Page 62 of Hexed & Hazy

It’s easy to return the sentiment. David’s suit is dark and classic, but with pops of burgundy in the undershirt and pocket square—a color that nearly matches my hair. His locs are tied at the nape of his neck, and he’s always had lovely features, but it’s even easier to see on a night like this. His dark eyes sparkle, and his smile is blinding.

He’s beautiful. I want badly for him to be the one—if there really is just one person, that is. I’ve never been the type to believe in something so romantic, and hope that if I try, I can give David the attention he deserves.

But it may be just another thing I’ve failed at.

First, the hex. Now… this.

“Will your parents be in attendance?” I ask as he drives.

“Uh-huh. Already dropped them off. I wanted a minute alone with you first.”

And our time alone isn’t terrible. He makes me laugh and takes my mind off the things that have been running through it for days. He asks me about my work, my knitting—which I still haven’t had time for—and my plans for the spring solstice, which I haven’t begun taking care of. Time passes quickly, and then he’s helping me out of the car, his strong, calloused fingers holding onto mine so naturally as we enter the sparkling venue.

Pink. Red. Flowers.

This is Aspen’s idea of beautiful, but to me, it’s another night. It’s for charity—the money David spent on our tickets goes to caring for the hungry and unhoused, which is important in winter in Maine. That’s why I’m here. It’s why I’ll spend extra on drinks, slip extra cash into the donation boxes around, and spend the night dancing with Dave.

It should also be a lovely distraction—until I spot Seth.

Of course, he’s here, with a volunteer badge pinned to his suit. Laurel is nearby, sticking her own badge into the front of her green dress.

I don’t look at either of them for long. David. My attention is meant to be on David.

“Do… you dance?” he asks, narrowing his eyes.

I grimace. “Not well, but this is a Starbrook event, so I’m not worried about impressing anyone with my skills.”

“Oh, really?” He leans closer and lifts an eyebrow. “You don’t even want to impress me?”

I shake my head. “There are other things I can impress you with, I’m sure, but dancing will not be one of them.” I take his hand again. It’s easy to do, even if it doesn’t make my heart race—even if I can still feel Seth watching.

I lead David to the dance floor, and he sweeps me up in his arms, proving just how good a dancer he is—something I’ve already known from dances past, when I'd spotted him twirling around with other partners. That’s the problem with a small town. I know everyone he’s dated.

Luckily, I don’t think his love life is as messy as Seth’s.

“You’re a good lead,” I whisper. “So, before you compliment my dancing, it’s important that you keep that in mind. This is all you.”

He guffaws, and his lips brush against my ear. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t going to.”

The rest of the night goes on like that. We share a few dances and drinks, then circle the room to speak with friends and strangers. His parents seem happy to see me, but they spend most of their time dancing together. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember—the two of them blissfully in love, and taking any opportunity to show off David’s mother’s skills. She’s a retired ballroom dancer, after all.

It’s pleasant enough. Until we’re interrupted.

By Seth.

I’ve tried not to look at him, but I couldn’t help myself, and each time I was surprised to find that he wasn’t dancing. Wasn’t flirting. He was just… there. And now he’s here, smiling at me like we’re old friends—and I suppose we are, but we’re more to me, and he knows that now.

My heart plummets into my stomach.

“Can I steal a dance?” he asks.

David lifts an eyebrow and looks from Seth to me, waiting for the answer. My answer. It’s my decision, one I’m forced to make with too many eyes on me, too many nosy people listening in.

I clear my throat. “Yes. Of course.”

To David’s credit, his expression is still polite as he steps away. If he’s jealous, it doesn’t show…

And he doesn’t know he has anything to be jealous about, does he? I should probably tell him about kissing Seth by the end of the night. All my denials when we first met, calling Seth just my friend, it feels like a lie now.