Page 170 of Still Bruised
“Here it is,” Cathy said before handing the second badge over.
Foster took it and turned to carefully pin it on Jude’s sweater. He eyed the senior photo with the mass of dark hair tumbling over Jude’s leaner face. “Hey, I remember this guy.”
“I sometimes wish I didn’t,” Jude muttered.
Foster glossed over the comment, sure it was just nerves talking. He pressed the pin into the lock. “I feel like it’s prom night and this is your corsage.”
“Well, I never went to either prom, so I suppose this will have to fill that void.”
“Save a dance or two for me, hmm?” Foster said, lowering his hands.
“You can have them all,” Jude whispered.
“Have fun, guys,” Cathy said.
“Thanks,” Jude said, smiling at Cathy.
Foster nodded and smiled at her, thankful for the small gesture. He was sure it meant a lot to Jude.
Before they walked into the gym, he gazed at the man at the table—a huge guy who didn’t look familiar. His nametag said Jim Pulaski. Probably Cathy’s husband. He nodded and smiled before collecting Jude’s hand again. The band joined around them and headed for the entrance.
Ashley walked out before they could walk in.
Foster stiffened. There stood the other reason he hadn’t wanted to come.
Ashley looked the two of them over—their hands clasped—and her eyed went wide for a second. Her gaze locked on Foster’s.
“Hi.”
Foster sighed inwardly. “Hello.”
“I was wondering if you were going to show,” she said.
“Here I am,” Foster replied.
Jude squeezed his hand and rubbed the back of it with his thumb.
“I was hoping we might have a minute to talk?” Ashley said.
“We just got here,” Foster said. “Maybe later.”
Maybe never.
“Sure, sure,” Ashley said. “I’m sure you want to make the rounds and see who all is here. Come find me before you leave, if you can.” She gave their clasped hands another look before her gaze whipped to Jude’s.
She walked away, headed down the hallway, without another word.
“What do you think she wants to talk about?” Jude asked.
“No idea,” Foster replied. “She didn’t want to go to the last one. I was hoping she wouldn’t tonight, either.”
“And here we thought Jude was going to be the center of the drama,” Anton said. “Might be you,Fozzie.”
“I reallydohate that nickname,” Foster said to Anton.
“Which is why you never should’ve told me,” Anton said before grinning broadly before urging them all inside.
As soon as Foster and Jude walked in, hand-in-hand, half those in attendance turned to look their way. Whispers spread around the room. Roan and Mia sidled up on one side of them. Cary and Anton on the other.
