Heart Eyes

Chapter 4 - The carnival PT 2

I go up to the hotdog stand after me and Caylee get off the ride. I notice that when Everett is coming over, he's not with his friends anymore.

"Caylee.. Um.. well..." I say nervously wanting to shove her away for now.

"Already on it, girl. Love you, good luck with him." She grins and walks away.

I watch her retreating figure, feeling a mix of gratitude and trepidation. She knows me so well, recognizing my struggle even before I do. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I turn my attention back to Everett, who is making his way toward me.

The closer he gets, the more I can't help but notice how he stands out amidst the crowd. His bright smile makes my stomach flutter, and I can't help but wonder what he's going to say. The last time we spoke, the conversation felt electric, filled with potential, and I can feel that same energy building in the air around us now.

"Hey," he says, stopping a few steps away, a familiar warmth in his gaze. The world around us fades into a soft blur as I focus on him, waiting for him to say more.

What is he thinking? The playful banter we shared before runs through my mind, and I can't help but hope for something more this time. Oh my god. What am I even thinking? This is Everett Duncan. I mentally curse myself before I respond.

"Hey," I reply, trying to sound casual even though my heart is pounding. I can feel the anticipation hanging between us, a dance of unspoken words just waiting to be expressed.

As he stands there, the corner of his mouth quirks up, and I find myself caught in that smile, a dizzying mix of emotions surging through me. I'm ready for whatever he has to say. Will it be the beginning of something new? Or just another moment frozen in time? That uncertainty lingers, but for now, I'm content just to be here, at this moment with him.

Everett shifts his weight slightly, and my heart skips. He glances around the carnival, taking in the sights before returning his gaze to me. "So, did you have fun on the Ferris wheel?" he asks, his voice smooth and inviting.

I nod, trying to sound enthusiastic, yet it comes out awkwardly. "Yeah, it was cool! The view was incredible." I can feel the blush creeping up my cheeks as I hear my voice.

He chuckles softly, leaning in just a bit closer. "I was hoping I'd catch you up there. You looked like you were having the time of your life."

"Thanks! It was kind of overwhelming at first, but I got into it," I reply, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. Though, I've never liked eye contact. I hate it, yet, this feels different—intense in a way I never expected.

He seems to consider something for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm glad you're here tonight. It's nice to take a break from everything and just enjoy ourselves, right?"

"Definitely," I agree, feeling a surge of warmth at how genuine he sounds. It's refreshing to hear him open up like this. "So, what do you have planned? Are you going to go on any rides?"

"I was thinking about the bumper cars later," he says with a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I need a chance to show off my mad skills."

I laugh–who ever thought I'd be laughing with Everett, rather than at him? "Challenge accepted," I tease back, suddenly feeling bolder. "Just don't cry when I inevitably win."

"I think I can handle a little friendly competition," he responds with a smirk that makes my heart flutter again. Oh my god. No. I can't be feeling this.

Before I can think too much, I say, "How about we get some snacks first?" I immediately feel awkward for suggesting something so casual. What was I thinking? But to my surprise, he perks up at the idea.

"Definitely! I could go for some fries," he laughs. "Honestly, there's nothing like fair food to fuel the competitive spirit." He raises his eyebrows with a grin.

We walk toward the potato stand together, yes potato stand. The excitement of the carnival surrounds us. I can hear music playing, kids squealing in delight, and the scent of fried dough fills the air. A small group of people rush past us, and for a second, I feel the slight pressure of doubt creeping in. What if I stumble over my words? What if I say something completely embarrassing? But then, Everett turns to me with that same bright smile.

"So, Ains, what's your ultimate carnival food? Cotton candy? Funnel cake?"

"First of all, you're not supposed to call me Ains. And honestly?" I grin, "I've got a soft spot for funnel cake. Can't resist how delicious it is."

"Good choice," he nods, looking genuinely impressed. "Let's make sure to grab some after the fries." My heart flutters at the idea of sharing more moments with him, and just as we reach the counter, I can't help but feel that maybe—just maybe—this night will be one for the books.

I order a thing of tater tots, he gets fries, and as we wait for our food, the atmosphere shifts slightly. The laughter and joy blend into a comfortable silence between us, and I steal a glance at him. He catches me looking, his brown eyes sparkling with interest.

"What's on your mind?" he asks, tilting his head slightly, studying me. I take a deep breath.

"Just... I guess I'm surprised you're here. I mean, I didn't expect to be having such a good time with you tonight."

Everett's expression softens, and he leans a little closer. "I'm glad you are. Honestly, I've been looking forward to this. A chance to hang out, talk, and just... enjoy the moment."

The honesty in his words takes me aback. I feel a rush of warmth, realizing that maybe this isn't just a fleeting encounter. It feels special like something more is developing between us. But it can't. We're Everett and Ainsley. They don't mix.

At that moment, our food is ready, and I grab it from the vendor, a nervous energy buzzing within me. "So, where to next?" I ask, trying to keep the conversation flowing as we step away from the stand.

Before he can answer, the lights flicker in the distance, drawing our attention toward the bumper cars. "Ready for our challenge, Duncan?" I say with an evil grin.

"Let's do it, Levine."

*****

We hop off the bumper cars "I totally won!" I grin

"You did not." He scoffs as he crosses his arms across his chest, his muscles flexing as he does so.

"I hit your car like 18 times," I say with a humongous smile.

"It was more like 5, Ainsley," he looks at me softly, "But if it makes you happy, then you won."

Why is he being nice to me? What is this? No. This isn't how it's supposed to go. This isn't him. Or is it? Have I just never noticed?

I take a step back, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. "Fine," I say, smirking as I try to keep the mood light. "But you have to admit, I drove circles around you."

He chuckles. "Whatever you say, Ains."

"Stop calling me that!" I glare at him, but it's kind of playful.

I laugh, the sound ringing out like the bells overhead, and for a moment, everything else fades away. Just me and him, standing in the middle of all the carnival chaos, our rivalry was momentarily forgotten amid this unexpected connection. I wonder what this moment means if anything, and if my feelings may be starting to shift in ways I'm not quite ready to understand just yet.