Emma's POV
James didn't take me home. When we got into his car, he just grinned and said, "I know something that'll fix that frown."
"James, I don't think tequila and emotional damage can be fixed with another drink."
He laughed. "Good thing I'm not taking you to another bar."
The city lights blurred by as he drove, the soft hum of the radio filling the silence between us. After about twenty minutes, he parked near a large open lot glowing with bright colors and music. The air was alive with laughter, the smell of popcorn and sugar, and the sound of carnival rides spinning.
I stared out the window. "You're kidding."
He shrugged. "You said you wanted fun. You didn't say it had to be adult fun."
I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile. "You're ridiculous."
"And yet," he grinned, "you're still here." I chuckled and got down from the car.
"I guess…" we walked into the carnival where he bought two tickets and handed me one with an exaggerated bow. "Milady."
I snorted. "You're impossible."
We wandered through the carnival, we passed kids with cotton candy, couples holding hands, the flashing Ferris wheel that painted the night sky. It was childish, chaotic, loud and exactly what I needed.
At one point, he stopped in front of a dart booth. "Let me win you something."
"Oh no, don't tell me you're one of those guys."
He smiled sheepishly, "Watch and learn."
He missed the first two throws spectacularly. The third barely hit the edge of the board. I laughed so hard I almost choked on my soda.
"You're terrible!"
"Shh," he said, squinting. "This is a warm-up round."
Five dollars later, he finally popped a balloon. The stall attendant handed him a small stuffed panda. He turned dramatically and offered it to me.
"For your emotional recovery."
I took it, smiling for real this time. "You're insane."
"I've been called worse."
We moved toward the Ferris wheel, and I didn't realize until we were in line that my heart was actually… light. I wasn't thinking about Ethan for the first time in a while but that's when I saw him.
He was standing by the ring toss booth, his arm around Jessy's waist. My stomach dropped, "you have got to be fucking kidding me."
James noticed the way I froze. "What is it?"
I swallowed hard. "That's my ex and former best friend."
His eyes followed my gaze, landing on Ethan. "Ah, the asshole and the backstabber?"
"Yep. That's them."
Without hesitation, James slid an arm around my waist. "Then let's give them a show."
"James….." I looked at him suspiciously.
"Trust me."
I barely had time to protest before Ethan's eyes met mine. His smile went flat. Jessy noticed too, turning her head and instantly straightening when she saw me.
"Well," James whispered, "it's showtime."
He pulled me closer, his hand resting lightly on my hip. My breath hitched. I wasn't used to being touched like that anymore.
"Emma?" Jessy's voice was shrill, forced. "Wow, what a surprise!"
I pasted on my best fake smile. "Jessy, Ethan. Fancy seeing you here."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Didn't think this was your kind of scene."
"Oh, I needed a little fun." I leaned against James just slightly. "James insisted."
James extended a hand toward Ethan, smirking. "Hey, man, I'm James, Emma's… boyfriend."
I almost choked but went along. "Yeah," I added quickly. Ethan's expression darkened, it was barely noticeable, but I saw it. The way his jaw twitched, how his eyes flicked to where James's hand rested on me.
Jessy, ever the actress, forced a giggle. "That's great, Em. It is really great."
James tilted his head, all charm. "And you two are…?"
Jessy practically jumped. "Oh, we're...."
Ethan cut her off. "Just hanging out."
"Right," James said smoothly. "Looks cozy."
I bit back a laugh. The tension was delicious and I wanted to see how far this drama could go.
"Anyway," I said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, "we should get going. The Ferris wheel's calling."
James nodded and intertwined his fingers with mine. "Come on, babe."
The word made heat rise to my cheeks 'Babe' God, it had been so long since anyone called me that. As we walked away, I could feel Ethan's gaze burning into my back. When we got into the Ferris wheel cart, I exhaled shakily. "You're insane, you know that?"
James grinned. "You loved it."
"I tolerated it."
He chuckled. "He looked ready to throw a punch."
"Good," I muttered. "He deserves to feel something more than happiness for once."
We sat in silence as the wheel lifted us higher, the lights of the carnival reflecting in his eyes. He looked at me then. "You don't have to pretend, you know. You can be hurt and that's totally fine."
"I am hurt," I admitted quietly. "But I'm also tired of being the one who loses."
He nodded slowly. "Then let's make sure you don't."
When the ride stopped at the top, the city stretched out beneath us. For a moment, everything felt… okay. Maybe it was the height, or the tequila still in my veins, or the warmth of James's hand brushing mine. But I turned to him and whispered, "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For reminding me I'm still alive."
He smiled faintly. "Anytime, Emma Lawson."
And as the wheel descended, I realized something—I wasn't just pretending anymore. Ethan's jealousy wasn't the win. The win was me finally breathing again. I wasn't going to give Ethan the satisfaction of being in control over my emotions. Ethan and Jessy are dead to me and it's high time I moved on.
When we got down from the ferries wheel, screaming my lungs out. I turned to James, "that was so much fun." I smiled.
"Yes, it was.."
I brought out my phone. It was almost ten pm. How time flies. It was like I was forgetting something important but I couldn't point it out. Then my phone rang.
It was Damian.
Shit, that was what I was forgetting. My session with Daiman, coupled with the fact that I stayed with him did not help matters. I picked up and his voice filled my ears.
"Emma, where the hell are you?"
"Hmm…..sorry, I'm at the carnival. I should have told you. I will be coming back soon."
"Stay right there. I am coming to pick you up." The call ended before I could say anything else. This night just got a whole lot dramatic.