Misunderstandings (Woodfalls Girls 2)

Mom rode with us to the dance. We chatted the entire time, pausing only to give Justin directions to Jessup Park where the Spring Fling was being held. As he pulled into the gravel parking lot, I gasped in delight at the fairy-tale sight before our eyes. Many of the trees along the lake had been wrapped with thousands of twinkling lights, while white Japanese lanterns hung from the branches of other trees, swaying gently in the breeze. A large dance floor had been placed near the lake with dozens of tables and chairs scattered about. The residents of Woodfalls had gone all out.

“Brittni,” a loud voice boomed. I turned to greet my best friend.

“Tressa,” I mimicked her, throwing my arms around her. “Tressa, this is my fiancé, Justin. Justin, this is my best friend, Tressa.”

“I still owe you a knee in the nuts,” Tressa greeted him.

“Tressa,” I chastised, chuckling, despite myself.

“Would a punch to the arm work?” Justin asked, turning so his arm was close to her.

“Works for me,” she said, hauling off and punching with all her might.

I had to hand it to Justin, he barely grunted. I knew from past experience that Tressa’s sucker punches hurt.

“Now it’s nice to meet you,” she said, smiling at him. “You ever hurt my girl like that again and it’ll be a knee to the crotch, okay?”

“Sounds fair,” Justin said, draping an around my shoulders. “But I wouldn’t hold your breath. I don’t make the same mistake twice.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” She glared at him in her typical way to let him know she was serious before turning to me. “You won’t believe this, but the city council finally decided to spring for a DJ this year.”

“Shut up,” I replied. Woodfalls was steeped in tradition, which meant we were usually stuck with the musical stylings of the Johnson siblings each year. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they actually knew any songs from our generation.

“I know, right? I almost shit myself when I heard.” She was interrupted by her mom calling her to help carry a cake to the buffet table. “Oh, hell. I’ll be back when I’m done being Cinderella,” she complained before heading off.

“So, yeah, that’s Tressa,” I said, smiling wryly.

“I like her,” he said as another car pulled in.

“Hey, that’s Trent James,” I said, watching him climb out of the car. He looked like something right out of a computer lab. “What’s up, Trent?” I greeted him.

“Oh, hi, Brittni,” Trent answered, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Is Tressa here?” he asked, glancing around nervously.

“Yeah, she’s over by the gazebo,” I said, smirking as he looked flustered. “Do you want me to call her over here?”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll talk to her later,” he said, scurrying off.

“What’s all that about?” Justin said, taking in my smirk.

“Oh, nothing. Trent’s had a crush on Tressa forever, but she claims he’s too nerdy for her.”

“Should we join your friends?” he asked, linking his fingers through mine.

“You looking for more punishment?” I teased. “Woodfalls residents are an acquired taste.”

“I think I can handle it.”

Two hours later, I was pretty sure he wanted to eat his words. He’d been patted on the back, lectured, smothered in hugs and kisses, and even threatened again by Tressa, just for good measure.

“Told you,” I giggled as we slowly circled the dance floor.

“As long as you’re by my side, I’m good,” he said, dipping his head down to place a warm kiss on my neck.

“I’m never leaving again,” I said, admiring the diamond ring that sparkled on my hand.