He sat on a lawn chair next to Jayce, surrounded by Maizie’s family and Grandparents. Even the aunts and uncles from other towns were visiting, and there would be a big family barbeque and fireworks later tonight. It really was like Christmas in July.
“Where’s Lindsay?” Christian asked Jayce. He’d barely seen his friend without her for the last few weeks.
“Oh, she’s coming.” Jayce nodded to a new set of floats making its way down the street. Guys in suits and girls in fancy dresses waved from the back of the glamorized trailer.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the announcer boomed. “The newest alumni from Baxter High School.” Cheers and applause thundered through the crowd.
“What’s going on?”
“It’s like the rite of passage after graduation. They all get dressed up in their prom outfits and bid farewell,” Jayce said.
The first float held about ten people. One of the girls in a bright pink dress waved at him and Christian vaguely remembered her from the dance.
“There’s Lindsay.” Jayce cheered as the next float emerged.
Lindsay heard her name and blew a kiss to Jayce who whooped.
Christian was already scanning the next float, looking for Maizie. Two more similar floats passed before he saw her, standing in the back in a slim baby blue dress. Her hair was in thick curls, and a small tiara rested on her head.
She was gorgeous. The float passed the family, and Maizie’s eyes widened as she waved wildly to everyone. Then a guy snaked his arm around her back, and Maizie’s smile faded.
Wasn’t that her old boyfriend? What was that jerk doing holding on to her?
Christian dug his fingers into the fabric of the camp chair. Maizie stepped away from the guy, and then she was replaced by another float, and the parade was dull again. The football team came next, bringing cheers from the crowd. Then cheerleaders, dancers, and other teams. This was a long parade.
“Oh, honey, you looked so beautiful up there.” Anne’s voice brought Christian’s attention away from the rodeo royalty whose horses were currently dropping presents on Main Street.
Maizie’s dad gave her a hug and whispered something in her ear, and she beamed. Then she hugged her grandparents and nearly every other family member in the circle. She was almost to Christian before he realized his eyes had never left her.
“I’d better go find Lindsay.” Jayce jumped up and ran down the street. Maizie frowned and sank into Jayce’s empty chair.
“He hates me,” she said, chewing on her bottom lip.
“Just give him some time.” Christian tried to act casual about it. But even he wasn’t convinced. Jayce was an easy-going guy, and Christian had never seen him so upset at someone.
Maizie stayed silent, playing with the trail of flower petals that jumped from her dress.
Christian watched her trembling fingers. He could easily take them in his and put a stop to her fidgeting. But he couldn’t do that.
Maizie leaned forward. “Hey, Mom, could you give me a ride back to my car?”
“Oh shoot. I forgot about that. I should have taken you as soon as you came back. I’ve got to get the food tent going in five minutes.” She looked at her watch then reached for her bag before heading off toward the tents that lined the south end of the park.
“Dad?”
“I’m in charge of the water tank this year. Boys, let’s go,” Maizie’s dad said. Mitchell, Mason, and some of the younger cousins followed him.
Something dropped into Christian’s lap, and he looked up to see Grandma’s mischievous smile.
“Christian will take you, dear.”
Maizie looked at him. “Are you sure?”
“It seems like it.” Christian picked up the keys and gave Grandma a narrowed glance.
She readjusted her scarf and then winked at him when Maizie looked away.
That woman.
