Page 114 of Into the Mist

“Yes, I did. The nurse was quite pleasant,” said Karen.

“See!” Cruz’s smile beamed. “There’s nothing to be worried about.”

Wes materialized behind the mayor and cleared his throat before saying, “Excuse me, Madame Mayor, one of the doctors would like a word with you.”

“Thank you, Wes. Well, duty calls. It was so nice to meet all of you. Please, enjoy our little festival, and again, welcome to your new home.” She nodded congenially at each of them before she followed Wes back through the crowd.

“She seems lovely,” said Karen.

“Seemsbeing the key word,” said Mercury. “What do you think, Stella?”

“I think she was telling the truth—just not all of it,” said Stella.

“Must you see evil in everything?” Karen whispered angrily.

“Look, I didn’t say she was evil. All I said is that she’s not telling us everything,” said Stella. “And as I was saying before the mayor graced us with her presence—I want you to think about why you’re so willing to believe everything these people tell you and question everything I tell you. Do that and get back with me later. Now, I’m going to chug the rest of this mediocre wine and then get out on that dance floor before we have to leave.”

“We’re leaving tonight?” Ford asked.

“Well, not yet. But we won’t be here tomorrow at this time,” said Stella. She grabbed Mercury’s hand. “Come on, Acorn. Let’s cut a rug.”

CHAPTER

34

MERCURY WIPED THEsweat from her forehead as Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” came to an end.

“Holy shit, I’d forgotten how much I love those old songs,” said Stella, who used her pashmina to fan herself. “I haven’t danced this much and sung this badly at the top of my lungs for years.”

“Me neither, and I need something to drink.”

“Wait! Is that…” Stella paused and then, as a new song began, she grinned. “It is! Springsteen! “Dancing in the Dark”! OMG, slow dance with me!”

But before Stella could start twirling her around the basketball court, Mercury felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Do you mind if I cut in?” Ford asked her.

Mercury shrugged. “Sure, you can dance with Stella, but be warned. She has the endurance of a marathon professional.”

“He’s not asking to dance withme, Acorn.” Stella winked at Ford. “I’ll see if I can pry Karen off that picnic bench. Here’s hoping she’s finally liquored up enough to dance.”

“Gracias!”Ford returned Stella’s wink before he turned to Mercury and offered her his hand.

She took it and he began leading her around the court in a smooth two-step with the easy confidence that marks all good dancers.

“So, how many of those burgers did you eat?” Mercury asked playfully as she fell into rhythm with Ford.

He laughed. “Only two. I just pretended to eat more as an excuse not to dance.”

“But you’re a good dancer.”

Ford twirled her around and dipped her before he replied. “Yes, I am. But the woman I wanted to dance with was having a really good time with her best friend, so I waited.”

“Oh. That was, uh, very patient of you.” Mercury was glad she was already flushed from dancing with Stella because she knew Ford had just caused her to blush magnificently.

“I can be a very patient man. I know when to take my time, and prefer slow and thorough to fast and finished too quickly.” He held her gaze as a smile lifted the corners of his sexy lips.

“You definitely lead well,” said Mercury.