Amusement of Love

Matt stood at the free throw game eyeing up the stuffed octopus. Roni watched him, cheering him on with a big smile. “You just need one more shot!” He threw the ball and it landed on the rim going around it once and falling in the hoop. Roni jumped up and down with glee.

“Congratulations! Pick your prize!” The game manager beamed. 

“I’ll take the green octopus please.”

“Your sister is going to love him!” 

“Actually…I was thinking he was going to be for you…my sister doesn’t like octopi. She’s afraid of them. And I remember you mentioning how cute you thought they were…when we were finding a game to play.”

“Matt…I–I don’t know what to say…th–thank you…” Roni blushed. “No one’s ever gotten me anything from a silly game before.” She admitted.

Matt frowned, “Well, you should get more. You’re really fun to hang out with.” He handed her the stuffed animal with a smile. She took it and looked from Matt to the stuffed animal and back. She hugged him and felt his lips touch her cheek. She pulled away afraid. “I’m sorry…I–I didn’t mean to do that. I don’t know what came over me…”

“N–no, it’s okay…just scared me.” She lied. Really, I’m not used to it. She thought to herself. “Um…I’m starting to get hungry. It’s about dinner time, we should probably get something to eat.”

He nodded in agreement and they headed to a place to sit down and eat, if there was such a place. “Why don’t we go to the food court place they have here? They have some great food.” Roni nodded and let him lead the way. “Veronica, can I ask you a question?”

She looked at Matt as they walked, “Um…sure. What’s up?” She bit her bottom lip. He’s gonna ask about why I’m so jumpy. Every guy I meet does. Why should he be any different? She thought in a small panic. She was too busy in her own thoughts, she missed his question.

“Earth to Roni. You okay?” His eyes looked worried.

“Y–yeah. Just in my head is all. I’m fine. Really. What was your question?”

“I just asked about your life. What do you like to do for fun?”

Her heart stopped for a second as it dropped to her stomach. Holy shit. He’s not pushing into my issues. She shook her head to get her thoughts straight, “Um…well…I enjoy reading. And…snowboarding during the winter. Roller hockey is fun during the summer. Um…playing video games is always a blast. Oh! And mountain biking too!”

“Wow, you sure seem like a busy girl. How do you ever have time for friends and your boyfriend?” He hoped she wasn’t in a relationship, but with how she had been acting with his actions he wasn’t sure if she’d want one. “I’m sorry…I’m being really stupid. I don’t even know what is coming out of my mouth anymore.”

“Matt, it’s fine. I actually don’t have a boyfriend. Haven’t had one in probably…five years? My friends keep me happy along with my hobbies.” She smiled softly.

“Wow…that’s a long time. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s a choice. Just…a bad situation and don’t want to go through it again with someone else. I’m fine, really.” She lied through her teeth.

Matt had the urge to hug her tight, but didn’t want to frighten her again. “Can I give you a hug?”

“Well that’s a weird question to ask a girl. Matty, where the hell have you been today?” A friend of his came up behind them with a grin.

Roni giggled at the nickname and his friend looked her up and down with a smirk, “Not happening, bud. Move along. I’m taken.” She snapped.

“Awe. Is he here?” Matt’s friend frowned.

“Seth, leave the poor girl alone.” Another guy came up to them. “She doesn’t want you. Give it up.”

“I was only poking fun, Grahm.”

Matt rolled his eyes, “I’m sorry about them. They can be real obnoxious.”

“It’s alright. I have guy friends that do the same thing.” She chuckled and turned her attention back to Seth, “He is here and he’s standing next to me.”

Matt got stiff and he watched as she had a panicked expression painted across her face. His buddy looked at him in shock, “Matty, since when do you have a girlfriend?” He ignored him and took Roni’s hand.

What the hell did I just do? Why did I say that? I don’t want a boyfriend. I don’t need one. Roni excused herself and went to find a trashcan close by. She could feel her stomach churning a little too much. She quickly texted Trish to meet her where they were before she lost her lunch.

Matt was still in the building talking with his friends, “She’s cute, Matt.” Grahm commented.

“I know…”

“How come I didn’t find out about this sooner?” Seth frowned. Grahm hit him over the head with a glare. “Hey! Quit hitting me today!”

“I will when you stop being an ass and an idiot.”

Matt saw Trish and Lucas walk in searching for Roni. “Hey, where is Veronica?” Trish asked. “She texted me to meet you two here.”

