Page 98 of Secret Love

“We didn’t even have our boy West here to back us up. He’s got some great moves too.” I wink, and that sends them into another wave of laughter.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

ONE WEDDING

TRU

As much as I love teaching, and I really, really do, summer vacation is my favorite thing in the world. I love the liberty of knowing that I have the whole summer to do whatever I want. In the past, I’ve always had other jobs during this time. I've waitressed, I’ve worked retail, but this summer I’ve decided I'm going to at least enjoy a few weeks with nothing. Maybe I'll get a job, but my house payment is reasonable. I'm getting paidenough to cover that andnotwork beyond the dance studio during the summer, and I really like spending the days with Earl or Henley…when he's not at practices. He’s actually at practice most days now and exhausted if he stays up too late, so the occasional day off that I have with him is precious time.

I’m continuing to tutor Cassidy throughout the summer. I want her to feel confident when she goes back to school in the fall. She’s improved so much and works hard to implement the strategies I’ve shown her to try when she struggles.

The next Saturday when Henley’s dropped off the girls after dance, he talks me into going to Starlight Cafe. I’m hesitant because we still haven't told the girls, but he insists there’s no harm in eating together.

“The girls had lunch plans with Bree and Alex today. They’re busy. And you’ve gotta eat, my sweet…tiny dancer.”

He turns those big brown eyes on me, and combined with that hopeful smile of his, I just can’t resist.

We sit at a corner booth in the back, scrunched together in the center and closer than we should be, but again…I can’t seem to resist anymore. A pile of food is spread out in front of us. We’re sharing pancakes, a Greek omelet, and a fruit platter, and enjoying every bite, when he freezes.

“Okay, don't panic,” he says, “but Bree and Alex and the girls just walked in.”

“Are you kidding me? The one time I decide to go out with you in public and this happens?” I laugh incredulously, but I feel like crying.

“It'll be okay. Don't worry,” he says.

He reaches out to squeeze my knee and then waves at them. They come over, hugging him and looking at me. Curious but friendly gazes. I can work with that.

“Hi, Miss Seymour,” Gracie says first, and Cassidy and Audrey say hello as well. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Just getting a late lunch…or is this an early dinner?” Henley says.

“I didn't know you come here after dance,” Gracie says to me.

“I don't usually, but I decided to today.” I smile at her. “I love their pancakes any time of day.”

“Metoo,” Audrey says.

Cassidy grins. “Same.”

Okay, so far so good.

I've met Alex before, occasionally he picks up the girls from dance with Bree. He’s a nice guy.

“Congratulations. I heard about the engagement,” I say to him and Bree.

“Thank you.” Bree smiles and holds up her ring finger, waving it. “It's official,” she sings.

“I’m really happy for you guys,” I tell her.

“I appreciate that,” she says, and she looks pointedly at Henley. “We’rehappy to see you guys here together too. Aren't we, girls?”

She bumps Cassidy's arm and Cassidy startles and then rolls her eyes at her mom, but she’s smiling.

“Yeah…yes.” Cassidy looks at me and then her dad. “Yes, I am happy to see you guys here together.”

“Really.” Henley looks too pleased for words. “I’m glad to hear that. I didn't want to steal any of the engagement thunder the other night, but I was hoping to talk to you all about it then, the fact that I’d like to see Miss Seymour a whole lot more.”

Cassidy snorts. “Do you really call her Miss Seymour?”

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