Page 116 of Flirty Dancing

They were cooling down after rehearsal early Thursday afternoon when the backstage door clanked shut and light feet trod up the stairs. Archer looked up at River’s gasp, then almost let loose a screech himself when he saw the figure entering the stage.

“Abby Hodge,” he said in disbelief, and in unison with at least four others. The last time he had seen her was on Lynn’s television screen at the Oscars in her midnight-blue Valentino gown. She was in blue again, loose linen shorts and tank top, graceful brown leather sandals, hair in a perfect, sleek bob, and lips bright red. She looked every bit the movie star. Archer snapped his mouth closed and tried to stop staring.

Abby’s eyes had already found Mateo.

Mateo stared back. “Abby,” he stammered. “You’re—What are you doing here?”

She smiled. “It’s nice to see you too.” Her tone was teasing, but her smile was uncertain.

“Right. Sorry, I—” He noticed the fifteen other peoplestaring at them. “Uh, this is Abby Hodge. Abby, this is… everyone.”

“Hi.” She beamed at them, her eyes sweeping the room. “Nice to meet you all.” Her gaze went back to Mateo. “Eva is actually a good friend of mine and she invited me to see the finale.” She shrugged. “I thought I’d surprise you.”

“I’m surprised.” They watched each other another few seconds, the silence deafening. “Well, I’m done here. Would you like to go grab that coffee?”

She nodded once, movie star smile back in place. “I’d love to.”

Mateo quickly gathered his things and led Abby back toward the steps. His eyes met Archer’s on the way by.

Good luck, Archer mouthed at him.

Mateo nodded, shoulders tense.Thanks, he mouthed back.

Archer sent them all the good vibes he could muster as they disappeared down the steps.

When Archer came back early for the six o’clock show, Mateo and Abby were sitting together at the piano in the greenroom. Abby was slowly teasing out the right hand of a piece Archer didn’t recognize.

“There he is,” Mateo said when he saw Archer come in. He stood. “Abby, this is Archer. Archer, Abby.”

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Archer said, shaking her hand. “You’re so talented.”

“Thank you, Archer. You are too, from what I hear. Mateo hasn’t shut up about you the whole day.”

Mateo gave an indignant gasp while Archer grinned. “Is that so?”

Mateo poked Abby. “You said we were cool!”

Abby laughed. “We are. But I had to get one shot in.”

“Fair enough.” They shared another smile.

“Well.” Abby stood, too. “I’ll leave you two to get ready for your show. I can’t wait to see it.”

“I hope you aren’t expecting too much—”

“Oh hush, Mateo. If you’re involved, I know it’s amazing.” She hugged him. “Maybe you two can stop by my cabin for a drink tomorrow?”

Mateo nodded. “We’d love to.”

“It was nice to meet you, Archer.” She swapped cheek kisses with Archer and slipped from the room.

“So? It went well?” Archer asked the second the back door closed.

Mateo slumped onto the piano bench like his legs were about to give out. “Really well,” he breathed. “Really, really well. We talked for hours. I’d forgotten what a great friend she is.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Archer said, sitting next to him and pulling him in for a hug.

Hugging Mateo was so easy, even easier than dancing with him, the way their bodies melded together so perfectly. Archer never wanted to let go.

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