Page 64 of The Second Dance

“You heard about that?”

“It’s common knowledge, Andy. They printed it in the paper.”

My cheeks heat. “Shit.”

“You have to go.”

“I don’t want to, though.” I whine.

“Why not? It could be fun.”

“Not for me.” I glance over at her. “I just feel like they’re screwing with me, somehow. That ball’s for the who’s who and I am not a who.”

“You are too, Andy.”

I sigh. “My boss wants me to go. Says it will be good for the foundation.”

I leave out the part where the Thomas’s basically bought my crown. I don’t know what game Chad Thomas is playing, but I don’t want any part. Unfortunately, Ed expects me to play my part and then some. There’s a ginormous donation at stake.

“Think it’s too soon to fake a headache?”

“You should go, Andy. Don’t let them back you into a corner.” She tilts her head. “Have you thought about what you would wear?”

I flop back, staring at the ceiling. “I have a purple bridesmaid gown I could probably squeeze back into.”

“A bridesmaid gown? No.” She puts her hand on my shoulder. “Andy? No. I used to help with catering for this event. These rich farmers take this seriously. I know they’re normally jeans-to-a-wedding sort of people, but this is legitimately a black-tie event. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself.”

I turn my head, resting my cheek on the cushion. “Okay, what do you suggest?”

“Funny you should ask.” She grins, hopping up. Disappearing into her room, she returns with a garment bag.

I sit up, watching her peel the bag back.

“No.”

“Just hear me out.”

I climb to my feet, staring at the gold dress hanging from its hanger. “Where did you get that?”

“I stopped by your dad’s earlier. He was the perfect partner in crime.”

I stare at her. “I can’t wear that.”

“Why not?”

My mouth hangs open. “You know why.”

She carefully lays the dress on the couch. “It caused a stir last time, but that’s kind of the point.”

“Caused a stir? Whit, they were making fun of me. You heard it yourself.”

“I heard them talking about the dress.” She says slowly, reluctantly meeting my gaze. “That night… I was just upset to hear those guys talking about you like that. But looking back, I think I might have been a little too innocent.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The things they were saying, it wasn’t exactly bad. Just overtly sexual. At the time, I was scared for you. And morally offended.”

I stare at her. “What exactly did they say?”

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