Page 130 of Secret Love

TRU

I hustle around Silver Hills Community Theatre a few nights later, arranging flowers in the vases set up in the lobby and making sure the dance programs for our recital are lined up neatly. When a few stray dancers giggle in a corner nearby, I turn with what I hope is a patient smile and herd them back to the area where they’re all supposed to be waiting.

Henley stops by to say hello to Cassidy and Audrey, and he kisses me on the cheek, which causes another round of titters throughout the room.

“You look so beautiful tonight,” he whispers in my ear.

I press my hands to my cheeks, trying to cool them down when he leaves. When I turn back to face everyone, I laugh at their wide-eyed expressions.

I overhear one of Audrey’s friends ask if her dad and Miss Tru are getting married and my heart overflows when Audrey says, “I hope so.”

Jacklyn stays out front to greet everyone, and when she comes back half an hour later, she looks around, beaming at all of us.

“The theatre is completely full,” she says. “Are you ready to go out there and dance your hearts out?”

“Yes!” Everyone cheers.

“Our special guests are sitting in the front row and they will come up on the stage right before the last song. Stay in your places and no talking during that time, so we won’t have any extra distractions. Okay?” she asks.

“Yes, Miss Jacklyn,” they sing.

I suppress my laugh and help everyone line up, and the evening gets underway.

It’s a magical night. When we get to the last piece, the dads, and in some cases, the moms, come up on the stage to dance with their kids, and I look at Henley to see how he’s doing. He smiles as Bowie moves into place to dance with Cassidy, and Rhodes goes to stand by Audrey.

My eyes fill with tears even though Henley appears to be fine. I wish it could be him up there with his girls.

When we knew he wouldn’t be able to do the dance, Rhodes offered right away. Cassidy had asked Alex to dance with her,but he said he had two left feet, so Bowie stepped in to fill Alex’s place.

The crowd is delighted to see their beloved football stars performing. The phones are lit up all over the place, recording. They dance to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and it’s flawless. Rhodes and Audrey are in the middle and they steal everyone’s hearts when he dips Audrey back. She’s laughing when he lifts her up and the audience erupts in applause. Henley wears a proud papa smile and snaps pictures along with the rest of the parents.

My cheeks hurt from smiling.

I chat with people on their way out and am standing with Elle, Calista, and Sadie when Henley and all five of the guys walk up. Cassidy and Audrey are in the center of them, getting doted on, and the photographer for the event motions for them to go stand in front of the winter wonderland backdrop for a photograph. Sweet smiles are snapped first and then silly faces, and when they’re done, Henley calls us over to take a huge group shot with them. Sadie moves next to Weston, and I move next to Henley. Elle and Calista stand on Rhodes’ side, and I don’t miss the tension that’s still between Elle and Rhodes. I really need to ask her what’s going on there.

Suddenly, a woman calls Elle’s name and we all turn to look at her. Elle steps out of the group and goes over to talk to the woman. A few more pictures are taken, but I keep watching Elle and the woman because it looks like Elle’s getting a stern lecture.

“Who is that?” I ask Calista.

“Lisa Harper, the cheerleader director of the Mustangs,” she says quietly.

Rhodes curses under his breath and then apologizes to the girls.

“That’s Lisa Harper? I’ve seen her at dance events before. I think she has a niece with the company. Is Elle okay?” I ask.

“It’s the stupid rules for the cheerleaders, I bet,” Rhodes says. “Elle’s not supposed to be at any event that we’re attending.”

“But she’s our family friend,” I say, confused. “Surely tonight doesn’t count?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he says. “It all counts.”

Elle has told us she’s not supposed to be seen with the players outside of team-sanctioned events, but with this being an event for Cassidy and Audrey, and her being my friend too, it never crossed my mind. And since she’s broken the rules already by being at our house before, I guess I didn’t think it really mattered.

“I hope she’s okay,” I say. “Can you keep me posted, Calista? I have to go make sure all our things are cleared out.”

She nods and I hug everyone, thanking them for coming.

Henley finds me a little later and leans against the doorframe as I grab my coat. When I walk near him, he clasps my hand and then lifts our hands up high as I twirl around.

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