Page 40 of Bumping into You

“That was awesome,” says Trent.

I grin at Gwen as she comes and picks up her piña colada.

“Gwen, that was so great!” says Margot. “I never thought we’d get you to take the lead again.”

Gwen beams at her friends and shrugs. “Just felt like time, Iguess.”

Vivian, Tammy, and Bradley join our group. “We made it,” says Vivian, pulling a chair out next to her sister. “I was glad we caught yourMamma Mia!performance.”

“It looked so fun,” says Tammy, “that I signed Bradley and I up for a duet.”

Everyone nods politely, and then there is a beat of silence before Margot says, “I want to do another song. Come sing with me, Trent.”

“Alright, but there’s only one song I’ll do,” says Trent, then laughs.

“Ha,” says Margot, “I already knew you’d say that, and I put us on the list.” She grabs Trent’s arm and drags him toward the stage.

Trent doesn’t miss a beat as the piano chords start, and he sings “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Margot catches the chorus, and they’re off. Playing air guitar, hopping up and down, and walking around the stage as if they own it. Not as choreographed as the girls were, but clearly this is another regular for the group.

Catching Gwen’s eyes, I notice she seems a little down. Her smile says happy, but her eyes are far, far away from this bar.

“Let’s do a duet,” I whisper in her ear.

“Do you sing?” she asks.

“In my shower, mostly. But I’ve done karaoke with the guys before, back in college.”

She wrinkles her nose but then slowly nods in agreement.

“Cúla búla, I’ll get us signed up.” I hop up quickly before she has a chance to change her mind.

When I sit back down, Gwen leans over and asks, “So what song are we singing?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Hmm. . . . How do you know I’ll know it?”

“Everyone knows it. You will be fine. I promise,” I hold out my pinky to her.

Looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, she loops her pinky with mine, and we shake on it. “You better not let me make a fool of myself up there.”

“No worries, I’ll always have your back,” I say. “Plus, you’re too cute to ever appear foolish.”

She wrinkles her nose again as Trent and Margot make their way back to the table.

Next, Bradley and Tammy are up.

“This should be interesting,” adds Greg.

“Yep,” agrees Trent.

“Gwen,” says Holly, “we can head out if being around Bradley is making you uncomfortable.”

“I’m fine,” says Gwen. “I’m here to have fun and spend time with my friends. I’m not going to let Bradley ruin that.”

“Good for you,” says Margot.

“I’m so sorry again,” says Vivian, “for the misunderstanding.”

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