Chapter 52

• "True," Annabelle conceded, taking a pinch of the cotton candy that Nicholas offered her. "My God, this stuff is over-the-top sweet!"
• "I know. Pure sugar," Nicholas chuckled, widening his eyes at her. "That's why it's so damn good!" He looked out at the rides. "Man, when I was a kid, after—" he paused quietly, "after I met my parents, they'd spoil me by taking me to baseball games. I'd get so sick eating this crap." The corners of his mouth turned up in a ghost of a smile at the memory. And Annabelle couldn't help but wonder what life was like for him before he met his parents.
• They lapsed into an easy silence, watching the rides and the people around them, taking small nibbles of cotton candy. Annabelle was really enjoying herself and spending this time with Nicholas. He was attentive and engaging and seemed as if he really was interested in her as a person. She guessed she was expecting more of a surface get-to-know-you, so being proved wrong was a welcome acknowledgment for her.