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“We’re all ready, Riley,” Tom, the stagehand, calls out.
I clap my hands together. “Line up, ladies. A quick prayer circle, and then you’re on.”
The girls all line up in a circle, and we cross one hand over the other before accepting the hand of the person next to us.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Meadows Ridge High School Dance Company.” The crowd applauses, and a few loud whistles lead my gaze over to where Beau and a few of the other girls’ boyfriends are standing.
And who else is standing beside Beau? None other than Cooper Graham. I groan as the girls take the stage.
Just ignore him. He’s not there.
It’s actually much easier to do when the music starts and I focus my attention on the dancers. Every time I watch any of them perform or practice, I’m in awe that this is my life, that I’m surrounded by such wonderful talent. While I might not be performing like I had once dreamed, being these kids’ teacher and knowing that I get to help strengthen their talent and aid in achieving their dreams and creative outlet is so much more than I had dreamed.
When the second song ends, the girls run offstage and swarm me in a giant hug.
“You guys were absolutely amazing. I’m incredibly proud of you,” I tell each of them as they pack up their things.
Most of the girls have their things packed in record time, heading off to meet their families or friends. Maddey is the last one left besides me.
“Will I see you later tonight?” Maddey asks as she adjusts her dance bag strap on her shoulder as we walk side by side toward where I saw Beau standing during the performance.
“Of course. You know I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Awesome. I’ll see you then.” Maddey sashays over to where Beau stands with Cooper. They’re both deep in conversation, yet Beau must be able to sense Maddey approaching because without even breaking eye contact with Cooper, he extends his arm, allowing Maddey to slip in and wrap her arms around his waist.
Beau and Maddey remind me so much of a younger version of Cooper and me. Not just a dancer and baseball player, both with big dreams. When I see them, I see an adolescent love where, in their eyes, nothing can stop them. I wish them nothing but the best and hope that the biggest difference between us and them is that in the end, they can make it last.
My thoughts are so jumbled that when hands come down on my shoulders, I jump with a shriek.
“Woah there, killer. It’s just me,” Austin coos as he runs his hands up and down my arms. “I thought you heard me calling your name.”
I shake my head. “Sorry, totally had my head in the clouds.”
Austin slings an arm over my shoulder. “Girls were fantastic.” I beam with pride. “Wanna head on out? I could totally sleep off this food coma before we head out later.”
“Why, Hayes, I never heard more perfect words come out of your mouth.”
Glancing over at Cooper one last time, I let Austin lead me out of there. When will I be able to look at him without the pain?
Chapter 20
Cooper
Enteringthebarn,Iglance around the building like I just walked into a time warp. Twinkling lights hang from almost every surface, and the giant bronze chandelier hangs from the center of the roof. There’s a large stage against the back wall, with a band currently playing covers of country favorites. The dance floor is already full of an assortment of dancers—some who enjoy dancing, while some, I’m sure, are there under the influence of alcohol.
I’ve attended this event all my life except for the six years I was away. Memories flash in my mind—the many times Tanner and I ran through the crowds as young kids and the first time I walked in here with Riley on my arm. It was our version of Cinderella at the ball. You know, if Cinderella had traded her ball gown and glass slippers for a mini jean skirt and cowgirl boots.
As if summoned by my brain, her familiar laughter rings in my ear. I find her on the dance floor, smiling as she dances with some girls I recognize from the festival earlier today.
I shove my hands in my pockets and walk in the opposite direction, over to the main bar area on the far side of the barn. After a bartender delivers my beer, I take a long sip from the bottle. I just need to make an appearance, shake some hands and kiss some babies, and then I can head home.
Someone steps up beside me.
“Graham.” My spine tenses at his voice.For fuck’s sake.
“Briggs.”
“Back home to lick your wounds?”
