Erma stopped in front of them. “Jasper, I owe you an apology. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings yesterday. I didn’t mean to, and I shouldn’t have. And I’m not the only one who needs to apologize.” She snapped her fingers and pointed to the empty space next to her.
Moving as a unit, Erma’s friends and family walked over to Jasper. “I’m sorry, Jasper,” Myrtle started. This continuedfor the next two people until Jasper held up his hand. “What in tarnation is all this? Why are y’all apologizing?”
“You and I have been set up, Jasper,” Erma said.
“Huh?”
“I’ll explain later. Right now we need to get thesepublicapologies out of the way so we don’t hold up Sunny’s class any longer.”
“We don’t mind,” Senior said. “No offense, Ms.Abernathy, but this is more entertaining.”
“Perhaps I should make some popcorn,” Sunny muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.
The rest of the group made their amends. When they finished, Erma turned to them. “What lesson have we learned?”
“No more matchmaking,” they said in unison.
“Correct.” She turned to Sunny. “Thank you for your patience.”
“All right, everyone, get in your places.” Sunny looked at the group. “You’re all welcome to join us.”
Hayden looked at Riley. “It’s the least we can do,” he said. She nodded.
“I don’t mind learning a few steps,” Viola added.
“Let’s take our spot, Bill.” Bea led him over to stand by Myrtle and Senior.
Everyone took their places, with Sunny helping the new students. Jasper stood in front of Erma as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Kingston took turns dancing with Peg and Viola, who had volunteered their names to him.
When the dance lesson was finished, everyone started talking about how much fun they’d had. Kingston remained silent.
“We should all get some pie at the diner,” Bea said. “It’s still open.”
“Excellent idea,” Erma said, every trace of her earlier anger gone. She turned to Jasper. “Will you join us?”
The two of them locked gazes, and if Kingston had been in better spirits, he would have smiled. Looked like the matchmaking had worked, even if Erma and Jasper hadn’t figured it out yet.
Everyone except his mother and Sunny ended up agreeing to go. “We have some planning to do,” his mom explained.
Bubba gave Sunny a wave of his hand and a toothy grin and left the studio along with the rest of the group.
Bea went to Kingston. “I thought Olivia would be here,” she said with a small frown. “Did something come up?”
“I don’t know.” That was the truth.
“Didn’t you two talk today?”
He started to shake his head, then realized Olivia must not have told her aunt about the breakup. And if she hadn’t told her aunt, then as far as everyone knew, except for his father, they were still together. “She’s had a busy day.” Again, the truth, because all her days at the library were busy.
Bea nodded. “I’ll give her a call and tell her to meet us at the diner. I’ll save you both a seat.”
“Um, I’m sorry. I can’t come tonight. But thanks,” he said, making sure he added a quick smile of appreciation.
“Oh.” Bea frowned. “Okay. Maybe next week.”
“Maybe.”
She gave him a puzzled look and walked away. Bill held the door open for her and they left.
