Page 80 of More Than a Good Friend

“Want anything, Luke?”

“A hot dog if you can find one.”

As the two of them walk away, Gabby moves her hands as she talks, and I’m hoping she keeps my secret. If Goldie finds out Gabby is my cousin, it will only complicate things. Eventually, I’ll have to admit the truth. But I’m not ready yet.

At least I’m situated where I can see them.

Luke glances over his shoulder. “Goldie’s great. And when I told her I was moving, she was so understanding.”

“Moving?”

“I figured she’d already mentioned it. We aren’t dating anymore. I’m moving to Tennessee soon. It’s a great job opportunity, and it’s closer to my family. Lots of good reasons to make that change.” He taps the table. “I came today just as her friend, and I also wanted to be able to see you and Gabby one more time.”

In my head, Tandy’s voice is repeating, “Use your words.”

“I hope things go great for you in Tennessee. And Goldie is great. More than great, actually.” I take a deep breath and scan the crowd. The number of people seems to have doubled in the last two minutes, and I can’t see Goldie and Gabby. Looking at feet, I search for red boots, hoping Gabby and Goldie are still together.

I stand, continuing my search. “It’s getting crowded.”

Goldie is walking back to the table, carrying two orders of nachos. Gabby is still waiting near the hot dog truck.

A group of teens, who are running through the crowd, slam into the back of Goldie. Her eyes wide, she tips forward. She’s going to face-plant into the asphalt.

And I can’t get to her fast enough.

Now I know what she means when she talks about the heart going thumpity-thump.

CHAPTER29

GOLDIE

Eyes squeezed closed, I struggle to get up. Pain radiates from the bridge of my nose, and people are closing in around me. Today wasn’t embarrassing enough, I guess. Now I’ve made a spectacle of myself.

“Are you okay?”

“What happened?”

“She’s hurt!”

Voices I don’t recognize are shouting, and I try to calm people down with a wave of my hand. “I’m fine.” That’s a lie, but I just need people to back up.

“Miss, I’m sorry. We were running and didn’t see you.” Some kid sounds like he’s about to cry.

“It’s okay.” I shift to a sitting position.

“Somebody figure out who she’s with.” Another kid sounds a little panicked.

“She’s mine.” Dag’s voice is deep and commanding. And then he makes a noise that sounds a lot like a growl. “And it’s not okay. You hurt her.”

Dag has never been this protective, so clearly, I’m hallucinating. My eyes are closed, and I can’t see anything, so maybe hallucinating isn’t the right word. I can only hear him. Are auditory hallucinations a thing?

“I think I’m fine.” Eyes still closed, I reach up, hoping Dag will grab my hand and help me up. Instead, his arms slide underneath me, and I’m lifted off the ground.

Now I know I’m not okay. I’ve either died and gone to heaven or the impact caused a temporary delirium. I might ask the paramedics if there is a way to extend this sort of thing.

“I’ve got you. We’ll get you to the medical tent. They can make sure you don’t have a broken nose or a concussion.” His voice is calm and soothing.

Is it possible that I’m not dreaming all this up?

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