Chapter 6 Ripley #2
‘How are your places?’ I ask, wishing I’d grabbed my scarf as the wind cuts through my bones.
‘Smells,’ Melika says, nose wrinkling with the memory. ‘But Imogen seems cool.’
Nathan beams. ‘A dream. Like, I will tell my grandkids one day how I shared a house with a knight one Christmas.’
‘A fake knight,’ I correct.
‘They don’t need to know that.’
We exit backstage through a glittering gold fake apple tree and into the land of Carpathia.
I haven’t explored the park personally, but I researched by watching videos online and studying the map.
It’s an easy enough layout to memorize. It has a Village Center and four distinct areas branching off from it.
As the namesake of the fictional country where the Fairytale Gardens story takes place, Carpathia holds the castle.
Then we have the Perilous Sea – a water-themed land that I imagine smells like fish.
Glacier Peaks – ice-themed, which might as well be the whole place, given the current temp.
Last is Pixie Forest. I won’t say this out loud, but it seems the most magical, with its fairy influence. If I were to venture out on my own, I’d start there.
But tonight, we are headed to the large castle in the center of the park and the restaurant it houses within.
The castle is imposing, considering this is just a family-owned operation and not a major conglomerate like other theme parks.
I have to crane my neck to see the top of the medieval-inspired turrets and spires.
It’s a dusty sand color with copper accents.
Since it’s the holidays, it’s covered in lavish Christmas decorations and bright-colored lights.
And while the castle looks ancient and weathered, the Royal Fare looks straight off a movie set crafted to perfection, with its large wooden beams and arched ceilings.
The place is adorned with the most regal-looking decor I’ve ever seen.
Large velvet-ribbon bows are affixed to every wall, while garlands surround the windows with twinkling lights.
The room could feel overwhelming, but the lush red carpet and faux fireplaces create a coziness despite the ample space.
Rich smells of gravy, berry sauce, potatoes and roasted meats fight for my attention. An extensive buffet set-up calls my name, with buttery rolls and enough desserts to feed a kingdom.
‘Juliet …’ I hear my name before I can reach the food. ‘Come here. I want you to meet someone.’ Mom stands near the giant Christmas tree, gesturing me over.
‘Save me a seat,’ I whisper to my friends as I leave.
Even if I weren’t familiar with the entire Walton family after deep-diving into the park’s history, I would’ve easily guessed this was Garrick’s dad.
The perfect posture and elegant suit give all the vibes of a man assured of his place.
The fictional king come to life. He wears a well-practiced smile and holds his hand to me when I approach.
‘I’m Barth Walton. Nice to finally meet you, Juliet. ’
‘Ripley,’ I correct, shaking his hand. ‘Thank you again for letting us use the park.’
He nods, lines tight around his lips. ‘I hope it’s as beneficial as Garrick has promised.’
‘It will be,’ Mom answers before I can.
I smile, giving the correct response. ‘Beeloved is dedicated to making it successful for both of us.’
He twists a gold band around his ring finger, the only sign of discomfort. ‘Ms Ripley says you’ll be sure to keep Garrick in line. I must warn you, he’s the hardest one to wrangle of my four sons.’
That I have already surmised.
‘Are my ears burning?’ Garrick materializes out of nowhere. ‘Ms Ripley, great to see you again, and of course my trusty sidekick,’ he adds to me.
I roll my eyes, ignoring his lines as I’ve practiced doing the last month.
Mom is not easily impressed, but Garrick’s welcoming nature seems to do the trick. ‘Garrick, we are so happy the time has finally arrived to start filming. But go, eat. Enjoy the last night before we kick into full gear.’
I’ve already committed to memory the production schedule and know she’s not lying. It’s going to be tight.
As Garrick and I walk away, Barth and Mom keep talking, discussing the final details for the show.
‘We’ve got plenty of space at our table.
’ Garrick motions near the front window, overlooking the park.
I recognize his three brothers right away.
Sitting with them is a Black man around Ivor’s age, who I assume must be his husband, James – their son, Bradley, who is the spitting image of James, sits between them.
‘Your friends are more than welcome to join, too.’
I smile politely, but my anxiety makes my stomach turn at the idea of having to small talk with strangers.
‘Thanks for the offer, but we already have seats.’ Nathan and Melika are waving at me from the opposite side of the room.
‘See you tomorrow.’ I walk away, but when I reach my seat, I glance back to find Garrick staring at me with a puzzled look.