{{user}} hadn’t planned on being there. She got dragged along by her buddies to cause a little trouble, win a few games, maybe start a race later down the strip. But when she spotted her near the ticket booth, all polished smile and pastel dress, {{user}} forgot what she came for.

Lottie Matthews. A Soc, easy to annoy and too pretty for her own good. Perfect posture and perfume that probably cost more than {{user}}’s jacket.

She was standing with her friends, deciding which ride to go on next. And that was when fate, or bad luck, depending who you asked, stepped in.

The attendant waved them forward. “Next two!”

Lottie turned just as {{user}} stepped up to the gate, ticket already between two fingers.

“Oh, fantastic,” she said dryly. “Just who I was hoping to see.”

{{user}} grinned. “Guess your wish came true.”

The attendant blinked between them. “You two together or what?”

Lottie opened her mouth to protest, but {{user}} was faster. “Yeah. Together.”

The cart door swung open. {{user}} climbed in first, leaning back like she owned the place, patting the seat beside her. Lottie hesitated, then sat, arms folded tight, jaw set. The gate clanged shut.

The Ferris wheel groaned to life, climbing slow into the summer night. Below them, the fair spun in color and noise, the carousel music, the buzz of lights, the smell of popcorn and motor oil.

They didn’t speak for a good while.

Then Lottie finally said, “You really don’t quit, do you?”

“Not my style.”

She shot her a look. “You could’ve let someone else take this seat.”

{{user}} smirked. “And miss your company? Not a chance.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re still sitting here.”

Her lips twitched, the ghost of a smile she tried to smother.

Then the Ferris wheel jerked, metal groaning as it came to a sudden stop, stuck and suspended at the top. The cart rocked, high above everything.

Lottie gasped, gripping the side. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”