Page 24 of Broken Boundaries

“It looks amazing,” I tell him. “Honestly, it looks like so much fun.”

We walk as he tells us about each booth we pass. Eventually, he stops in front of a lemonade stand and buys the three of us a lemonade without even asking. I’m grateful for it, though, because I’ve only been here about ten minutes and I’m already hot.

“Well, I’ve got to go get ready for the pie-eating contest. You two have fun!” he says as he strolls toward the gazebo in the middle of town.

As soon as he’s gone, other people start coming up to Brooks. Some wave and say hello as they pass, but others stop and have a conversation. He always makes sure to introduce me to everyone who stops to talk, like he wants to make sure everyone knows who I am. It makes me feel more important than I probably am, but I like it.

The people of Blue Haven are so polite. My cheeks hurt from smiling after the first hour of being at the festival.

After one couple leaves us, Brooks puts his hand on my lower back and leans down to say, “You’re doing great.”

I smile back, but I feel like I should be saying that to him. He’s the one having to talk to all these people. It’s clear that he’s a respected member of this community. From the way Zach always talked about him, I guess I assumed that he wasn’t great to be around, but I’ve certainly formed the opposite opinion.

“Thank you,” I say barely above a whisper. His hand drops from my back, and I instantly miss it. Then I feel like shit for even thinking that.

That reminds me… Zach. I stand up on my tiptoes to try to scan the crowd for him, but I don’t see him yet.

I lower back down right as a pair of hands wrap around my waist, and I jump, turning quickly to see Zach.

“Hey, babe. How’s it going?” he asks as he leans down and kisses me. Things between us have been pretty good the past few weeks. We’ve finally gotten into a routine. He’s tired most nights when he gets home, but he’s been making an effort to be present with me over dinner. It’s nice. It’s starting to feel like it did back in Atlanta when we were almost in our own little bubble. It’s like we’ve finally moved past the stress from the move and are settling in.

“Good! This place is so great.”

He pulls me close. “Told ya.” Then he looks at Brooks. “Hey, Dad.”

“Oh, so I do exist to you, huh?”

Zach scratches the back of his head. “Yeah, sorry I haven’t responded. Been busy with the police academy and everything.”

“Hmm.” Brooks knows it’s a bullshit excuse. “Well, glad to see you could make it out today.”

“Wouldn’t miss this. Looks like it’s gotten even bigger since the last time I was here.”

“Yeah, you know Cunningham. Wants everything bigger,” Brooks says. I can see in his eyes that he wants to talk to his son about more than just this stupid festival, but he knows now isn’t the time. I hate that Zach treats him like this, but I also know it’s not my place to say anything.

Zach turns to me. “I know you’re working, babe. I just wanted to come say hey. I’ll catch up with you later.”

He kisses me again on the lips, and this time, I can feel Brooks’s eyes on us, and I suddenly feel like I’ve done something wrong.

Zach walks off without another word to his dad, and I’m left alone with Brooks again. I expect him to ask me something about Zach’s behavior, but he doesn’t. With a resigned sigh, he asks, “Ready to go watch this pie-eating contest?”

“I have never been more ready for anything in my life.”

He laughs and leads us toward the tables by the gazebo.

The day, while busy, is so fun. After the pie-eating contest, Brooks and I throw candy during the parade. We sample several food trucks. I even won a Blue Haven hat from a ring toss game I played. Overall, it was one of the funnest days I’ve had in a while.

When my duties for the day are over, the sun is just starting to set. The fireworks show will start soon.

Brooks offered to take me home, but I told him I would be meeting up with Zach so we could watch the fireworks together.

I wander through the crowds of people, looking for my boyfriend. I tried calling him and texting him, but I didn’t get an answer. I know he’s got to be here somewhere, though.

I wave at people that I met today as I pass. It’s so nice to feel like I fit in somewhere. I’m truly starting to believe that I made a good decision moving here with Zach.

Still not seeing him anywhere, I step behind one of the booths to try to find a quiet spot to call him again. I pull my phone out of my pocket and bring it to my ear, but as I look straight ahead, I freeze.

I finally see him.