“She’s outside. Said she needed some air. I didn’t wanna overcrowd her.” He told her.

Trish nodded, gave Lucas a look and left to find her best friend. She found her just outside the side door, sitting on the curb with her head in her hand. “Hey, you look green. Anxiety or a panic attack?”

“Both…I said something I shouldn’t have…” She croaked.

“Roni…what did you say?”

“His friend was hitting on me so I went into defense mode, like usual. But…I told them it was Matt…”

Trish choked on her soda, “You what? Veronica!”

“I KNOW! I don’t know what came over me. I even told him I wasn’t looking for anyone before his friends came over.”

“You sure you aren’t?”

“YES! I’m positive. He was such an ass to me. I can’t go through that again.”

“Roni, it’s been five years since that happened. I know it’s a hard subject for you, but maybe…this is a sign saying you should get to know Matt more and see where it leads to.” She eyed the green octopus her best friend was clutching for dear life. “Did he win that for you?”

She nodded, “Yeah…” her cheeks flushed as she thought about it.

“Veronica! You seriously need to do something before he loses interest! I can see it in your eyes and your actions. You two click perfectly! You need to stop pushing guys away.”

“I–I don’t know Trish…he’s really cute…but…I don’t wanna get hurt again…”

Trish looked into her best friend’s eyes, hearing the pain in her voice, “You won’t know unless you go for it. You don’t have to rush into anything with him. Start off as friends, get to know each other a bit more and then see where it goes. Matt seems like an amazing guy and a patient one at that.”

Roni hugged her tightly, “Thank you.” She let go, stood up and headed back into the building. Her head was held high and she was ready for anything. She locked eyes with Matt and he had a huge smile on his face.

“You look better. How was the air?” He asked.

“Much needed. Thanks.” She turned to face Seth with a glare, “Please don’t try to hit on me again. If you do, I will hurt you where it counts.”

Grahm snickered, “We need someone like you around more often. Seth needs to be put in his place by a girl more.”

“I’m always willing to put men in their places. I’ve dealt with way too many a-holes in my life.” She turned to Matt who was staring at her smitten. “Shall we get some dinner?”

“Yes, and I’m paying. I’m not taking no for an answer from you.”

“Sweet! I can get whatever I want!” Seth exclaimed.

“Not you, dumbass. You really need to learn a thing or two from Matt on how to treat women.” Grahm put his palm to his forehead with a sigh.

Roni shook her head, “No. I can’t let you pay for me. You got me this cute green octopus that took you five tries. I can pay for myself.”

“Nope, my treat. Order whatever you want.” Matt insisted.

Trish elbowed Roni and gave her a look, “You won’t know until you try.” She reminded.

She sighed and slouched her shoulders, “Fine. But I’m getting my own dessert.” She glanced over the menu above the counter and figured out what she wanted. “A chicken tender meal with fries and a Sprite please.” She turned to Matt with a smile.

“I’ll have the same thing she’s having and an order of your pretzels with cheese and cheese curds please.” 

“Thirty-two seventy-eight.” The cashier told them. He handed her thirty-five in cash and took the cups after getting his change.

He thanked her and turned to Roni with her cup, “Here ya go.”

“Thank you. That’s a lot of food…” she felt her stomach get tighter with hunger.

“I know, but I figured I could share with you and the others. It’s what my friends and I have done since we started coming here.”

“Well that is sweet of you. Thanks.”

The two went to get some soda and the others had already found a table to sit at. “No stuffie for Hannah?” Seth asked.

“Not yet. We’re gonna go back and check the ring toss. They usually have some good prizes there.” Matt explained.

Lucas raised his brow, “So, you have a girlfriend that isn’t Roni?”

Trish glared at him, “No you idiot.” She turned to him, “You don’t right?”

Matt shook his head, “She’s my little sister. She can’t come because it’s always too loud here. She can’t take loud noises well. But, I always get her a stuffed animal so it’s like she was here, even though she wasn’t.”

“That’s so sweet of you.”

He blushed softly, glancing over to Roni who was picking at the octopus he had won her. He handed her his phone with a text on it. She looked up at him tilting her head to the side. He had a kind smile on his face. She took the phone and read it silently while the others mingled amongst themselves. ‘You ok? You seem uncomfortable.’

She looked at him and back to the phone, typing her answer. ‘Yeah…just thinking is all. I’ll be alright.’ She slid the phone back.

‘We can leave and get some air if you need. I get it. My friends can be overwhelming.’

