windows. On top of the building, hung a giant monkey with a bride slung over
its shoulder. “There is no way I'm marrying you if you wear that hat,” I exclaimed.
Dramatically, he put it down “For you, I'll even get rid of my dreams of wearing a monkey hat on our wedding day.” With a chuckle, he pulled me into
his arms and softly kissed me.
Our moment of affection was interrupted by a loud shriek. “Cole! Cole
Sands! Where have you been hiding yourself?”
Cole let go of me and turned to greet the loud voice. My irritation increased
as I realized the owner was Jessica Harvey.
Jessica had always had a crush on Cole and never seemed to take the hint that he was not interested in her. Hugging him, she oohed and awed over how great he looked. Pouting playfully, she complained how long it had been since they’d last seen one another.
Clearing my throat, I brought Jessica's attention off Cole and onto me.
Her eyes look me up and down. With a perturbed sigh, she said, “Hi,
Marina.”
Dismissing me, she focused back on Cole as she twisted her long, blonde
hair coyly around her finger. “You must tell me everything you’ve been up to since we last saw each other, Cole?”
Interrupting her desperate pleas for attention, I grabbed Cole's hand. “We
have such great news, Jessica. I'm sure you will be so very happy for us.”
Continuing to use my overexcited voice, I pulled Cole close to me. “Cole and I
are getting married. Won't it be wonderful?”
I grasped her hand. “I have the best idea. You could be in the wedding. Why
you could be a bridesmaid? No, wait – I have it!” Turning to Cole, I said,
“Darling, wouldn't she make the best maid of honor?”
Focusing my attention back on Jessica, I said, “It will be so much fun. You
can help me plan everything, down to the tiniest detail. What do you think of pearl earrings? Too much? I agree. I think simple is better.”
I continued with my ramblings about our sensational wedding until Jessica
politely excused herself, claiming she had to meet some people. As the girl scurried off, I called after her, “Goodbye, Jessica. I'll be in touch soon. We have
so much to discuss.”
Jessica stormed away from us and didn't look back.
Laughing, Cole asked, “My, my, did I detect a hint of jealousy?” He pulled
me back into his arms and held me tightly. “No need for that. You’re the only girl for me. Except, I did appreciate her acknowledging how fantastic I look.”
“Oh, Cole, you are just so dreamy,” I said in a mock Jessica tone. I began to
twirl my hair around my finger. "I am overcome by your manliness."
“Not only dreamy but manly? How kind of you to notice." Cole flexed his biceps before scooping me into his arms. "I would love to stay here talking about how great I am for the rest of the evening, but we’d better head back. Meg will
be performing soon.”
Cole set me down. Then, with one final kiss, we began our fast-paced walk
back to Gram and Meg.
Back at the stand, Meg was practicing her dance and Gram was sipping tea.
“Did you have a nice nap, Meg? Are you ready to dance for the moon?” I
asked.
Meg gave me the thumbs-up and then continued concentrating.
