Chapter 3: Hot Wings & New Crushes

After coming down from Silver Ridge, Annalise checked Yelp and found a great barbecue spot nearby. After asking about Tyler and Sam’s tastes, we called a rideshare. I was already dreaming of ribs.

We piled into the back of a dusty old Subaru, windows rolled down to let in the mountain breeze. The seats were sticky from the sun, and the radio played classic rock on low. It felt like a scene out of a road trip movie.

On the way, the driver glanced at us in the rearview mirror and chuckled, “Tired from hiking?” His voice was warm, the kind you trust with secrets. I grinned at his accent, instantly liking him.

Sam said, “Not too bad.” He tried to sound tough, but he was slumped against the door, eyes half-closed. We all looked like we’d run a marathon.

The driver said, “That girl in the middle looks pale. Gotta get outside more.” He winked at me in the mirror. I tried to look less like a vampire and more like someone who actually exercised.

I looked around and realized I was the ‘girl in the middle.’ I touched my face, pulled out my giant pink water bottle, and said, “Exactly. That’s why I brought chia seeds in my water. Want some, sir?” I shook the bottle, the seeds swirling like a lava lamp. The driver chuckled, waving me off.

He laughed, waved it off. “No thanks. You young folks really care about health these days. My niece puts lemon and mint in her water. Are you high schoolers or college students?” He sounded genuinely curious, like he was collecting stories for later.

Annalise said, “Just finished senior year.” She said it with a hint of pride, chin up. I could tell she loved telling people she was officially done with high school.

“Congrats! Where are you headed next?” His voice was warm and encouraging. I felt like I could tell him anything.

Annalise looked at me. “Where’d you apply?” She nudged me with her elbow. I fidgeted, suddenly shy, not sure how to answer.

I fiddled with my fingers. “Montana.” I mumbled it like a confession, half-expecting everyone to laugh.

Annalise was shocked. “You exiled yourself?” She gawked at me, mouth open. “You’re really running away from civilization, huh?”

I said, “Long story.” I shrugged, giving her a look that said, Please don’t make me explain.

Honestly, I considered a few things: distance from the CEO, good food, and a senior I knew. I counted them off on my fingers, trying to sound logical. “Also, the hiking’s supposed to be amazing.”

Most importantly, you go where you get in. We’re already here. I grinned, feeling a weird sense of pride. “Sometimes life just points you somewhere.”

Sam turned and asked, “Montana State University?” He perked up, hope in his eyes.

I nodded. He grinned, pointing at Tyler. “Fate! He’s at Montana State too.” He slapped Tyler on the back. Tyler just smiled, a little sheepish.

I lit up and looked at Tyler. He nodded, smiling. “Small world.” His lips were soft and pink, totally distracting. I had to stop myself from staring.

I wanted a bite. Kidding. Mostly.

Tyler’s ears turned red again under my stare. He ducked his head, pretending to check his phone. It was adorable.

Annalise turned my head back, whispering, “Girl, chill, you’re acting like a creep.” She hissed in my ear, “You’re going full cartoon wolf.”

I corrected her, “Gradient.” I wiggled my fingers. “I’m just appreciating the view, not stalking.”

She rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched. I knew she was secretly amused.

At the barbecue place, I noticed Tyler loved spicy food, eating hot wings like it was nothing. His lashes trembled, unfazed. I stared in awe, kind of jealous.

He tore through the basket of wings like it was nothing, not a bead of sweat on his forehead. I stared in awe. I was tempted, tried a piece—and froze. Tears streamed down my face. “So spicy!”

My tongue was on fire. I fanned my mouth, eyes watering. Tyler’s hand shot out, steady and gentle. He quickly pulled my hand back, poured me lemonade, and asked worriedly, “Are you okay?”

He pushed the glass toward me, his eyes wide with concern. I let the cold lemonade bathe my tongue, feeling like my brain was about to short-circuit. I shook my head, half-laughing, half-crying.

I pressed the glass to my forehead, sighing with relief. Sam was startled. “Tyler’s from Louisiana—he can handle heat. Don’t try to keep up.” He grinned, nudging Tyler. “He grew up eating hot sauce on everything. Don’t let him trick you.”

After I recovered, Tyler poured me another glass. His pretty eyes sparkled under the lights, his voice gentle and worried. “Really okay?” He reached across the table, fingers brushing mine. I nodded, a little embarrassed.

I took a sip, the heat fading. I exhaled, “That was close. My lovesick brain almost got fried.”

He looked away, lips barely twitching into a smile. He covered his mouth, but I caught the grin.

After dinner, we swapped Instagram handles and went back to the hotel. I scrolled through Tyler’s feed—lots of nature shots, a few with his dog, one or two goofy selfies. Annalise rolled her eyes at me as I giggled into my pillow.

As soon as we got in, Annalise cupped my face. “Girl, do you really like Tyler?” She squeezed my cheeks, searching my eyes for the truth.

I said, “Is it written on my face?” I tried to play coy, but my smile gave me away.

She looked puzzled. “What?” She leaned in, brow furrowed.

