“You saw all of that in a clump of leaves?” I ask in disbelief.
“So youarein a secret relationship,” Ann exclaims, just as the song cuts off again.
I don’t even bother to look around and see who’s staring. I feel more on display than I did when I was standing on that stage, tucked between my friends.
I’m struck with the powerful need to be anywhere else. While I can’t leave my father’s reception until it’s officially over, Icanleave this room.
“Thanks for the offer,” I say, getting to my feet, “but I don’t need any help. I know you think something is going on between Nora and me, and I suppose something is, but you’reunder the wrong impression. Nora doesn’t like me. She never has.”
My mouth suddenly feels parched.
“I’m not her type. She goes for…”Assholes, I think, remembering Justin Fucking Greene. “Confident guys who know how to dress and don’t say stupid stuff all the time. Musicians who don’t always have to puke before they perform onstage.”
“That’s very specific,” Ann observes.
Dottie captures my hand before I can escape them. “I doubt that, my dear. She was looking at you with the utmost of affection earlier.”
“We were…” I glance around. “We were pretending to be in a relationship to fool her friend José and his fiancée. It’s complicated, but I don’t need help. She’d never be interested in me, and I’m not sure I’d want her to be.”
Dottie doesn’t release me. “You may not need any help, but we do, my dear.”
I look at her in surprise. “Areyouin a secret fake relationship?”
She laughs, her hand lifting to cover her heart. “No, I’m very happy with my man, and Ann met plenty of men on her app before she started talking to the catfish fellow.”
“But it’s George who has my heart,” Ann says with a gusty sigh.
“Uhh…” I hesitate, mostly because I can imagine what Nora would say about me abandoning the not-so-little-and-old ladies.
Dottie glances around before saying in an undertone, “So we have no need for romantic help. But wedohave a surprise in store for your father. One that requires us to have access to the marital home.”
“Uh, I don’t think that’s such a great idea.”
I do have their house key, and strict instructions on when to water their various plants, and how much, but I doubt they’dthank me for letting other people into their home. Especially Mrs. Applebaum-Peebles, since it was her house right up until my dad moved in three weeks ago after selling his sad bachelor condo.
“My father is not a fan of surprises,” I continue, “and Mrs. Applebaum-Peebles doesn’t seem like she would be either.”
“I understand your position, of course,” Dottie says, but then she holds a folded piece of paper out to me.
I look down and see a number written on it. She must have done this before I even came over, which suggests a suspicious level of preparation.
“My telephone number,” she confirms. “Please send me a message after the party, and I’ll tell you what we’re thinking. Idobelieve it would be a welcome surprise.”
I nod and walk away.
I head for the exit, desperate for a few minutes to myself, but Nora steps in beside me, her green dress swishing against me. I stop in my tracks.
“Miss me?” she asks.
“I…no.”
Sort of.
Actually, she hasn’t left my mind. I even wanted to dance with her earlier. I don’t know why, exactly, other than that I wanted to prove to her there are some things I can do well, without any additional training. Perhaps I also like the way the dress she’s wearing flares out when she twirls around. I saw it happen while I was playing, and it almost made me miss a note.
I still crave fresh air, but I’m not sorry to see her. I’d like to continue our conversation, even if it’s about José. Cringing a little as “Copacabana” starts playing over the speakers, I gesture to a thick pillar at the side of the room. We could stand behind it and get some cover. It might almost feel as if we’re alone.
She gives me a conspiratorial glance, her eyes full of amischief that feels purely Nora. I have to admit I enjoy being on the receiving end of one of those looks.
