away from this because of his pride and unwillingness to be open-minded, that’s on him.
“I understand.”
I don’t, but I’m not going to drag this dead-end conversation on.
He leans in and kisses my cheek again. My breath hitches and my eyes close.
“Good night, Alyssa.”
With that, our talk is done and I’m left with butterflies and anger warring to take center stage.
Seven of Cups... Reversed
DOWNTOWN IS BURSTINGwith activity due to the annual fall festival. It’s the biggest event of the year, and people come from all over to join in. Tents are set up in a horseshoe in the square, sheltering artisans from around the state selling their goods. Local restaurants offer samples of their gourmet dishes, while food trucks line Main Street with typical fair treats. All the usual offerings are here, including just about anything that can be fried, cotton candy, and my personal favorite, elephant ears.
The green is set up with a handful of rides sure to twist your guts and make you puke. At least, that’s what it would do to me. About the only ride I could be convinced to get on is the Ferris wheel, and I’d still have to be dragged onto it.
Even with all the hustle and bustle going on around me, my attention is solely focused on the girl at my side. Having Ava back home beats a day at the festival any time.
“What should we do first?” Ava asks, sounding much younger than she is.
Her excitement is palpable, filling my cup and warming me from the inside out.
“We can grab some food?”
The smell of charred meat turns my stomach and I almost rescind that idea, but Ava beats me to it.
“Not before we ride the rides. I’ll get sick.”
“I will not be getting on a single one of those death traps.” I eye the Tilt-A-Whirl with contempt. Just watching it spin in circles is enough to make my stomach turn. “I’d prefer that you stayed away from them too.”
I’m only half-serious. There’s no way I’d deprive my girl of her childhood right to fun.
“Mom,” she chides. “It’s happening. I’m riding them all.”
“Go for it, but I’m gonna sit this one out.”
“Hey, Ava.” An adorable girl with bleach-blond hair braided over her shoulder calls out, waving to grab her attention.
“Carly,” Ava squeals. “Momma, can I?”
Her ice-blue eyes twinkle as she waits for me to give her the go-ahead. She’d brush off her friends because she doesn’t want to leave me by myself. My sweet girl. She’s always thinking about me, but I don’t want that.
I offer a small smile. “Go have fun.” Leaning down, I place a small kiss on her cheek. “Maybe they’ll ride the rides with you.”
She giggles, and it’s music to my ears. “I’ll text you later. We can meet up for dinner?”
“Sure. Now go.”
