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“Chris, it’s up to you. I can’t dictate what you decide to do. I’m not threatening you, either,” she said, laughing.
“I know. Can we just take one day at a time?”
“Of course. But that means I’m not moving in with you right away.”
“Aw, that sucks.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Let’s see how things play out. We just found out she’s sick.”
“Well, actually, I knew a little earlier than I admitted to you.”
Annie glanced over at him and it was clear he was hiding something from her, the way he fidgeted in the seat.
“What are you talking about?”
“She got the diagnosis before Christmas.”
“She did? What didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I’d just asked you to marry me, Annie. The timing was phenomenal.”
They held hands driving back to her place so they could change clothes. Her phone beeped when they arrived.
“It’s Maggie,” Annie said. “Hey, babe, what’s up?”
“I guess I have to go dancing with you tonight,” she said. “You know that’s about the last thing in the world I want to do. But God knows, we want our husbands to be happy.”
“Sweetheart, I’ve seen you dance before and that’s probably why Justin wants to go. I’ll have to cover Chris’s eyes.”
“Ha! Bullcrap,” Maggie said in her customary irreverent manner. “He only has eyes for you. Anyway, we’ll see you there.”
Laughing, they said goodbye and hung up.
“Your brother and his wife are dancing with us tonight,” she said, grinning, trying to forget about Cindy.
“You’re telling me Maggie can dance?”
“You wait. It’s her hips.”
“You do okay yourself,” he said, glancing at her. “Maybe we’ll win the contest tonight.”
“Justin and Maggie always win,” she said, laughing.
They had a wonderful time together, eating messy barbeque and dancing like wild things. Finally, at eleven, Maggie returned to the role of responsible mother.
“My mother is probably having a fit. I told her we wouldn’t be out late. Tina hates sleeping anywhere else but her own crib.”
“It’s early,” Justin said, trying to soothe her. “Send Rose a text and let her know we’re on our way.”
“Don’t forget to pick up your voucher for a free meal at the Roadhouse!” Annie cried. “Winners, again!”
“You guys came close. Second place isn’t too shabby.”
“I’ve never won a contest in my life,” Chris said. “It had to be Annie.”
“Whatever, you guys. Second place gets a free beverage with a full-priced meal.”
“It’s better than I usually do. ‘Better luck next time, son,’” Chris teased in a low voice, exaggerating his Southern accent.
