Page 53 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“Your brothers are far too good-looking for their own good,” Lil whispered to Zoe.

“That may be, but they are really annoying.”

“If I can have your attention, please!” Tripp Lyntacky called through the microphone.

“What? No dancing?” Lil asked as she spun in a circle seeking answers from anyone passing.

“We need to pay our respects to my aunt Shelly,” Tripp added.

Lil squealed as the grapevine twist started.

“You did that.” Sawyer jabbed his finger at Lil. “You willed it to happen.”

“There are too many of us. I’ll go find another group,” Zoe said. “Look after my friend,” she added.

“Plenty of room here, honey.”

“I’d rather dance with a rodent,” Zoe said to Beau Keller. Moving on, she joined a group with Red and Dee Heckler, Dr. Hannah, and Ally, who she’d not seen disappear from where the family was gathered. “How come you’re not with your dad?”

Ally’s eyes went to the tall, gangly boy in their group holding Dee’s hand.

“Ah, it all makes sense. Is he your boyfriend?” Zoe whispered.

“No.” But the color in her niece’s cheeks told her differently.

Oh, to be so young and innocent again, she thought. Right now, she felt at least ninety.

“JD! Hey, we have room here,” Ally called.

You have got to be kidding me.The more she tried to avoid that man, the more she saw him. Zoe kept her expression calm.

“I’m not feeling like dancing. I have a sore head,” he said.

“You got a doctor’s cert?” Dr. Hannah asked. “Because I don’t remember writing one.”

“Problem?” Uncle Asher wandered up.

“I have a headache, so that should exempt me, right?” JD said.

“I mean, he is from the city, so….” Dee let her words trail off.

“He’s probably soft, honey. Is that what you didn’t say?” Red added.

“Get in that line, boy, or I’m arresting you,” Uncle Asher said.

“Well, f—fark,” JD said, noting Ally was there and the Heckler boy. He then took Zoe’s hand in a hard grip.

“Good man.” Uncle Asher smiled. “Enjoy your dance, folks.”

“Wait. What? He doesn’t have to dance?” JD demanded.

“He’s upholding the law. It’s the way of things,” Red said as they started moving.

“How’s your verruca, Red?” Dr. Hannah said as she led the dancers in a circle, leaving JD and Zoe standing like awkward statues waiting for their turn.

“Great, thanks, Doc. Those plasters burned that sucker right off.”

Zoe looked at Lil, who was being directed by Ryder in the next group. He had his hands on her hips, and her friend was laughing. There was at least one person who was happy.

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