Page 55 of Truth or More Truth
“How much longer do we need to stay?” I murmur in Melissa’s ear an hour later as I hold her closely on the dance floor whileLionel Richie sings “Three Times a Lady.” Shannon took to the microphone to announce this dance was dedicated to Danny and Amelia, followed by whoops from several of the guests, so I’m guessing there’s a story behind it. However, I’m too focused on the lady in my arms to wonder much about what that story might be.
“Dying to get your mouth on mine again?” Melissa teases.
“You’d better believe it.”
Her giggle nearly takes my breath away.
“It’s almost midnight,” she says, “and I think Ash and Leslie are leaving right after the countdown to the new year. But since we have a long drive tomorrow, I don’t think anyone would fault us for leaving soon after that. Ash hired people to clean up in the morning, so none of us will need to stay and help.”
“Just so you know,” I clear my throat, “I’m not spending the night in your room again.”
Melissa nods. “That’s probably a good idea. We need to talk before we take this any further.”
My chest aches at the thought that things might not go further.
She adds, “I have some things I need to share with you, too.”
“We’ll have plenty of time to talk things over tomorrow. But you should also know I need to head to L.A. as soon as we get back. There’s some stuff I need to take care of there. I’ll be back in Chicago in a week or so, though.” That timeline may be wishful thinking, depending on what’s happening with Nanette, but we can also discuss that tomorrow.
“I understand,” she says. “I know you’re a busy man, and I also know we don’t live in the same city or even time zone. That won’t make things easy for us, but I don’t want that to stop us from trying.” She peeks at me through her lashes. “Do you?”
I run a hand up and down her back. “No. And again, we’ll have plenty of time to figure out how to work things out on our drive tomorrow.”
The song ends and the DJ announces, “It’s almost midnight, folks. Grab your partner for one last slow dance before we count down to 1989, and then we’ll send the newlyweds on their way!” Within seconds, “Always” by Atlantic Starr fills the room.
Seeing as it’s New Year’s Eve, most of the wedding guests have stayed until midnight, though the kids and the older crowd are both fading. A while ago I spotted Emily snoozing on her grandma’s lap, and as I keep Melissa cocooned safely in my arms, I scan the room for Andrea. I’m unsurprised when I spy her slow dancing with Shannon.
Without thinking, I start singing along to the song, and Melissa laughs softly.
“You continue to surprise me, Bobby Joe.”
I tilt my head and smile at her. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She tightens her hold on my neck. “Who would’ve guessed you’d know the lyrics to this song?”
It’s one of Kelli’s favorites, but I can’t tell her that—not yet.
“I like to keep you on your toes.”
“I likeyou.”She surprises me with a quick kiss.
“I like you, too. You want to go get ice cream with me after school?” I tease.
Melissa lets out a belly laugh. “I’m always up for ice cream.”
“What flavor?”
“Butter pecan. It’s the only rational choice.”
“I’ll have to respectfully disagree. Mint chocolate chip is the superior option.”
“Hmm.” She presses her lips together as she peruses me. “Agree to disagree?”
“Nope. It’s objectively true that mint chocolate chip is the best ice cream flavor.”
“Ah, you’re bringing out the big words now, Mr. Lawyer.”
“Pssh.” I huff. “‘Objectively’ is small potatoes. Try this one: antidisestablishmentarianism.”
