Page 90 of A Game as Old as Time

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“Hailey?”

Shoot.

“I’m sorry I was---”

Juliana put up her hand. She clearly recognized why Hailey was so distracted.

“I totally understand. He looks good tonight.” She smiled and tipped her head toward Gunner.

Was I that obvious?

Hailey blushed and grabbed the bottom of her dress, crossing her legs.

But he does look---

“Well, I’ll tell you who else looks good tonight…” Bridgette interrupted.

“If you say my brother, I’m going to scream.” Juliana jutted out her jaw. “Look, you can do whatever you want. But just so you know, my brother is an idiot and---"

Bridgette slapped her gently on the shoulder.

“He is not an idiot!” She chuckled as she moved to the other side of the table. “Your brother is actually quite sweet, and he is really cute when we work together. He tries so hard, and he really is getting good at his part. I love that---”

Juliana cut her off with a noise of disgust.

“Please.” She inhaled slowly, clearly annoyed. “I don’t want to hear this about my meathead of a brother.”

Hailey could tell the moment Juliana spotted Andy on the dance floor.Her whole demeanor changed.

“However, since you seem to love talking about him, I guess I’ll just have to step aside. If you will excuse me.” Juliana stood and winked at Hailey. “I think it’s time I start working on my dance routine with that hot-looking candlestick over there.”

Hailey and Bridgette both laughed as she sprinted away.

“I’m pretty sure they have like a ten-second dance routine.” Bridgette sat down and put her elbows on the table.

If that!

Hailey giggled once more. The music was loud, and she took a second to collect herself with a scan of the giant gymnasium. She found Gunner again. This time, he was talking to his sister near the drink table.

I hope they are OK.

She had not yet had a chance to speak with him about last night. And while Hailey and Peyton had taken pictures together in the grove, most of their conversation had been about the amazing outfit Gunner’s sister had picked for tonight.

The dark blue dress was a perfect complement to her eyes, and the way she had her light brown hair done was so tasteful that Hailey momentarily second-guessed her own choice.

“You look very pretty tonight,” Bridgette said, grabbing a cup of punch she had set down on the table.

Me!?

Hailey nervously smoothed out the cotton tablecloth and smiled.

“Thank you, Bridgette. I love your dress. The purple is wonderful on you.”

Bridgette’s face flashed a light pink.

“Coming from you, Hailey, that means a lot.”

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