His Dreamer

10

Chapter Ten - Parks & Prizes

Saturday rolls around quite quickly and around two in the afternoon I start getting ready for my second date with Hunter. Again, he doesn't tell me where we're going but he does tell me to dress casually. After showering and blow drying my hair, I decide to wear my denim overalls with a white, long sleeved top underneath.

I put on my combat boots and lace them up before styling my hair into a messy bun. I accessorize my look with some jewelry before spritzing perfume on and packing my shoulder bag with my purse and phone. Since it's chilly outside nowadays I also grab a chunky cardigan in case I feel cold at some point.

I'm out the door with only twenty minutes to spare to get to college. I text Hunter that I need to return a book at the library first and he replies saying that he'll pick me up from there. I feel the familiar guilt creep up again as I make my way down the streets. I should be able to trust him by now. Then why can't I? It's not fair for him to keep giving his all to me while I only meet him with fifty percent of myself. I need to tell him but I'm so scared of rejection and disgust. Get a grip Zoe, I think to myself. He'll be more hurt that I didn't tell him so just get it over with!

Sighing, I enter the library and return the book I had needed for my thesis. By the time I collect the receipt I get a text from Hunter that he's outside. Steeling myself I exit the building and immediately spot his car in a parking space by the front. He's standing outside and his excited expression makes my heart flutter. I decide to tell him soon instead of today and possibly ruining our date before it even starts.

"You're always out and about, Red. Do you ever get any rest?" He chuckles as he pecks my lips before letting me get in the car.

I panic because I know what's he's trying to do. I've only told him I live near Brooklyn Heights and never allowed him to see my apartment. My heart races faster as he rounds the car and gets into the driver's seat before buckling in. I smile at him but I'm sure it comes out weak.

"It's just been a little crazy with the thesis. Hopefully things will die down soon." I reply while reassuring myself that they will once I tell him.

He stares at me for a moment and I can tell he doesn't buy it but lets it go regardless. "Ready for our date?"

"Will you tell me where we're going now?" I ask with a laugh when he grins devilishly.

"Think roller coasters, candy floss and prizes."

I gasp as my eyes widen in excitement. "An amusement park?! Wait – Coney Island?!"

"Yeah, have you been before?" He chuckles at my reaction.

"Only when I was little. We used to go every Summer." I smile as the memories come back to me. "Have you?"

"Only once when I first met Cory."

We talk about our memories of the park and a wide grin blooms across my lips as he tells me how Cory was winning all the prizes and he couldn't win even one. So, they ended up staying until the park neared it's closing time while Hunter tried to win a prize. Eventually he did and he promises to win me one today too.

"I don't know...you might be a little rusty." I tease and hear him scoff in reply.

"Wait and watch, Red. You'll be leaving with a prize by the end." He smirks cheekily and I laugh.

Eventually we reach the park in around thirty minutes and manage to get a free space quite quickly. I'm buzzing with excitement as we get our tickets and make our way inside. Turns out Hunter loves the crazier, thrill filled rides as much as I do. We get on the roller coaster first before making our way to the next ride which somersaults us into the air and elicits the loudest screams from me. We then try out the "Slingshot" which makes my tummy flip as we're hurled into the air with speed and after trying out another roller coaster we finally decide to get food.