“I knew time would take care of that for me, and I honestly needed a break to think about some things on my own.”
“And what about—”
I wonder what Ethan’s doing right now…I hope he can come over tonight, we haven’t watched The Proposal together yet…I love how he holds me the entire time we watch a movie…how he kisses me whenever the two main characters kiss onscreen…
“Selena Ross?” Joan narrowed her eyes at me. “Could you please answer the question?”
“Umm yeah sure,” I nodded at her and closed my eyes.
All I could think about was Ethan. All day. Every day.
It was so bad that my mom and Joan had resorted to spraying my face with cold water and throwing things at me to keep me focused: I messed up every customer’s order at Sweet Seasons, failed to be coherent during Joan’s mock interview sessions, and forgot whatever words were said to me within seconds.
I was falling in love with him. I had to be.
I’d never felt this way about anyone else, not even my first love. Ethan was the only guy I’d ever been completely honest with, the only guy who seemed to see right through me and truly understand.
I reveled in each and every one of our phone conversations, each weeknight date, and each passionate kiss.
He’s such an amazing kisser…I can’t wait until the first time we—
I felt squirts of ice cold water on my face and immediately opened my eyes.
Joan put down her mini water gun. “This is insane. Did you hear a word of what I was saying?”
“No…”
“I can’t believe I turned down a political career for this,” she sighed. “You’re clearly not focused right now, so we’ll do another mock interview later in the week. We really need to take advantage of this tape being leaked to the public, Selena. Everyone’s perception of you is going to change drastically and positively over the next week or two. Also, since I highly doubt you were listening to me earlier today, the director of Sweet Tennessee only wants you for the lead role so he’s willing to push back the filming if you’re still interested. He wants to have a decision from you in two weeks. Hello? Hello!”
How come Ethan never tried acting? Even if he was terrible at it, I’m sure millions of women would line up to see his films anyway…He’s so damn sexy…
“Call me when you’re ready to focus, Selena,” she stood up.
“No Joan! Stay! I’ll get focused, I swear!”
She rolled her eyes. “One more chance or we’re just going to do it another day okay? I have other things I could be doing that don’t involve watching you froth at the mouth.”
“I got it. I’m ready, more than ready.”
“Okay,” she looked at her folder. “Miss Ross, there were several pictures of you and Mr. Hartford hanging out at a private beach. Why did you feel—”
“Did I tell you Ethan had a private beach made for me?” I smiled. “He like, bought it! We go there every other day and it’s just us two...Do you think he likes me as much as I like him Joan? He has to like me a lot to build me my own beach right? Do you think he’s ever done that for someone else?”
“I’m going to go eat my dinner.”
“What! You can’t leave me! We’re doing mock interviews!”
“Right...” she picked up her folders and laughed. “See you tomorrow Selena.”
“You think he likes me though right? Stop walking away from me! You hear me talking to you, Joan! Tell me what you think!”
Ethan passed me a bale of pink cotton candy and wrapped his arms around my waist.
We walked around the fair giggling like teenagers, laughing at things that weren’t even funny.
I closed my eyes and realized how refreshing it was to not have to worry about paparazzi hanging around, to not have people running up to me for autographs or cell phone pictures. Everyone was too in tune with what was happening at the fair to pay me any attention, and for the first time in years, I was actually happy about that.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” a croaky voice came over the speakers. “Thank you all for coming out to the annual Arkansas State Fair! For those of you who are interested in the baked goods contests, we encourage you to head over to the main stage. We will be announcing the winners in fifteen minutes!”
“Good luck,” Ethan released my hand. “I’m going to get us some more tickets. I’ll meet you over there.”
I practically ran for the main stage, pushing my way through the crowd, waiting for the announcer to reveal the winners. I knew my cake was the least traditional out of all the entries and that I probably could’ve made it ten times better if I had more time, but I still wanted to win.
Badly.
A woman wearing a loose-fitting purple dress took center stage and pulled the roll of ribbons from her front pocket. She read off the pie winners first, then the cookies, then the cobblers.
“And now for our last category! We had some amazing entries this year and would like to thank everyone who took the time to create an original cake!” she adjusted the microphone. “However, we could only pick the top three cakes so…In third place, from Springdale County, Rita Olson’s ‘Sweet Vanilla Bean n’ Oreo’ cake!”
The crowd cheered as the woman made her way onstage and took her yellow ribbon.
“In second place, also from Springdale County, is Nancy Vera Johnson with her ‘Coca Cola n’ Orange Cream Surprise’ cake!”