Unveiling Destiny

Chapter 22: Aria

"Look over there!" I exclaim, pointing with my free hand while Griffin steers me through the crowds with the other.

"It's like you've never been here before," Griffin teases, pulling me to his side to squeeze through a small gap in the crowd.

It doesn't matter how many times I come here. Every time, my heart soars. The music combines with the smells of all my favorite snacks, by some unknown magic, any real life responsibilities just melt away.

"Right or left?" Griffin asks as we come to a fork in the road.

I don't even have to think. "Left."

I practically squeal as I skip in front of Griffing, pulling him along behind me. And that's how we start our day, jostling our way through narrow corridors packed with families.

Griffin and I take our time, enjoying the atmosphere of the park as we jump between rides and enjoy the little shows that are sprinkled so perfectly throughout the park.

Griffin surprises me, yet again, when he drags me out of the park around lunchtime to get food.

"Where are we going?" I pout.

He just rolls his eyes at my act and says, "Everyone knows you get more bang for your buck if you eat outside the park. Come on, we have reservations and I'm starving."

And sure enough, less than twenty minutes later the waiter places what might very well be the largest pizza I have ever seen in front of my face.

"I told you the family pizza was going to be too big!" I exclaim, eyeing the monstrosity in front of me. "Along with the entire pitcher of beer you ordered, there is no way we're finishing all of this. You're going to have to roll me out of here."

"Princess, one thing you need to know about me," Griffin gives me a shit eating grin. "Is that I eat like it's going out of style. Between the gym and working outside in the heat for my job, my body always needs food. Trust me, after walking around the park this morning, I'm starving. We'll finish this no problem."

I watch him grab a slice of pizza, the cheese doing an almost comically perfect cheese pull, before he takes a huge bite. Nodding at the remaining slices, he encourages me to do the same. Shrugging in disbelief, I do just that.

We eat and drink until, unbelievably, Griffin pops the last bit of crust into his mouth.

"I don't know whether to be disgusted or impressed," I say, wrinkling my nose.

"You can be both," Griffin says, smiling at me as the waitress returns our check. Griffin insists on paying, no surprise there.

Signing the receipt, he drains his glass and stands, offering me a hand. "Shall we?"

I do the same, draining the rest of my beer and taking his hand to heave myself to my feet. Once standing though, I wobble slightly.

"Whoa," I grip his arm as he begins to lead me through the tables and out of the restaurant. "I didn't realize how much I drank until I stood up," I whisper to him.

"Tipsy?" he asks, shooting me an adorable grin.

I nod.

"Me too. I'm full and feeling good. You ready to continue with our day in your favorite place ever?"

I smile up at him. "Let's do it."

Holding my hand, he leads me from ride to ride until finally I say, "I'm ready to sit down for a bit. Why don't we grab a drink and do some people watching?"

"I'm in," Griffin says. "I could use a break in the shade. There's a really good beer cart right around the corner. I can't remember the exact name of it though."