Page 2 of Heart in Waiting
That had to be a joke—he wouldn’t call what he’d done with Nolan anything near to fun. “Not until now.” After their dance, he’d make a quick exit and avoid his awful brother. Even if he had another altercation with him, he’d be all right. He’d gotten what he came for, and that was all that mattered.
“I’m glad you came,” Reese told him. “I thought you wouldn’t. Everyone should go to their prom even if it’s for a few moments. High school doesn’t last forever, and some of the memories will be even more appreciated as we get older.” Her lips tilted upward into a warm smile. “Or so I’m told.”
“I suppose you’re right.” At least in this one instance. “But high school hasn’t exactly been pleasant for me. I’m anticipating graduation and never looking back.” Some things were best forgotten, and the years of hell at Shelton Academy were at the top of his particular list.
“I’m sorry for that.”
“Why?” he asked. “You’re not responsible.”
“I know.” She frowned. The music continued to float around them as they swayed to the beat. “But I’m sorry all the same. I hope that, in time, things won’t be so hard for you.”
“It’s fine.” An uncomfortable sensation took root at the center of his stomach. “I have a plan, and one day none of this will matter.”
“That’s good.” Her face nearly lit up when she smiled. “I want to help people, and I am going to be the best doctor in the whole state. Having a plan set in place is going to help me achieve that, so I’m especially glad you have one too.”
“Why?” he couldn’t help asking. “What does it matter what I’m going to do with my life?”
Her smile faltered a little. “Because I see you and how hard you’re working at the diner—you might not think any one notices, but I do. No one should have to be as tired as you are this young. Someday I pray it’ll be easier for you.”
“Don’t,” he replied. “When it gets easy then things will surely fall apart. I’m all right—I promise.” He didn’t want her worrying about him or his future. “Concentrate on your goals and be that amazing doctor you have planned. Maybe one day we’ll cross paths again and we can compare notes.”
“That would be wonderful, and I’m going to hold you to it.” The strands of music started to dissipate. “But it’ll take me a little longer than you since I don’t graduate for a couple years. Don’t forget about me while you’re off achieving your dreams.”
“I’d never do that.” How could he ever forget about her? “The song ended. I suppose I should escort you back to your date.” He wished he didn’t have to, but reality had a way of creeping in when he least wanted it to.
“I can find my own way. Thanks for the dance.”
“It was my pleasure.” A lump was forming in his throat again. He hadn’t anticipated how hard it would be to let her go. She nodded at him and headed toward her boyfriend, not once turning to look back at him. Dane envied her boyfriend more than he could ever say. To have the benefit of being with her—to openly love her... His heart would be forever waiting for her to claim it, and he was afraid she never would.
