10 AM.
Deep breath.
Make the call.
Maybe after lunch.
2 PM.
Right now.
Do it.
The Greek Festival on Saturday night.
It’s a date.
I was sitting on a low wall by the entrance to the festival when I saw her.
Janet.
Long dark black hair and a friendly smile when our eyes met.
I waved so she wouldn’t miss me and got up to greet her as she gave me a small hug in return.
This was going to be a great night as we were finally alone.
And then she politely introduced me to her brother who was standing behind her.
Eduardo.
Right away I could tell that he was both unhappy to be here and equally unhappy that I was here.
His handshake confirmed it.
We started with some rides which were awkward and not quite what I had in mind. Eduardo either rode in the car with us, or made his presence known waiting by the side, his eyes locking on mine each time the ride completed past him.
After the fourth ride I had to mentally step back and ask myself.
If I had a younger sister, would I do the same thing.
Probably.
Actually, yes.
With a handful of tickets left Janet wanted to try out some games.
The ring toss, hoops, and darts, it was fun to see her competitive side and to both share some laughs, which Eduardo didn’t find funny.
For a few moments I had almost forgotten he was there until he remarked it was getting late and she had to be home by 9.
Understood.
I had two tickets left and asked Janet if she wanted to go one last ride.
The giant Ferris wheel in the center of the festival.
Yes.
When it was our turn to board the next car, I excused myself for a moment to speak with the ride operator.
We settled into the gondola as the door closed and the wheel began its ascent. The music and lights of the festival, along with Eduardo's watchful stare, slowly faded beneath us.
At the top, the wheel came to a stop and Janet's hand instinctively reached for my arm.
For that minute or so, it was just the two of us alone under the night sky.
When the wheel started its descent, I noticed her hand was still resting on my arm.
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