Ezra walked Billie out of the cafe and to her car. Music from a couple of blocks away filled the air.
"What is going on over there?" Ezra asked.
"Town carnival and market. Apparently they have them a lot." Billie said.
"Would you like to take a walk with me through it?" He asked.
"Sure. Why not?" She said. He offered his arm for her to take and they walked across the street and over the town center.
A band was playing some Neil Young and some people were dancing while others were walking around and trying out some of the food and other vendors.
"It's late. How long does this go on?" Ezra asked.
"Not sure. I think the beer text is open until 2. Maybe 3." She said. They walked through and looked around. She felt odd with him like this. She barely knew anything about him and everyone, every single person was staring at them. She knew it was his because of how handsome he was. He stood out.
"Hey. Lily!" A voice called. It was Pete across the way at the beer tent.
She waved.
"Come over here." He smiled and waved.
She looked at Ezra and reluctantly lead him over to where Pete and Abby stood.
"Hey there, Lils. Who's your friend?" Abby asked.
"Yeah. Who IS your friend?" A voice said from behind them. It was Gabe.
"This is Easton." Billie said, shyly.
"Hello Easton." Gabe said, holding out his hand to shake. "Just Easton? No last name or anything? Like Cher?" Gabe asked, sarcastically.
"No." Ezra said, diverting from his mocking. Ezra didn't like the guy. He could tell he was smug and that he obviously had a thing for Billie.
"How do you know Lily?" Gabe asked.
"We met by chance a few weeks back." Billie said, being purposely vague.
"Ah, gotcha." Abby said. "Well, welcome and wonderful to meet you. Like, really nice to meet you." She looked at him with stars and utter adoration in her eyes. His looks obviously would have that affect on anyone. Even Gabriel, Mr. Wonderful himself, looked intimidated by him. A prettier peacock was never a good thing.
"Are you from around here? Live around here? Work around here?" Gabe asked, obviously prodding.
"You seem awfully interested in me. I am currently interested in Lily but if anything changes, I will keep it in mind." Ezra said, biting back with equal sarcasm.
"Whoa dude. I'm not like that." Gabe said.
"I didn't think you were." Ezra said, making it obvious he knew Gabe was prodding because of Billie, not because he cared at all about Ezra.
"Nice to meet you, Easton." Pete said, cutting the tension. "Hope to see you around."
"Yes. Lovely to meet all of you. Now, if you'll excuse us, I am looking forward to some homemade enchiladas. Have a great night." Ezra said, taking Billie's hand and leading her back to the cafe and their cars. Gabe looked at Pete and Abby. He didn't like the guy and they all knew why.