Page 54 of Fauxmance

"It totally depends," Vivian said.

"And Magnolia has great taste."

"Okay!" I hopped up, eager to escape that table and any talk of red lobsters. "I think it'salmost time for the bridesmaids-groomsmen dance. You girls should go get ready."

"What about you?" Izzy said.

"Well, considering I don't have a partner, I guess I'll just sit and watch and cheer you guys on."

"Man, I hate Sean," she muttered.

"Funny," Hayden said, "I haven't even met the guy, and I do, too."

"It's fine. Really," I said.

"No, it's not." Hayden stood from his chair and held out a hand. "Can I have this dance, Magnolia?"

Heat singed my cheeks as the girls and Mom looked on with fascination.

"Hayden, I'd love to," I said, "but this is a specific type of dance. Jas wanted something special for her wedding. We all had to take class."

"What style is it?" he asked.

My lips lifted in a slight smile. "You won't know it."

"Try me."

"It's a tango," I said. "Not exactly common knowledge for people our age."

Hayden lifted a brow and offered his hand again.

I took it without further comment, following in his wake and letting him lead me to the dance floor. Several sighs were heard as we walked away, but I didn't look back. This could end so badly. I was caught between being relieved we were away from the others, nervous about what Hayden might be thinking and worried that he wouldn't know the steps to the dance.

As he turned to face me, I said again, "Hayden, seriously, you don't have to do this."

"I know," he said. "But as a red lobster, I feel it’s my duty to show you I'm more than just a pretty face."

Shaking my head, I couldn't hold back a smile. "You just called yourself pretty. Again."

Hayden nodded. "I don't know if anyone's ever told you this, Maggie. But it's good to give yourself compliments every now and then. You should try it sometime."

"I get that," I said. "Focusing on the positive, building up your own self-esteem, that sounds good. But sometimes it's hard to see the good in yourself, easier to see it in other people."

His hand slipped around my waist, and as he drew me closer, my breath caught.

"True," he said. "Besides the devastatingly good looks—"

I giggled at that.

"—and decent dance skills, I don't have much to offer. I can think of about a million compliments to give you, though."

Swallowing, I said, "I think you can add charming to that list."

Hayden was shaking his head as the music began, the intro sultry with guitar strings ringing through the space, but I was completely serious.

"Considerate," I went on, which was met with a scoff, "funny, and nice, too, though you try to hide it."

"Shh, Maggie. Don't you see I'm trying to dance with my fake girlfriend who's way toogood for me."

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