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“We went right out on the dance floor without eating,” Justin said, pointing over his shoulder at the number pinned to his back. “I’m starving. What’s your news?”
“Congratulate us. We’re getting married.”
Justin sat back, shocked, his mouth open. “Congratulations,” he finally said. “I’m stunned. When did this happen?”
“Today,” he said.
“This morning, betweenI have to work today and goodbye,” Amber said, deadpan.
Wincing, Maggie hoped their news wouldn’t give Justin any more ideas about them getting married. She’d finally gotten him to accept that they were not going to get married anytime soon. What would this do to him?
“How’s everything going for you working with Ted LeBlanc?” Justin asked Amber.
“He’s very solicitous after the mess the other day. I’m not sure what the difference is, but the change is remarkable.”
“He’s living with Kelly Casson,” Justin said. “Maybe it’s the influence of a good woman.”
They chuckled, but Maggie felt guilty having a laugh at her new friend slash business partner’s expense. She had to face it; this evening was going to be a bust unless she tried to join in. Being pleasant and keeping a smile on her face was about all she could manage.
Dinner came and the others chatted, Maggie smiling at the appropriate times while staying occupied with the meal. She had to keep reminding herself, this was what being in a relationship meant: compromising, being cordial to his friends and family that she might not care about, meeting his needs first once in a while.
She wouldn’t expect Justin to spend an evening with Annie or Kelly though, and that was food for thought. But Dave was Justin’s brother. Having no idea that Amber’s thoughts moved along the same path, sitting there at the table segued from being boring to being lonely. Would they ever shut up and get back on the dance floor?
Then Maggie winked at Amber. It was almost accidental, but when Amber saw it, Maggie could see her body language relaxing. She smiled at Maggie, opening her eyes wide, and giving her a subtle nod toward Dave, who hadn’t stopped talking.
Finally, the announcer called the last dance.
“Come on out on the floor to take home yer prize,” he yelled. “One more chance to git the title of Christmas Dance Champions at Opal’s Roadhouse Annual Christmas Dance Contest!”
“You ready?” Justin asked, smiling over at Maggie.
At that point, she’d do just about anything to get away, and she nodded, sliding toward him to exit the booth.
“Next time, they can sit across from each other to talk,” Amber whispered, and Maggie smiled at her.
“Are you two competing?” Justin asked.
“Ah, no, I guess not,” Dave said, giving in. “You guys go, have fun.”
Justin threw twenties down on the table. “If I owe you more than that, get me at home.”
“I’m not coming back, remember,” Dave said. “I moved in with Amber.”
“Oh, right,” Justin said, frowning. “Forgot. Anyway, I’ll pay up, promise.”
They walked off with Dave and Amber watching.
“Boy, she sure was unfriendly,” Dave said. “That’s not the Maggie I remember from the Christmas tree day.”
“One hour on Sunday is different than a Saturday night out dancing,” Amber said. “She was cordial. You two monopolized the conversation, so we weren’t able to get a word in anyway.”
“I am sorry about that. What’d you think about their response to our engagement announcement?”
“Maggie didn’t get to say anything,” Amber answered. “I think she might have been shocked. I guess we’d better get used to it until people figure out that we’re actually dating.”
“That’s true. Is it true that Ted is behaving himself?”
“Oh, absolutely. It’s almost scary how proper he is. At least before he got fresh, work was fun and he teased all of us and horsed around. Now he’s all business.”
