Page 92 of Forgotten Comeback

Taylor and I reach the front of the line, and she tells the kid working the gate, “We want the front row.”

“You gotta wait till the next ride,” he says in a bored tone.

“That’s okay, let’s just ride in the back,” I’m quick to say, eyeing the top of the coaster. Not that I’m afraid of heights or anything, but damn, why’s it gotta bethathigh?

“Buck-buck-buck.” Taylor’s fists move to her chest as she flaps her arms at me.

“We’ll wait for the front row,” I tell the kid firmly.

Taylor gives me a devious smile as we wait. The shit I’ve survived, and yet here I am, sweating like a little bitch over a roller coaster. A tin can of a roller coaster that looks like it’s been patched together with duct tape and super glue, all while dangerously teetering over the Atlantic Ocean.

My fingers dance over my chest, making the sign of the cross.

“I didn’t know you were Catholic.” Taylor’s assessing eyes miss nothing.

“In another life,” I tell her honestly.

The ride disembarks, and we’re ushered to the front row. “Ladies first,” I tell Taylor, and she scoots in first, and I take a seat beside her. “Shouldn’t there be a harness or something?” I mutter, examining the pitiful excuse for a lap bar.

“I’ve found Gavin’s weakness,” Taylor says, rubbing her hands together with glee.

My weakness is this woman, but I don’t give her the additional ammo.

The lap bar locks into place, and up, up, up the coaster climbs, pausing at the top as we peek over the edge. “I promise it’s fun,” Taylor shouts to me as she lifts her hands over her head.

Fuck it. If I’m going out like this, my girl isn’t going to think I’m a little bitch.

And Taylor is my girl; she’s just gotta catch up to that fact.

I lift my hands, screaming bloody murder as we careen down the tracks.

Taylor squeals with excitement, and I shout at her, “You’re the psychopath!”

Twists and turns, and the ride comes to a screeching halt.

“What do you think?” Taylor asks me, bouncing excitedly in her seat.

“Again,” I tell her, a grin pulling on my lips.

Fucking hated it, but she loves it, so we’ll do it again.

Chapter

Thirty-Six

Taylor

We finish our hot dogs as we stroll down the pier. “Step right up and test your strength,” a carnival barker calls our way. “You there, you want to impress your girl, don’t you?” He points to Gavin.

“I’m not his girl,” I’m quick to say.

“Only because you haven’t proven your strength,” the barker taunts Gavin.

“Um, yeah, that’s not why,” I interject.

“You heard the man. Time to prove my strength to mi lady.” Gavin gives a little bow.

“Oh my God.” I roll my eyes, even though secretly, I kind of like it when he’s silly.