Page 104 of Forbidden Hearts
“I’m sorry, Phoebe, really I am,” Joey says as I’m standing on the dance floor at the firehouse.
“You promised!” I look and sound ridiculous, but I can’t do this without a partner. The rules are very clear, and Lord knows Mayor Sutton will not bend them.
“I know, and I would’ve done it, but I’m dating Melinda now, and since she’s my girlfriend, I should dance with her.”
I groan. Freaking Melinda. “You’ve been dating for, like, two minutes.” Not to mention, she’s over there, running her finger down Asher’s chest.
Ugh, I hate her.
However, Asher removes her hand, gives her a quick bow of his head, and then walks away. Ha. Take that.
Not like she can’t be all over him in a few weeks. Whatever, not going there. No, right now, I am partnerless and this dance-a-thon is about to start.
“You know how she is.”
“No, Joey, I really don’t. What I do know is that you totally screwed me. My father demands that I dance in this thing because I win every year and Run to Me needs this. I have to have a partner.”
Austin walks by, and I grab his arms. “You, you have to save me.”
“Save you?”
“Yes, I saved you at the bar, and now you have to be my partner.”
Austin looks to Joey. “Officer McNair is your partner.”
“No, apparently not.”
“Sorry, Phoebs, I can’t. I’m already partnered up. My publicist says this is good for my image, so I signed up weeks ago and made a hefty donation.”
I groan. “I’m so screwed.”
“Are you registering, dear?” Mrs. Cooke asks.
“I don’t know.”
“Time is almost up to do it.”
I’m aware.
Olivia waves at me.“Are you ready?”
I shake my head.“No, Joey bailed on me. I don’t have a partner.”
She pouts her lips.“You have to dance. You always win.”
“I know, but there’s no one left.”
Everyone else paired off weeks ago. Stupid me for not having a backup. I search around the room for someone, anyone, who doesn’t have a partner. My dad is here, and while it’s meant to be for fun and charity, if I get stuck with him, we’ll be out by hour three. Stamina is not really his forte.
I keep going, too young, too old, doesn’t wear deodorant . . .
I turn to ask Liv if she has any ideas, but she’s gone. Great.
“Phoebe, dear, are you registering?” Mrs. Cooke asks again.
“One minute, Mrs. C.”
“Are you okay?” Ellie asks as she puts her hand on my shoulder.
