There were a few people in line when we arrived, but as we passed through the doors, the other spread around the grounds, giving us freedom of the place with no lines.
Since Gina was still a toddler, we went to the kid’s area of the park, a designated place for the younger group with less scary rides. That was all right with me. I was never the thrill-seeker when I came to places like this. I preferred the slower and more predictable rides.
“The trains!” she called when she saw the little train-shaped roller coaster. Gina was on the taller side for her age, so she reached the minimum height for her to ride alone. The attendant let her through the small gate.
Noah and I stood off to the side. Of course, she went for the conductor car. There was a little wheel there, and she pretended to steer the coaster, even though it hadn’t started moving yet.
“All aboard!” she called out.
“Choo choo!” Noah and I said in unison.
We looked at each other and laughed.
After two other tots had gotten onto the ride, the attendant went to each of the cars to make sure the kids were strapped in before he started up the train.
Gina screamed with glee when the coaster moved. My hands tightened on the metal fence. Even though it wasn’t far off the ground, I kept a close eye on her to make sure she didn’t fall out.
“Which types of rides do you like?” he asked.
“I’m not a ride person,” I said.
“Seriously?”
“I’m more of a games person. I like to keep my feet planted on the ground. How about you?”
“Anything with loops.”
“Of course.”
He chuckled. “Why do you say that?”
“You seem like the adventurous type.”
“I thought you were too,” he said.
I glanced at him to see if there was another deeper meaning to his comment, but it didn’t appear so. “Not when it comes to the loopy rides. These rides break all the time.”
“Don’t you love the risk though?” he asked.
I licked my lips as they were suddenly dry. “Not when it comes to my life.”
He nodded. “Good to know.”
“If you want to go on those rides, I can watch Gina,” I said.
“No, I’d rather spend time with the both of you. I’ll get my thrills elsewhere.”
I had no idea what to say to that. But I had a strong feeling about what he meant.
The coaster went around the track three times before it slowed to its original position. The attendant helped Gina with her belt and she hopped off.
“That was so fun!” she said when she came around to us.
I played with her hair. “What do you want to do next?”
Gina rode pretend rocket ships, space buggies, and several other rides for the rest of the morning.
Noah managed to get me on a swing ride and while Gina and Noah whooped and hollered while flying through the air. I held onto the ropes as tight as I could, wishing the ride would end. Though, when it was over, a trembling sensation flitted through my body, and I felt good. Maybe these rides weren’t as bad as I feared.