I said slowly, “Deeep...ly...in...loooove.” I stretched each word out, making her laugh despite herself.

She groaned, flopping onto her bed. “You’re hopeless.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

The next day, we planned to hit the local fair, so I got up early to wash my hair. Gotta keep the vibes up. I cranked up the playlist, singing into my hairbrush. Annalise threw a pillow at me, but she was grinning.

Sam, sharp as ever, pulled Annalise ahead, leaving me and Tyler to follow. He winked at her, mouthing, “Wingman,” before dragging her off.

After a few rounds, Sam was exasperated. He turned to Tyler, “Dude, do you have to walk so fast?” He was panting, trying to keep up. Tyler glanced at me, confused.

I raised my hand weakly. Actually, I’d been dragging Tyler along. Years of racing to the dining hall made me unconsciously speed up.

I shrugged, “Sorry, force of habit.” Tyler said, “Sorry, I’ll slow down next time.” He smiled, squeezing my hand. “You set the pace.”

I froze, looking at him. Sam noticed and laughed, “Quinn, got a question?” He waggled his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t hide my smile.

Tyler met my gaze and smiled, eyes crinkling. His eyes were so warm, I almost forgot where we were.

I bit my lip, looking away. Sam and Annalise exchanged a knowing glance. I could feel their eyes on us.

Sam saw me staring and shot Annalise a look. She grinned and walked ahead. She gave me a thumbs-up behind her back. I stuck my tongue out at her.

Tyler and I wandered at the back. The crowd was thick, and I kept brushing against his cool, fair skin. He was basically a walking AC.

I wanted to lean in, but I kept my hands to myself. Sort of. “Want to play something?” Tyler pointed at an arcade. His eyes sparkled, like he was five years old again.

Sweating, I nodded eagerly. “Let’s play.” I wiped my brow, grateful for the excuse to duck inside.

Inside, the blast of cool air made me sigh in relief. “I’m alive.” I leaned against the wall, fanning myself dramatically. Tyler laughed.

Tyler asked, “Anything you want to play?” He gestured at the games. I eyed the hammer game, feeling competitive.

I showed off on the hammer game, hitting the top score. Tyler clapped. “Amazing.” He whistled, eyes wide. “You’ve got an arm.”

He pointed at the claw machines. “Can you win a plushie?” His voice was soft, almost hopeful.

I nodded. He smiled, “I’ll go get tokens.” He jogged off, coming back with a cup overflowing with quarters.

He bought over two hundred tokens, wanting to win a plushie for his dog, Lucky. Lucky’s a snow-white dog, well cared for, with bright eyes.

He showed me a picture—Lucky on the windowsill, sunlight in his fur. My heart melted a little. Even through the phone, I found it adorable. Tyler said, “My mom sewed the last one, but it got chewed up.”

He sounded a little sad, holding up the photo. I noticed the frayed edge—and a ragged floral leg in the corner—and patted his arm.

Tyler was handsome, but terrible at claw machines. He kept missing, muttering under his breath. I tried not to laugh.

Every attempt failed. He turned back, a little embarrassed, his eyes curving up, hitting me right in the heart. He looked so sheepish I wanted to hug him.

So I said, “Let me try.” I rolled up my sleeves, determined to win Lucky a friend.

We spent an hour in the arcade. Tyler trailed behind me, arms full of plushies, grinning uncontrollably. We must’ve looked ridiculous. He tried to carry them all, dropping a few, and Sam snapped a picture for evidence.

Annalise finally called when she realized we hadn’t caught up. We met at the arcade entrance. She tapped her watch, fake-scolding me. I just grinned, holding up a plushie in victory.

Sam saw Tyler’s armload of plushies and gaped. “Did you two rob the place?” He reached for a dinosaur, but Tyler twisted away, clutching it to his chest.

He tried to grab one, but Tyler dodged. “They’re mine. Not giving you any.”

He threw up his hands, laughing. “Greedy!”

He laughed in disbelief. “You have so many and can’t spare one?”

I went back to the counter and bought a clear bag, telling Tyler, “Easier to carry.” I handed it over with a flourish, like I was bestowing treasure.

He dumped the plushies in, carrying them in one hand. He swung the bag like a trophy, grinning at me.

Gorgeous guy with cute plushies—heads turned everywhere. At the hotel, he opened the bag, took out a bunny, and handed it to me. He pressed it into my hands, his fingers lingering for a second.

“You don’t want it?” I tilted my head, trying to read his expression.

“Lucky just needs one. The rest are yours.” He smiled, a little shy.

I exaggerated, “Wow, all these are mine?” I fanned them out on the bed, taking a ridiculous selfie.

Tyler couldn’t help but laugh. He tapped my hair with the bunny’s ear. “See you tomorrow. Goodnight.”

He winked, then slipped out the door. I hugged my bunny, heart pounding.

I hugged my bag of plushies, waving as I walked into the hotel, then squealed into my pillow until the sound turned into shapes.

I danced around the room, pillow fighting Annalise until we collapsed giggling. Seriously, who could say no to a hot guy and plushies?

I fell asleep smiling, bunny tucked under my chin.