Page 17 of The Second Dance

I stare in wonder.

She’s so fucking pretty. I really have to wonder what Bo’s dad was thinking letting this one go.

“He really thought Carl could intimidate us?” She shakes her head. “The stories I could tell you about that drunk asshole…”

I hold up a dress and she studies it. “This is gorgeous.”

“Try it on.”

“Me?” She shakes her head, turning away. But her gaze is drawn back to the pretty floral fabric. “It’s too short. Isn’t it?”

“With those legs?” I glance down at her yoga set. “It would be a crimenotto wear this dress.”

She grins. “Maybe I could try it on. Just for fun.”

“While you’re at it, try this and this.” I grab a few more dresses I’ve been ogling. They wouldn’t flatter my curves, but on a fit beauty like Heather? They’d stun.

“Thanks for taking me shopping.” She says as we make our way towards the dressing room at the back of the posh boutique. “You must think I’m pretty pathetic.”

“Absolutely not.” I hand her the dresses and she disappears behind a thick velvet curtain. “Any excuse to shop, Heather. Count me in.”

I hear a rustle of fabric on the other side. “But wait, how did you know who Marvin Warton was?”

I glance at a display of scarves. “He was my neighbor.”

She pushes the curtains back, scanning my face. I see the recognition dawning in her eyes.

Not wanting her to think the worst, I hurry on. “Bo and I were in the same class in high school.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Honestly? I didn’t put it together right away.” I look over her shoulder and we both study her reflection. “You’re buying this dress.”

“I’m too old to wear something like this.”

“How old are you?”

“Forty-six.” She coughs.

“That’s not too old. And you look amazing.”

She’s looking at her reflection, but her gaze is distant. “You went to school with my Bo.”

“Yeah. Sunday school, too.”

She smiles at me, warmth in her eyes. “He was always such a sweety.” She frowns. “I’m worried about him. I left him with his dad. If I could take him with, I would have. But he’s wanted to farm his entire life, and that means he’s stuck with his dad.”

“I think he’s doing okay.”

“I hope so.” She pauses. “Bo was the loyal one. When they were growing up, Chad was pretty obvious about preferring Cody. But Bo was the one who stayed. He’s got a big heart.”

I hand her another dress, wondering how we can change the topic.

My experience with Bo is obviously different from hers.

“I do miss Chad.” Heather says, treating me to a stream of consciousness. “But I couldn’t keep looking the other way.”

I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”

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