Page 125 of Flirty Dancing

“I’m Dr. Farag. Ms. Lamb is resting comfortably, and you may see her now.”

“We can?” Tears filled Archer’s eyes. “She’s okay?”

“It was likely heatstroke. Our tests show she was dehydrated, and her blood sugar and blood pressure were low. She might have been overdoing it in this heat for someone her age. She’s doing much better now and will be just fine.”

Archer sighed and pressed a hand to his heart, willing it to slow down. “Thank you, Doctor.”

They followed the instructions to find Eileen’s room. Archer pushed open the door and they crept in.

“Archer. Mateo,” Eileen said when she saw them, her voice thin. “Oh, what you must think of me. How embarrassing.”

“Shhh.” Archer leaned over to leave a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Don’t be silly. We’re glad you’re okay.”

Mateo bent to kiss her too. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re just relieved.”

Eileen sighed. “That’s getting old for you. No fun at all.”

“Did they say how long you’ll have to stay in the hospital?” Archer asked, rubbing her shoulder.

“Overnight for monitoring. What time is it?” she asked, squinting at the clock on the wall. “I’ve lost all sense.”

“It’s eight thirty,” Archer said.

She gasped. “Wait—the finale! You didn’t miss it, did you?”

“It’s fine,” Archer said. “It’s only a show.”

“You’re more important,” Mateo said, squeezing her hand.

“Well, that’s utter nonsense,” she grumbled.

Archer laughed. “Glad to see you’re back to your old self.”

Archer texted Betty on the drive back to let her know Eileen was okay, and Betty assured him that the show had gone well.Not as good as if you two had been here. But good!

Did Breckon Galloway like it?Archer asked.

I think so. He was talking with

Stewart after.

That’s great!

Drive safe. Come by the cabin when

you get back!

By the time they parked and found Mrs. C to return her keys, it was almost ten. But instead of the cabin, their feet took them toward the theater, sitting dark and silent in the still night.

“I can’t believe we missed it,” Archer sighed. After everything that had happened on that stage over the summer, the realization that he would never dance there again left a hollow ache in his chest.

“Yeah.” Mateo studied the old building, then turned to look at Archer. “You want to do it now?”

“What?”

“Come on.” He pulled Archer down the hill.

They giggled as they tiptoed in, grasping for a light switch.

---