My Boyfriends' Dogs by Dandi Daley Mackall Page B

Smith.

14
    â€œYou’re sure you’re not mad?” I asked Went for the tenth time as we dodged traffic to get to Six Flags. We had to leave Adam in the apartment and hope for the best.
    â€œBailey, I keep telling you. It’s better this way. I want everything to be perfect. So, wait until dark, expensive nightie, and no dog.”
    Went had said all the right things. He understood, and it only made me more excited about our night. This was a guy I could be happy with for the rest of my life.
    Once in the park, it felt like we were inside a snow globe, with the rest of the world shut out and unable to do anything but watch us. Paths were lined with souvenir shops and food stands. Carnival music played. We passed a mom and dad with two kids, all of them stuffing themselves with cotton candy. I imagined Went and me years down the line, walking this same path with our own kids. I slid my arm around Went’s waist.
    â€œWhere to, Captain Bailey?” he asked.
    â€œTo the merry-go-round!” I knew the way blindfolded. The Grand Ole Carousel had been my first ride every time I’d come to Six Flags.
    When we got there, I pointed out the big black horse. “That’s my horse.”
    â€œHe is, huh?” Went asked as my trusty steed spun out of sight, ridden by some elementary school impostor. “Don’t suppose that horse’s name is Bailey?”
    We laughed and scooted in as soon as they opened the gate for the next round of riders. This was about the only ride without long lines.
    â€œYou can ride Brown Beauty,” I said, climbing onto my black horse and introducing Went to the lesser brown model next to me.
    Went started to climb up, but someone on the other side of him said, “Excuse me.” It was a girl about our age, wearing shorts and what could have passed for a bikini top. “I don’t suppose y’all could give me a lift up on this little ol’ white horse? ” Her Southern accent was thick enough to smother an alligator.
    â€œSure.” Went moved to the other side of Brown Beauty and stood behind the girl. “How do you want to do this?”
    She laughed and smiled back at him. “That’s the question, isn’t it?”
    No. The question is, what do you think you’re doing with my boyfriend? There were empty saddles all over the merry-go-round—horses, tigers, chariots, all without riders. Why did she have to pick the horse next to ours?
    Before I knew what was happening, Went had lifted her up and set her in the saddle. His hands stayed too long around her bare stomach. “Are you all set?” he asked, like he was afraid she’d fall off if he let her go.
    â€œFantastic, thanks to y’all.” She stuck out her sweet li’l hand. “I’m Jessica.”
    Went shook her hand and nearly bowed. “Went Smith. Pleased to meet you.”
    The merry-go-round started up, and Miss Jessica squealed like it was her first ride on the Screamin’ Eagle, instead of a kids’ merry-go-round.
    â€œWent, you better mount, cowboy.” I said this while flashing a fake smile at Li’l Miss I’m-Too-Much-of-a-Girlie-Girl-to-Mount-a-Merry-Go-Round.
    Went finally climbed aboard Brown Beauty. “Yahoo!” he cried, holding on with one hand and acting like he was rodeo riding.
    A Southern laugh sounded from the other side of my boyfriend, and I saw Went give his full-court smile . . . to her.
    As soon as the ride stopped, I yanked Went off his horse and led him to the exit. “On to more manly rides!” I cried. “How do you feel about roller coasters?”
    We started with the easiest coaster and worked our way up. I’d always loved roller coasters. I remembered Mom bringing me to Six Flags and coaching me to stand on tiptoes when we reached the you-must-be-this-tall-to-ride signs.
    Went and I were halfway through the long line waiting for The Boss, working our way to Mr.