“I guess so.”
Another weighted silence stretches between us. The air tightens with an invisible pull that we both pretend not to feel. We both retreat slightly, shifting away and glancing in opposite directions.
After a few seconds, Margot clears her throat and says, “I don’t mind going on the rollercoaster by myself if you don’t mind waiting for me.”
I shake my head. “I can’t let you do that. My primal urge to protect you is currently at odds with my primal urge not to black out while being yeeted through the sky on a glorified death sled.”
“Did you just say ‘yeeted’?” Margot laughs.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“You’ll be fine,” she says, reaching for my hand and lacing her fingers in mine. With a gentle tug, Margot tilts her head towards the coaster and smiles, “Let’s go.”
One thing is clear: all of my sense and logic go straight out the window when she looks at me like that, because there’s nowhere I’d rather be than following her to my own demise right now.
***
We survive—barely.
I’m fairly certain a few of my internal organs were rearranged on that second loop, but overall, I’m okay.
Margot, on the other hand, is far better than okay. She’s laughing like we just stepped off a carousel instead of a high-speed death trap. Her dark hair is all windblown and her cheeks are flushed. When she steps off the platform and turns back to smile at me, I realize it’s not just the ride that’s left me breathless… it’s her.
It’s something I’ve felt growing in me for a while now. Ever since we almost kissed… maybe even a bit longer, if I’m being honest. The spark that’s been missing when I’m with other women always seems alive and well when Margot is standing in front of me.
The only question is: what am I going to do about it?
Margot is my employee, my assistant, and most importantly, my friend. I can’t afford to lose her on any of those fronts, and that’s exactly what will happen. We have different goals in life. We want entirely different things. She wants marriage, kids, all of that. I prefer to keep things simple and uncomplicated. One-night stands and casual flings are all I have to offer.
With Margot’s hand still clutching mine, our eyes connect and I realize that at this very moment, we want the same thing. I can see it in the way she looks at me.
Who am I to deny the birthday girl what she wants?
I take a step closer, closing the gap between us and reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. My fingertips graze the sensitive spot just below her ear, and she sucks in a breath.
“Margot,” I say her name softly, drawing her eyes to mine. “I know we agreed that the last time was a mistake, but I have this crazy idea about kissing you again, and I was wondering how you feel about that.”
She tries and fails to suppress a smile. “Favorably.”
Then my lips are pressed against hers. Who moved first is anyone’s guess, but it doesn’t matter. In fact, nothing really matters at this moment besides the faint taste of cinnamon on her lips. Everything else drifts away—the heat of the afternoon sun, the smell of popcorn wafting through the air, the screams of the next group of riders on that damn rollercoaster.
Margot wraps her arms around my neck and tilts her head to one side, allowing me to deepen the kiss. My tongue finds hers, first with a tentative stroke then with the confidence oftwo people who have done this before and committed the whole thing to memory. My hands slide down to Margot’s waist, pulling her close. The way she fits in my arms is perfect, like it’s where she’s meant to be. I don’t really believe in fate, but if there’s anyone who could change my mind about that, it’s her. I can’t help but wonder if Margot and I were destined to meet. Destined to forge a friendship built on a deep understanding of each other that most people can’t even comprehend. Destined to laugh together through good times and prop each other up during the hard times.
Of course, kissing her—twice now—is not the friendliest way to behave. That’s a problem for another time though.
Eventually, we break apart with a smile on our lips. Margot blushes and rocks back on her heels, putting a bit of space between us. Her lips are still wet and flushed with the evidence of our kiss as they part into a wicked smile. “So… log ride?”
“Lead the way.”
***
The lake at the center of the amusement park reflects the dusky sky overhead. Our swan pedal boat cuts through the water, the lights of the park reflecting off the surface.
Is pedaling around the lake at twilight in a giant swan something I normally do with my friends? No, but I think Margot and I have already ventured way out of the friend zone today.
Ever since that kiss, the day has been filled with little touches. My hand on the small of her back as we make our way through the crowd. Her fingers grazing my arm as she laughs. Even now, I’m hyper aware of how close we’re sitting. How easy it would be for her to shift an inch to the left and find herself pressed tomy side. How simple it would be for her fingers to brush against mine until we’re holding hands again.
“I know this isn’t technically a practice date, but you’re setting the bar pretty high with this whole swan boat situation,” Margot jokes.