Page 197 of Terms of Exposure
"You're an idiot."
"An idiot with excellent aim." He winked and climbed out of the car before I could respond.
We found Emma and Damien near the entrance, standing beneath a banner that read "WELCOME TO RIVERSIDE FAIR" in aggressive orange lettering.
Emma spotted us first. She waved frantically, bouncing on her toes like a kid on a sugar high—though knowing Emma, she'd probably skipped dinner in anticipation.
I pasted on a smile and waved back.
"Finally!" She threw her arms around me as soon as I was close enough. "I've been dying. Damien wouldn't let me go in without you."
"It seemed rude," Damien said mildly, shoulders rigid.
"Brother." Sebastian clapped him on the shoulder. "You look tense. Did someone spill coffee on your spreadsheets?"
"Hilarious," Damien responded, deadpan.
Emma looped her arm through mine, tugging me toward the entrance. "Okay, priorities. Cider donuts first, or rides first? Damienhas this whole plan, but I think we should start with food because I'm starving and—"
"Rides first," Sebastian interrupted. "Empty stomachs."
"Good idea," she agreed, high-fiving him.
"Absolutely not." I planted my feet in front of the rusted metal monstrosity, watching the cages spin and flip while their occupants screamed. "You said I'd pick. I'm not picking that."
"It's a classic," Sebastian protested.
"It's a lawsuit waiting to happen."
"Where's your sense of adventure?"
"I left it in the car with my will to live."
Emma laughed, leaning into Damien's side. "She's got you there."
Sebastian clutched his chest dramatically. "Betrayed. By my own future sister-in-law."
"Shut up." Emma's cheeks flushed pink.
Damien's arm tightened around her waist, the corner of his mouth tipping into a smile.
"Fine," Sebastian sighed. "What about the Ferris wheel? It's slow. Gentle. Practically a nap."
I eyed the Ferris wheel as it turned against the darkening sky.
Couples climbed into the swinging seats, legs dangling, their faces washed in carnival light.
"That's… acceptable."
"She accepts!" Sebastian threw his arms up like he'd won the lottery. "Mark the date. Write it down. Candace voluntarily agreed to a ride."
"I wouldn't exactly call it voluntary," I grumbled.
"Too late." Sebastian beamed. "I'm already planning the commemorative plaque."
The line crawled, leaving me with more time than I wanted.
To notice the way Sebastian's shoulder brushed mine when the crowd shifted.
