Page 48 of The Way We Win

Aunt Dylan… I’m encouraged by the ease with which he says it.

“He’s just jealous you got to hug all over Mia before she graduated.”

“Mom!” He snorts, putting a hand over his nose.

“It was very sweet of you to help Dylan, and you were really good. I think she has a video of your performance somewhere.”

“YouTube.”

“What?” My brow lowers.

“It’s on YouTube. Everybody’s seen it.” I want to know more, but he’s at the door. “I gotta go, but I’ll show it to you on our date.”

“Speaking of dancers, Sadie’s joining the drill team.” I give him a little nudge. “She seems like a sweet person.”

He smiles sheepishly, and I hold up my arms for a hug. Leaning down, he gives me a brief squeeze.

“I’m really proud of you.” I tug the side of his hair. “Have fun tonight.”

“You too.” He straightens, going to the door. “And if you want to dance with Coach Jack again, that’s okay with me.”

“Oh, is it?”

“He seems like a sweet person.” Our eyes meet for a second, and a sly smile crosses his lips.

Then he’s out the door, leaving me shaking my head. That boy might look like he’s not paying attention, but he doesn’t miss a thing.

“After last week,we’re going easy on you tonight, bringing back a spicy fave.” I’m on the chair, reading Dylan’s warning to the line of daring customers. “Spicy pepper refried beans with habañeros…”

A noise of approval ripples through the crowd, but Oliver Duck makes a face.

“That’s three steps down from Pepper X, which we now know is the hottest pepper in the world.” Sliding my finger up the screen, I continue Dylan’s note. “We’ve got all the usual to ease the burn, and I have a special bottle of pure capsaicin for you to put on your serving, Oliver Duck. Oh…”

Blinking up, I see his frowning face and Dylan’s crossed arms, and I snort a laugh. “Let’s go!”

Craig immediately cues up “Burning Down The House” by The Talking Heads, and we dish it out as fast as customers can take it.

The party is getting started, and I scan the room between each person looking for Jack. I don’t see him anywhere, but if I ask Dylan, she’ll nail me for it.

I know who’ll tell me. “Is Kimmie watching the boys play pool?”

I hand out a cup of ice cream, smiling at the familiar local.

“I think so.” Dylan scoops out another serving of spicy refried beans. “She’s spending the night with me tonight, since Jack won’t be here.”

My stomach sinks at that information. “Is everything okay?”

“I think so.” She nods, smiling at another familiar patron. “He said he had some stuff to take care of before tomorrow.”

I hand out the last ice cream cup completely deflated. He’s been avoiding me all week, and I’d hoped, maybe we might dance together again. Maybe we’d even walk outside, and who knows what else might happen. I was hoping we might do more than last time.

“That’s it!” She covers the pot, and I help collect the serving utensils and the tip jar.

We walk to the kitchen, and I don’t feel like partying. I don’t feel like dancing.

“I might head on home now that we’re done. I’m kind of tired myself.”

“You sure?” She frowns at me, but Logan walks into the kitchen to wrap his hand around her long ponytail and pull, tilting her head back to kiss her. “Hey, honey.”

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