Page 62 of A Whole New Play

Before I register what I’m doing, I’m moving across the room. I push past a group of giggling drunk girls stumbling in their stilettos at the edge of the dancefloor. One gasps my name in shocked recognition.

I don’t acknowledge her. My focus rests on the long-legged beauty in the tight emerald dress that’s a perfect match for the shade of green in her eyes and the guy looking at her with too much interest.

I step into their group without saying a word.

Valerie turns. Her beautiful eyes grow wide. “Carter?”

The guy she was speaking to grumbles something that’s lost in the loud music.

Valerie steps closer and rests a hand on my forearm, sending jolts of pleasure through the limb. “Is everything okay? Are the twins all right?”

The fact that the first thing she thinks about is my kids’ wellbeing makes my heart well with affection that threatens to make me do something foolish like grab her beautiful face and press my mouth to hers. Again.

“The twins are fine. I’m here for your party.”

Her mouth falls open. “My party?”

I nod.

“Holy shit. Are you Carter Jones?”

I ignore the guy’s shocked question and keep my attention on Valerie. “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?”

She closes her mouth. Her hand falls to her side and she shrugs. “I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t think about it.”

I’m not sure that’s true, but I don’t want to call her out on the lie.

I don’t fault Valerie for keeping her distance and not sharing personal details with me.

Even though I wish she would.

“Valerie.” Her friend captures Valerie’s attention. The short woman’s eyes dart between us. “Is everything okay?”

“Of course. This is my boss, Carter.” She motions towards me. “Carter, this is my friend from college, Jennifer.”

Understanding illuminates the woman’s face.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Y-you, too,” Jennifer stutters, suddenly overwhelmed by my celebrity. She’s a small thing. No taller than five feet if I had to guess, though her heels make her look taller. I don’t know her, but I appreciate her willingness to check on Valerie’s well-being when I arrived. I’m glad Valerie has friends looking out for her.

“I knew it was you,” the guy who’d been hitting on Valerie speaks again. I’m annoyed when he moves into my line of sight and holds out his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, man. I’m John.”

The urge to be a dick and ignore him is strong, but I don’t want to risk causing a scene and ruining Valerie’s evening.

I take the man’s hand, pleased to see the guy grimace when I squeeze a little tighter than necessary. “Thanks.”

John nods and pulls his hand back when I release him. He flexes his fingers. “You played a great game the other night.”

“Thanks.” I look back at Valerie and her friend, uninterested in having a conversation with him.

The women have their heads tilted toward each other, speaking quietly. I wait patiently for them to finish.

From the corner of my eye, I see John exchange a look with his friend. He clears his throat.

“How about that dance, Valerie?” He extends a hand, uncaring that he’s interrupted the girls’ conversation.

Valerie looks at John in surprise and then immediately glances at me.

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