‘No, it’s fine. Really. Just something Trish said to me. I’ll explain when we’re alone.’

Matt read the text and put his phone away as soon as the food came. He looked at Roni’s food and noticed it wasn’t right. “Um, excuse me…this isn’t what we ordered.”

“What did you have?” The girl asked.

“I had chicken tenders.” Roni spoke up. In front of her was a medium rare burger.

“Well, we charged you for a burger.”

“I don’t think so. If that was the case, I would have the same thing.” Matt told her calmly.

The girl rolled her eyes and walked away. Roni looked down at the burger with a frown, “I’m not a red meat eater…”

Trish stood up, “I’ll go speak with the manager.”

“No, Trish, it’s fine. I’ll just eat the fries. I’m not all that hungry anyway.” Her stomach growled.

“Lies! Matt, where is your receipt?” He handed it to her. “I will be right back.”

Roni slouched in her chair and Matt switched baskets with her. “Take mine. I can handle red meat.”

“I can’t take your meal. I’ll be fine.” Roni protested.

Grahm smiled softly, watching his best friend, “I swear Matt, you are way too nice.”

“Hey, I’m only trying to help,” he flashed a smile. “I don’t want Roni starving.”

“I wouldn’t have starved…but thank you.” She picked at her dinner and Trish came back with a hot chicken tender meal. “Trish…I’m not gonna be able to eat all of this.”

“You can eat one tomorrow. They’re really good rewarmed in the oven. I do it for my sister all the time.” Matt mentioned.

“Then you should take these. I won’t have time tomorrow. I work all day.” She frowned.

“Veronica Marie, I will bring you food tomorrow. I will even reheat this food for you.” Trish told her. Roni lowered her gaze and quietly snacked on her fries after that. 

The six of them had finished dinner and Seth was ready to go on more rides. “Matt, you comin’ with? We’re going on The Devil’s Drop!” He looked at Roni, “You can come too, if you aren’t scared.”

“I’m not scared. Just not a fan of the ride. Every time I go on it, with my food in my belly or not, I get sick.” She snipped back. “You can go though, Matt. I can go back to the games and try and win something for Hannah. I don’t mind.” She smiled.

“Nah, I’ll stick with you. We have til midnight until we have to leave. It’s six right now, so we have plenty of ride time,” Matt smiled.

“You’re missin’ out man!” Seth called out. He dismissed his friend and held Roni’s leftovers. 

Trish looked at the two with a smile, “Text me if you need me, kay? We can meet up at the tea cups in an hour so I can at least get some coaster time with you.” 

Roni giggled, “Alright. I’m down.”

The two curious teens headed to the ring toss and Matt paid for ten tosses. He handed Roni five rings with a bright smile, “You’re playing with me.”

“Then how about I get a bucket of ten. We will have double the chances then,” Roni grinned. “Plus, I have a secret power.” She winked, tossing a ring without looking. She made it on the center bottle. “I’m good at this game.”

Matt’s mouth hung open, “Damn girl. Are you winning something for me and Hannah then?” He teased.

“I’m not doing all the work, Matt. You gotta pitch in some tosses.”

“Like this?” He tossed a ring missing the one he was aiming for. It bounced off all of the bottles and fell to the ground. “Okay…maybe not like that, but you know what I mean.”

She giggled, throwing another ring, “Yes, I do.” She turned to face the bottles and watched it hit the middle again. “YES!”

“Has anyone told you how amazing and cute you are, Veronica?” Matt asked in a daze of amazement.

Roni blushed, handing the game manager ten bucks for ten rings. “Well aren’t you blunt,” she chuckled. “But to answer your question…no.” Her nerves got the best of her and she focused on the game.

A frown crossed Matt’s lips as he tossed a ring of his, making it on a green banded bottle. “Well, you have become my favorite person here. You’re fun to be around and sweet.” He glanced over to her reaction, but she was too busy getting all her rings to the middle. He smiled at how concentrated she was, not paying attention to his compliments. “Whatcha aiming to get?”

“Hmm?” She looked at him, totally in a daze. “I’m sorry…I wasn’t paying attention…”

“It’s okay, Roni. I can tell you get awkward around certain subjects obtaining relationships. That’s okay.”

She blushed, setting the rings on the piece of wood in front of them. She took in a deep breath, and sighed, “Can I say something?” Matt nodded, “You have been the most pleasant guy I have ever met. So generous and sweet. So…” She trailed off and he made a bold move. His lips touched her cheek and she froze.