Page 21 of This Kind of Forever

He called me pretty.

But he doesn’t mean it likethat, Hallie.He’s just being nice.

I try to come up with something to say, but my mouth won’t work.

“Are you hungry?” he asks. I let out a silent sigh of relief at the change in subject. “I think I’m gonna get a funnel cake.”

The laugh comes easily, and I look up. “I think that’s supposed to be dessert.”

He shakes his head. “Nah, there aren’t any rules at the fair. I’m pretty sure that sugar is an official food group here.”

I bite back a goofy smile. “You’re ridiculous.”

He’s still wearing that grin of his when he nods toward the stand. “Do you want one?”

It’s tempting, but I don’t need to waste the money. I have school to pay for next year. “No, thanks.”

I stand off to the side as Gabe walks up to the window and orders his funnel cake. I scan the menu, taking in all the toppings they have to offer. I know that Gabe’s will be simple, though—strawberries, vanilla ice cream and icing sugar.

My stomach grumbles at the sight of his plate, but I ignore it. I’ll eat something when I get home tonight.

When we sit down at a vacant picnic table, I realize Gabe has a second fork. “You should have some,” he says. “Since I probably should save room for some real food.”

I take the extra fork with a small smile. “What happened to sugar being a food group?”

“What can I say? You’re a good influence on me, Foster.”

We eat in silence, but it’s comfortable. It’s always comfortable with him. And when I spend so much of my life feeling out of my comfort zone, having him around makes things feel less…hard.

After Gabe throws away our empty plate, we start walking around the midway again. It’s incredibly overstimulating, with the pulsing lights and varying sounds. Still, my heart aches a little when I see all the kids here with their parents. I’ve never had that. My father has never been in my life, and my mom is toobusy chasing the next thing that will give her a bit of short-lived happiness.

Just once, I wish that would be me.

“You’re quiet over there,” Gabe says. “What are you thinking about?”

I clutch the strap of my purse as I struggle to think up a response that isn’t super depressing. “Just that I’m having fun,” I say. “Thanks for sticking with me.”

He bumps my shoulder with his arm. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be. I think you might be my favourite person, you know.”

This makes my tongue tie up. I can’t form words. All I can do is focus on the beat of my heart and the way it skips a little when I find Gabe still watching me.

“Do you want to go on the Ferris wheel?” he asks.

I’ve never been on one before. On any ride, actually. But the Ferris wheel seems like it would be fun, so I agree.

In response, Gabe takes my hand. A thrill runs through me. Gabriel Bowman isholding my hand. He’s done it before, of course, when we were kids. But it feels different now.

To my disappointment, when we fall into line beneath the ride, he lets go. Then he shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants again, and I fold my arms over my chest.

Then we’re up to ride next. A cool gust of wind blows by, causing me to shiver.Ireally should’ve grabbed that jacket.

“Cold?”

I shake my head. “ A little, but it’s fine.”

Gabe doesn’t listen. The next thing I know, he’s shrugging out of his jacket and draping it over my shoulders. The material envelops me in his lingering warmth.

“It’ll only be colder up there,” he says, pointing to the top of the wheel.