Page 50 of Faking It with my Billionaire Grump

“Sure, I can. I have eyes in my head. I watched you guys dancing earlier, and I’m telling you, he still loves you.”

I shake my head. “I think you’re seeing what you want to see, Mel. He’s just helping me out. That’s all.”

Greg turns and brings us into their conversation then, and our private discussion is over. The four of us continue to talk for a little while longer until Jake turns toward an announcement on the stage.

Billy Shipton, Baskington’s resident band leader, addresses the crowd. “And now, guys and gals, it’s time for our annual hoedown showdown. We need all the gals on the left and all the guys on the right. Let’s see who can win the trophy this year.”

I shouldn’t be surprised. This competition between the men and the women has been going on since before I was born. It’s a long-held tradition, and I smile as I watch the excited townsfolk head to the dancefloor.

“Are you coming?” Jake says, holding out his hand.

“You want me to…?”

“You did it every year you were here,” he replies.

“Go on,” Mel encourages. “You have to go.”

Greg is nodding alongside his wife, and then I take Jake’s hand and let him lead me to the dancefloor.

“And look, we have our newlyweds here to join us,” Billy announces from the stage.

A great whoop goes up from the crowd, and my face blazes bright red. I throw a playful scowl up at Billy, who grins and gives me a huge wink.

Mom and Dad arrive on the dancefloor, and with a broad smile, Mom stands beside me. When we’re all in our positions, the music begins, and then the dancing starts. Of course, it’s“Cotton-Eyed Joe.” It has been for as long as I can remember, and when Billy counts in the beat, the whole barn comes alive.

The music is loud and fast, and with the thumping of everyone’s feet on the barn floor, the atmosphere is electric, with whooping and hollering as we go. We all move in time, like we’ve practiced this dance a thousand times, and I suppose, in a way, we have.

Joy rushes through me as memories of doing this year after year pulse through me, and in this very second, I’ve never felt more at home since I arrived back. This is the town I loved for so long. These are the people I grew up with. The people who would do anything for each other. The people who have known each other all their lives.

This is my home.

Later, when I breathlessly go to grab a drink, I meet a small group of women on my travels. They’re all smiling at me, and with their comments, they only reinforce my earlier thoughts.

“It’s so good to see you home, Tilly.”

“You and Jake always did make a wonderful couple.”

“Who knows?” Another of them smiles broadly. “Maybe you can make a go of it again.”

After thanking them, I make my way to the bar and order a couple of beers, and while I’m waiting, Jake arrives at my side.

“You haven’t lost it,” he says, grinning down at me.

“I think I could do that dance in my sleep,” I laugh.

The beers arrive, and I take a long draw. I’m super thirsty after that dance. But even as I’m halfway down the pint, I don’t stop. With a gasping breath, I slam the empty glass on the bar.

Jake is staring at me with wide eyes, and then we burst out laughing.

“I need the little girl’s room,” I announce. “I’ll be right back.

The bathrooms are in a separate building outside, and positioning myself in the line, I get into a conversation withthe other women waiting. Once again, my fears are allayed as I notice that, just like before, not one of them has a judgmental thing to say to me. All my worries of the town hating me were creations of my own imagination.

I’m heading back to the barn when I feel someone grabbing my arm. Spinning around, my eyes fly wide as I come face to face with Bryan.

“We need to talk,” he scowls, his fingers digging into my arm.

“Get off me,” I bark, pulling my arm away. “I have nothing to say to you. What are you even doing here? This is for townsfolk, not for outsiders.”

---