Benji shows up, sweaty hair sticking to his head."Come on, Em. They'replayingour song."
She takes his hand and follows him out to the dance floor, where a dance mix of a OneRepublic hit blares from the speakers."I must be getting old because the thought of going out there to dance is enough to give me a headache."
"Don't worry, old man,"Dantesays."I'll find you a walker if your gout starts acting up."
"Fuckoff,"I laugh.
Jewel, who plays offense for the Battle, tapsDanteon the shoulder. Pink glitter lashes highlight her deepbrown eyes, the bright magenta of her lips a mesmerizing contrast to her rich-brown skin. I've never seen her without her hair tucked into an unobtrusive sleek bun or ponytail, buttonighther mane falls in shiny black curls down to hershoulders. She's a knockout, a factDanteobviously notes.
"Hey,Dante. Wanna dance?"sheasks, the light glinting off the tiny diamond stud in her nose.
"Uh, yeah,"he stammers. He follows Jewel out to the floor, leaving me alone with Liberty and Mei.
"Where's Chessie tonight?" I ask Mei.
"Home. They had a performance this evening and a matinee tomorrow."
"How does she like the BSO?"
"So far, so good.Now theseasonis over, you have to come to one of their concerts."
I sip from the Paloma, enjoying the zing of Jarritos."Love to."
Meichecks herwatch."All right, kiddies. I'm heading back to the hotel. Chessie and I have a FaceTimedate."
She pats my arm on the way out. I'malonewith theLibertyfor the first time in weeks and look around for an exit.
"Hey."I side-eye her warily. She grimaces, tossing her red ponytail over her shoulder."Just wanted to say I'm going tomissyou, too. Not in the way you think. You're a positive influence in the office. You have a knack for bringing out the best in people and for making them feel good. The Red Hawks mediateamis lucky to have you."
I give a terse nod."Thanks. I appreciate it."
"You're notleavingbecause of me, are you?"sheasks, a desperate edge to her voice."Because I swear, I'm never going to bother you again. I was a total bitch and I really don't have an excuse. Stupid jealousy on my part."
"No,Liberty,"I assure her."Nothing to do with you."
She studies my face, maybe looking for any hint of a lie, but she won't find one. We go back to silently watching the crowd. IlaughatDantedoing some strange fish-like move that has the other women in stitches. Weird flex, but okay.
The smell of peaches wafts above the alcohol and sweat. I know it'sPalmerbefore she even speaks, and my heart leaps into my throat. I take adrinkto try to force it back into position.
"Hi,Liberty,"she says, resting her hands on the back of Dante’s vacated chair. She swings her eyes to me."I'm glad you decided to come out."
"I'mleavingsoon,"I say, not holding hergaze. I can't. I'll lose myself in those eyes and I can't keep torturing myself over something that won't work, not in the longrun.
Libertylooks between the two of us and gets up."I need a refill. Get anyone anything?"
Palmerand I decline, and she leaves usalone."Are you not having a good time?"Palmerasks.
"I only came forDanteand I think he's found someone prettier to hang with."I gesture to the dance floor, where he and Jewel are dancingcloseto one another.
Palmergrins."She's had a bit of a crush on him."
"Think the feeling's mutual,"I chuckle.
"So,"Palmersays."I was trying to tell some lacrosse jokes, but they wouldn'tstick. Thought I'd see if you'd scoop them up."
I bite back a groan."Those are terrible,Palmer."
She throws her head back and laughs."No worse than the one you told me the first night we met. Just returning the favor."
