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She looks around in a panicked daze. I pick up my skirt and rush toward her. “I’m sorry, someone lost them while on this roller coaster.”

Her eyes seem to fall from her sockets. “These aren’t even a prop?”

I wince. “I’m afraid not.”

She turns to her son. “Give those teeth to this lady. And then, we’re going to find a manager to talk about this craziness.”

Before I can tell her no, the boy drops the teeth in my hand. Ew. A shudder runs through me. I speed walk toward Myrtle and present the teeth to her, but she doesn’t take them.

“Would you be a dear and rinse them for me?” she asks in a syrupy voice. “They might be tainted with bacteria now.”

Colton looks up at the scene unfolding in front of him. When he spots the teeth, the corners of his mouth go up, and he starts laughing.

“This is not funny,” I hiss.

He clutches his stomach with his hands. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh. I want to stop, but I can’t.” He frowns. His hand flies to his mouth. “And now I really need to throw up. I’ll be right back.”

He dashes away and leaves me standing there with a pair of false teeth in my hand. I head to the ladies’ restrooms where I throw the teeth into the sink and open the faucet. Then, I step to the sink next to them and wash my hands. Three times.

I wrap the teeth in a paper towel and bring them back to Myrtle. This wasn’t in my job description when I signed my contract, that’s for sure. She puts them back in and thanks me. I should say you’re welcome, but I can’t get the words out.

“What’s next?” Janine asks.

She’s clearly ready for another round of unbridled fun.

“I’m not sure. Let me go check on Colton. Why don’t you guys get some ice cream while you’re waiting?”

I direct the group to the nearest ice cream cart and make sure they all get what they want before heading back to the restrooms. Colton is outside, leaning against the wall, his eyes closed. I stop in my tracks. He doesn’t look like a guy who just spent fifteen minutes throwing up. He looks carefree. Content, even. The way the light illuminates his face, the lazy smile playing on his lips that tells me he’s enjoying this moment, and his hands that casually rest in the pockets of his Prince Charming pants convince me. He’s got a special gene that causes him to radiate nothing but beauty and joy, making everyone want to be in his vicinity all the time, hoping his charm will rub off on them.

I walk up to him and lightly tap his shoulder. He opens his eyes, and a smile illuminates his face. “Hey, you.”

“Are you okay?” I ask.

He pushes himself away from the wall. “I am now. If I learned anything today, it’s that I’m not twelve anymore. I can’t handle multiple rounds on a roller coaster. Lame, right?”

I shake my head. “Not lame, human.”

“It’s a good thing I always carry a supply of mints in my pocket. How are the knitters holding up?”

“They’re great,” I say as we start walking in their direction. “I took them to the ice cream cart.”

He chuckles. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, pumping sugar into them? They’re already unbelievably energetic as it is.”

“It’ll be fine, don’t worry. What’s next on our itinerary?”

“Frank has planned a 4D experience for them in the theatre before they head back home.” He glances at me. “Maybe you and I can hang out here after. Unless you’ve got plans.”

“Why would I have plans? I mean, I spend most of my time with you or Maggie anyway,” I add. No need to come across as pathetic.

“Great. I’d love to show you some more after-hours gems.”

“Are you sure Frank is okay with us being here after closing time?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about that.” He aims one of his beautiful smiles at me. “Frank loves me. He won’t mind.”

My stomach tumbles and turns at the thought of being alone with him again soon. We join the women, who are all enjoying a soft serve ice cream, except for Janine who’s lactose intolerant.

After they finish off their ice creams, we head to the theatre.