Page 103 of Sterling Fight

“Rented the tux then. Had to purchase the set.” The cummerbund and bow tie. “Now, I own this suit.”

Genie’s face is full of surprise. “Is today . . .” She swallows hard.

“The anniversary of our prom.” A date burned into my memory like a hot branding iron to my skin, and yet, spending time with Genie today has changed everything about this date.

And I do not want to think about my father right now.

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” I say, stepping closer to her and brazenly admiring her in that dress. I twirl a finger in the air, suggesting I want her to spin in a circle so I can see every angle and curve of her.

“I’m not wearing shoes.”

“I don’t care.” She could also be wearing an ugly yellow costume, and I’d still love her.

Because I do love her. Call it too soon. Say it’s too fast. But I’ve had twenty plus years to hate what never happened between Genie and me, and I’ve only had twelve days to make it up to her.

“Your turn,” she says, once she finishes twirling. “You are stunning.”

My ears heat and my cheeks burn but I spin as well, arms out at my side. Once I finish and catch the appraising look in Genie’s eyes, I close the distance between us and pull her close.

“I know I’m twenty-four years late, but Genie Webster, will you dance with me?”

“That would be a check-yes.” Her smile is extra wide. “I’d love to dance with you, Judd Sylver.”

At first, we sway like middle schoolers. Just a little hip action side to side, but eventually I take her hand, keeping the other on the small of her back.

“I didn’t even know how to dance back then,” I admit. “I was so scared I’d mess up that night.”

Clay tried to teach me a few moves. Knox said just hold her tight.

“I’d dance with you any day, Judd. Couple goals.” The second she speaks she clamps her lips tight.

“Couple goals?” I ask, halting our dance.

“Forget I said that.”

“No, explain.”

Genie looks to the side, and I restart our dance, hoping the movement of our bodies will loosen her tongue.

“Since I’ve been . . . hanging out with you . . . I started making a mental list of couple goals. Things I’d like to do as a couple.”

Intrigued and thinking the list would be simple, I ask, “Like what?”

“Always kiss as a greeting and goodbye.”

I stop again, anticipation racing through my veins. What is she saying?

“Never lose one another.”

My heart begins to beat faster.

“Comfort in the little things. Soft touches and warm smiles.” Genie looks up at me with eyes that gleam with flecks of light. Fireflies in the night.

She runs her hand up the back of my neck and whispers, “Kiss you every day.”

Something in me shatters. This woman. A cage around my heart has been opened. I’m not a beast unleashed as much as a bird set free. A firefly myself, released from a jar.

The last secret I’ve kept from her is on my tongue. With her hand in mine, I lift it for my mouth and kiss the ring on her finger. My mother’s ring. The cause of everything.