The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

                They avoided the duck pond as last time it hadn’t gone so well when that bastard goose had made her lose some dignity as well as skin. Luckily, tonight they didn’t run into Courtney or her equally fake and bitchy posse. Tonight it was just the pleasure of Leo’s company and the comfort foods from the vendors all shouting to get the park goes attention. Like sweet music to her ears indeed as yells of roasted nuts, deep fried twinkies, gyros, beer battered corndogs!

                As Amberleigh indulged in a corndog, she couldn’t help but think this was the life. Leo had one as well before he bought a bag of seed from an old woman to feed some pigeons. At least the pigeons in the park had certain boundaries and weren’t out for blood. Leo seemed to love to feed things, animals, people, didn’t seem to matter to him. He even shared his bag of seed with a little boy who helped spread them before the child giggled about the poop one fat bird left behind. So fuckin sweet, she thought, Leo would definitely make a good father with many of his endearing qualities.

                Amberleigh decided to have some chili fries and wash it down with a fruit freeze. She took a seat on a bench and Leo soon joined her once he’d emptied the bag of seeds, a smile still on his face. He looked at peace. At happy. It was nice.

                “So are you going to see her again? That personal assistant. Or perhaps you have another girl in mind?” said Amberleigh as she elbowed Leo playfully, “I’ll bet your tinder account is lit.”

                He chuckled, “Who says I need tinder? I’m glad things are going well for you and G-Man though. He seems happier. So do you.”

                She nodded, “Yes. Things are good right now. Want a fry?”

                He took a fry then another, “I make them better.”

                “I’m sure you do Leo. ..Are you okay? I mean okay with me and Grayson? Okay with things.”

                “Two people that I love and care about finding happiness together Amber. Why wouldn’t I be? I’m happy for you both. Please don’t worry about me Amber. I’m fine. I’ll get my shit together in time. But I never really got the chance to ask you that same question since what happened with your ex the night of the masquerade. I was just being a selfish bastard.”

                She lay her hand against his arm, “Leo, you are the least fuckin selfish person I know. You went through some major shit that night yourself. I’m over what happened with Jackson that night I swear. I haven’t given that bastard any more of my thoughts. And I’m sorry about what happened with Elle. It was fucked up. You always put yourself last Leo.”

                “I guess that’s a cross I must bear. At least I look damn good while doing it,” he grinned, “But I made my choice Amber. I guess if Elle and I are meant to be, it will happen. No use trying and forcing it. But in the meantime, how about you and I get some ice cream? It always makes me feel better.”

                “You are speaking my language Leo. Help me finish off these fries first, no need to let them go to waste.”

                “It would be my pleasure.”

                She could tell it was the end of that particular discussion, but it seemed all the important bits had been said anyway as Leo helped her polish off the mound of chili cheese fries. Afterwards, as Leo led her to what he claimed was the best ice cream cart in the country, her stomach was beginning to churn and she was beginning to regret those chili fries. Had the park been this crowded and smelly an hour ago? The smells were beginning to assault her nostrils and she was doing her best not to vomit in the middle of the fuckin park.

                “So I guess G-Man told you about the clinic he found?” said Leo.

                “Huh?” she asked eyeing the metal garbage bin on the side of the concrete path.

                She took some deep breathes to try and ward off the bile threatening to spew from her mouth. Didn’t people take showers anymore? Did no one stay fucking home either? Right now she wanted nothing more than to escape all these fucking food carts and people.

                “The fertility clinic in Spain. He said you both have a consultation next Thursday.”

                “Oh yeah that.  Are you coming to Spain with us then?”

                Amberleigh started creeping closer towards the garbage bin. This was a battle against the bile she knew she was losing. Of course Grayson would have told his best friend about the clinic and their plans to travel there next week. And no doubt Leo would come along.

                “Who else is going to babysit his ass?” laughed Leo, “Amber are you feeling okay? You looke pale.”

                She shook her head. It was all she could manage before she ran the rest of the way to the metal bin and leaned over it. It was a good thing her hair was already back in a ponytail and a good thing Leo wasn’t bothered by puke as Amberleigh heaved up the contents of her stomach. It had tasted way better on the way down, not so much on the way back up.

                Leo was so fucking thoughtful, by the time she’d finished puking up her guts, the chef had some bottled water and napkins waiting. He looked at her with concern.

                “Are you feeling better now?” he asked.

                “Yes actually. Thanks Leo. You’re a saint.”

                She swooshed out her putrid mouth with the water before she swallowed some down. She wiped her mouth and gave the stare down to some spectators who had watched the show. They moved on quickly.

                “I mean I’m no expert in this stuff but could you be…well is there a chance you could be pregnant? I mean it could just be food poisoning…” Leo said.