Mixed Emotions - Mia Heintzelman Page 0,97

was still blistering hot. Then add in the Memorial holiday tourists and the fact that Zora and Mike’s so-called grand gesture trip was hijacked and turned into a couples’ getaway.

An uber-pregnant Sophia and Everett had come along. Who doesn’t want their over-protective brother with them on a romantic date? If they weren’t enough, Oli and Jason, who any other time hated each other’s guts, decided a weekend in Cali would be “amazing.”

Fun.

The night was coming to a close, and Zora had barely gotten to spend any time with Mike.

The day started off as expected. Despite the lines, they rode Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, It’s a Small World, and the Jungle Cruise. By midday, Sophia was hungry, her feet were swollen, and she was understandably tired of touring the park’s wide array of seating options. So, the guys took off for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, while Zora and Oli stayed with Sophia.

The line was so long at Haunted Mansion that by the time they got off, all three women agreed food was in order.

“What time are we meeting the guys?” Zora turned on the flash on her phone’s camera and snapped a few pictures of Oli posing with Goofy and Donald Duck. She was wearing a bright yellow Belle shirt to match Jason’s blue Beast one.

Zora sighed. The shirt was a blaring reminder that she was missing her other half. Once the couples all decided to join the trip, they’d gotten matching shirts. She was wearing a pale green Princess Tiana shirt to go with Mike’s forest green Prince Naveen one, and Sophia and Everett got the cutest Mickey and Minnie set. His said, “Her Mickey,” while hers said “His Minnie.”

The whole idea was adorable and sweet, but it would’ve been even sweeter if they actually got to enjoy their princes and mouse.

Sophia who was gnawing on her second turkey leg, mumbled something, snapping Zora out of her revelry, but her mouth was too full.

“What?” Zora asked.

“She said ‘eight fifteen.’” Oli was beaming as she moved out of the way for the cute little family behind them to have their pictures taken. She checked her watch. “Yeah, it’s only seven forty-five now, so we have a little bit of time, but this is like the worst place to meet. The fireworks for that Mickey’s Mix Magic spectacular thingy starts at eight thirty, which mean we won’t even be able to move, hear, or see anything.”

Sophia swallowed. “Why can’t we just stay here?” She was still holding the turkey leg, looking like she might clobber someone at any minute. Her eyes lit up and she waggled her brows. “I finally got a good seat, and if you guys love me…I’m praying one of you will go get me a Dole Whip from the Tiki Juice Bar.”

She crossed her fingers on both hands and flashed them a puppy-dog pout.

Zora flitted a glance over at the crowds on Main Street lining up for the show before meeting Oli’s gaze. They were near the Partners Statue of Walt Disney and Mickey holding hands. They were waiting for the guys to come back from riding Indiana Jones for the third time. Freaking flash passes. Then, an idea hit her.

“We have like thirty minutes. It’s literally right there.” Oli shrugged.

“Okay, fine.” Zora knew Sophia was still working on the foodie must-try list she’d downloaded before they came. This one had been right up there at the top with the beignets. At least if she couldn’t get on the rides, she could enjoy the food. “We’ll be right back, Soph.”

Zora and Oli had just reached the entrance to Adventureland when Zora jerked her thumb in the direction of one of the trader shops. “Can we run in here for a sec first? I want to check something out.” She bit her bottom lip and veered into a small store with hanging plush animals, pineapple spears, and safari-themed clothing and trinkets.

She searched the aisles, high and low, picking at this and that.

“What exactly are you looking for?” Oli asked. “There are a bunch of souvenir shops on Main Street. I want to get that cute Belle sweatshirt with the rose on the sleeve. Think I should get something for Jason?”

Zora popped up from behind a jewelry display in the next aisle. “Um, excuse me. Do I detect something brewing between you two?”

“No, you do not. I mean, he’s cute and all…” Oli’s brows were knitted together, but most notably, her eyes were averted.

“Look at