One to Love (One to Hold 4)

“Thanks,” I said and smiled.

We couldn’t really talk over the music, so we just danced. I thought about what Mrs. Clarkson said about my heart versus my head. I thought about my conversation with Patrick today and my feelings last night with the box. I thought about my feelings right this minute, and I realized I didn’t feel a thing—no guilt, no fear. Sorry, Gabe, still no attraction, but it didn’t matter. It was over! I wanted to laugh and spin around. I was free!

Tonight, I wasn’t Blake’s widow or the runaway who’d taken a chance on love and lost. Or even the careless dropout who’d gotten drunk and pregnant with a guy she didn’t love. I was just a girl in a silly club dancing with a cute, shy, inked-up mechanic.

The song changed to a faster tempo, and everyone started jumping around us. Brian walked up and tried to dance with Elaine, but she left the floor, going back to where Melissa sat. I didn’t care, I wanted to jump around, too. It was like a celebration in a way. I was enjoying myself, and I wasn’t buried in an avalanche of guilt. I was dancing again, and I loved it.

Gabe’s smile grew bigger, and we twisted around in front of each other, occasionally bumping hips. At some point, he caught my wrist and pulled me closer.

“Would you go out with me Friday?” His dark eyes glowed with interest, and I hated what I had to tell him—he’d done such a great job losing his shyness.

I made a wistful face. “I’m so sorry, Gabe, I live in Bayville.”

His brow creased. “What?” He shouted over the music.

“Bayville!” I said louder in his ear. “It’s in New Jersey. I’m only visiting.”

Leaning back, our eyes caught, and the side of his mouth went down. I shrugged and then leaned forward again. “But you’re really cute. Thanks for dancing with me.”

The song was ending, and he caught my chin before I pulled away. “You’re really beautiful. Let me know next time you’re in town.”

Chewing my lip, I smiled and agreed before taking off back to our booth.

Elaine was swaying in her seat, and Melissa slid toward me. “He was really cute.”

I picked up my drink and polished off the last few sips, my whole body buzzing with happiness. “He really was. Too bad I’m heading home in the morning.”

We stayed an hour longer, dancing occasionally; Elaine and I having one drink more until Melissa called it. Her blue eyes were tired, and I remembered how the early days with babies were—exhausting.

I grabbed my bag just as Elaine swerved up with her margarita. “We’ve got to get you laid! What happened to Sage?”

I snorted then, and Melissa shouted over the music. “Gabe! And it’s time to head home.”

“What did I say?” Elaine looked at me confused.

“Sage,” I said, unable to stop laughing. I couldn’t help it—I was buzzed and giddy.

She laughed, too. “That’s not even close!”

Melissa gave us a push, and we made our way to the exit. An overwhelming feeling of freedom had me floating on air, and I held Elaine’s arm. “Thank you.” I could see her confused expression as I continued. “For being so cool about everything and so sweet to Lane and for taking me out. It’s been an amazing night.”

She shrugged, looking at her feet as we walked. “I love Lane. He’s Patrick’s baby boy.”

“I know, and it’s so cool. You’ve never been angry with me or resentful.”

Her lips tightened. “I was resentful. And pretty angry with you, too.”

I stopped walking, the high I’d just been on plunging straight into the gravel. She continued a few steps toward the car and then stopped when she realized I wasn’t with her.

Melissa cleared her throat softly, but didn’t say anything. I got the feeling she was waiting to see what might happen next.

“I-I’m so sorry.” I was such an idiot. Of course she hated me—I’d had Patrick’s baby and nearly broken them up. Now I had the nerve to show up unexpectedly at her house.

But she wasn’t finished. “Then after Lane was born, and you asked me to keep him, it was like everything changed.”

I studied her face, waiting, unsure what to say.

Her brow relaxed, and a tiny smile appeared. “Lane is the sweetest little thing, and he looks so much like Patrick. How could I not love him? It’s still hard sometimes, but I know Patrick loves me.”