Page 31 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“Six. I’ll message him that we’re coming, and then I’ll pop to the shops to get drinks for us to take with us.”

“I should probably rest my foot up quite a bit before we go...”

“Yes . . . we can play some Fable II.”

“Good. Hurry at the shops. I’ll get us all set up.”

Chapter Eight

“Be good, and we’ll try not to be too late back,” said Nathan seriously to Monty and Dennis.

“And don’t do anything we wouldn’t do,” added Jessica, unsuccessfully attempting to divert her attention from her ‘date’ for the evening.

Nathan was wearing indigo jeans and a pale blue shirt rolled up to his elbows. He was fresh out of the shower, his hair still damp and smelling of grapefruit shampoo. Jessica couldn’t stop her stomach from doing a little flip at the sight of him.

“You look lovely,” Nathan said to her as they began the short walk to his friend’s house. Jessica smiled; she’d put a lot of effort into her appearance this evening. The short floral dress she wore would have looked better with heels, but other than that, she was pleased with how she looked.

“I’m not convinced the crutches quite go with the outfit, but thanks.”

“You’re sure you don’t want to go in the car?”

“We’re almost halfway there now anyway, and you’ll want to have a drink tonight. I’ll be fine.”

“OK, but I can always walk home and get the car to pick you up if you need me to. I’m not going to drink much, I’ve got work tomorrow,” Nathan reassured her.

“Thanks. I’ll bear that in mind. Have you been to Stephen’s house before?”

“Just once.”

“So, the friendship is still in the early stages.”

“Very early stages,” clarified Nathan. “Frankly, you’re my secret weapon to increase my popularity.”

“Oh, really?” replied Jessica. “You know I’m not very sociable?”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m bringing a beautiful ballet dancer to the barbecue. I’m going to be the most popular guest there.”

Jessica laughed. “An injured ballerina.”

“That’s even better: you have an air of tragedy about you.”

“Weirdo.”

“Just telling the truth.”

Not many steps later, Nathan said, “Here we are.” He indicated a grey terraced house with a dark blue door.

“Are you OK?” he asked. “You look a little stressed.”

“Kind of,” said Jessica. “Honestly, I’m not great at meeting new non-dance people for the first time.”

“Seriously? But you dance in front of hundreds of people. I thought you’d be so confident.”

“Nope! But I’m ready,” she said. “Ring the doorbell. Anyone looking out will think we’re nuts standing here on the doorstep chatting.”

Nathan pressed the doorbell, and the door was opened by a tall man wearing shorts and a shirt covered in palm trees. His receding hairline gave away that he was a few years older than Nathan.

“Hey! I’m so glad you could come!”

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