walked toward the mongoose exhibit. “Mongoose pups were born a few days ago.” He’d done his research. “We can’t miss that.”
She looked at him, like she truly marveled that he would know about the pups. “You amaze me, Brandon … I love this.”
They walked a little quicker, holding hands even when Bailey broke into a skip. Brandon kept up with her, loving how the moment made him feel like a kid, like they were back in high school. How different his life would’ve been had he and Bailey known each other when they were younger. But then maybe that didn’t matter as much as what he was praying for now. That they might know each other when they were old.
BAILEY COULD HARDLY WAIT TO SEE the mongoose pups, but more than that she couldn’t stop thinking about whatever question he wanted to ask her, and when that might happen. The day had been nothing but magical since the moment he’d shown up at her apartment, and even now she only wished she could slow the hours. Their time together was never enough.
On the walk to the mongoose exhibit, she remembered something she hadn’t told him. “Hey … I have a surprise for you too.”
“You do?” His fingers felt wonderful between hers, and she hoped no one would notice him. So far the day had been theirs alone.
“I called in … I haven’t used hardly any vacation days. The standby dancers were available, so I’m off tonight.”
“Really?” He stopped and turned to her. They were just off the main pathway, so they weren’t in anyone’s way. “Bailey, that’s great!” He made a silly face. “Of course, that means I’ll have to fly home tomorrow, and you’ll have to put up with me for another day.” He started walking again, his eyes still on hers. “Because I’m not leaving New York City without watching my favorite performer.”
Comments like that reminded her why she enjoyed her time with Brandon so much. He made her a priority, and he loved watching her perform. She put her arms around his waist and hugged him. Then she took hold of his hand again and ran a little ahead. “Come on … the mongoose pups are waiting.”
They were the only ones at the exhibit when they reached it. “Ahhh,” Bailey stooped low, bringing herself to eye level with the pups. “They’re so cute.”
“They are.” Brandon chuckled. “They sort of have a nervous look.”
“Nervous and cute.”
“Kind of like you used to be around me at first.” He elbowed her softly in the ribs.
“Hey …” She returned the gesture, and for a moment they had a teasing sort of tickling battle. “You have the most recognized face in the nation.” She laughed as he poked at her other side, and she did the same to him. “That would make anyone nervous.”
“Alright you … Nervous Nelly. Let’s go check on the sea lions.”
Bailey could practically hear the romantic music in the background as they made their way around the zoo. They were almost back to the front gates again when they came head on with a high school class — or maybe two classes. At that exact moment, Brandon had his head upturned, laughing at something she said. Bailey could see what was going to happen seconds before it actually did. And by then it was too late.
“Brandon Paul?” A big girl at the front of the group stopped and screamed his name. Then she pointed at him. “Yes. It’s him! Brandon Paul!”
If there had been more people at the zoo he might’ve been able to escape in the crowd. But they were the only two people heading out of the zoo at that moment, and with the girl’s announcement, the fifty teenagers let loose in their direction. Brandon cared a lot for the people who liked his work. He would sign an autograph at dinner or take a picture just about anytime.
But in this moment, Bailey was glad he responded the way he did. He pulled the cap of his hat firmly down on his forehead, grabbed her hand, and the two of them took off. They darted past the group of high school kids and out the gate. “To the car,” he shouted.
But the students didn’t give up that easily.
They took off down the same path they’d walked in on. But a number of the teens stayed close behind.
“That’s Bailey Flanigan!” one of the guys shouted. “Hey! Bailey, wait up.”