Page 5 of In Your Dreams

The DJ begins to play a song I recognize as one I’m sure everyone is going to want to dance to, so I sit down my Coke as Theo and Garret head past me. I join them on the dance floor and step in line just in time for everyone to start moving. I used to think line dancing was for old people. But thanks to some updates and social media, it’s becoming popular again. I’m not nearly dressed for the part. My cowboy boots were left at home tonight, as was my hat. Those are for very specific, very special occasions and tonight didn’t feel like one of those nights.

The line of us clap, step, and move in unison, switching directions as we step in rhythm with the music and each other. I actually really like dancing, despite the notion being that men only slow dance or can’t dance at all. And speaking for the guys I know, that’s not true.

I twist my hips and turn so my back is facing the bathrooms which might be a good thing because I keep staring in that direction. I clap, throw my head back, and move my feet in unison with Theo and Garret trying my best to get lost in the moment.

As we twist back around, I catch sight of Poppy at the edge of the dance floor, a look of surprise playing across her features. She seems to be staring right at me but that might just be wishful thinking. She grabs her drink from the table, taking a long sip, her eyes wide. As the song plays on, she continues to glance in our direction.

When the song finishes, I give Garret and Theo some pats and hugs as we exit the dance floor. I make my way back over to where I left my drink. This isn’t the kind of place where you have to watch your drinks with hawk eyes, thank God.

“That was amazing,” Poppy says, stepping toward the table.

“Oh, thanks,” I say. “I actually really enjoy dancing.”

“I can tell,” she says.

I stare at her for a long moment as I take a sip of my drink.Just ask her. Just ask her.Fuck I can’t just ask her. Maybe I should address the divorce in the room first.

“So,” I say, dragging it out. “How are you doing now that you’re back here?”

“It’s been okay, still settling in really,” she says.

“But I mean how are you feeling?” I ask, attempting to express concern.

“Oh,” she sighs. “Do you want complete honesty or the polite and airy version?”

“Complete honesty,” I say, straightening.

“I’m overwhelmed. It’s not ideal for a grown woman to have to move back home. And having Aiden along for the messy ride is something I’d always hoped to spare him. I have no idea how involved his father plans to be but I feel like no matter what I’ll be attempting to compensate for that hole in his life. I haven’t had sex in a year. Who knows what dating after divorce is like. I barely know what dating is like at all. I met Wayne at such a young age. Then I think, am I even ready to date? My marriage was in shambles for a long time, I know I’m not harboring any residual feelings of love for my soon-to-be ex-husband, but is there an appropriate waiting period? I feel like shit for not being a presence in my friends’ lives after moving away. And did I mention I’m exhausted?” She asks.

Poppy looks up at me suddenly, realizing she’s just rambled on for too long. That’s probably more than she wanted to share with me.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” she says.

“I did ask for complete honesty,” I say, laughing. I smile at her, hoping to calm her embarrassment.

“That was so much more than I meant to say but it just started spewing out like word vomit and I couldn’t stop myself,” she says. “I think you have magical powers.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I haven’t said that much to anyone about it,” she says. “Not even my mother.”

A sense of pride swells in my chest. The thought that she was comfortable enough to share with me all these inner feelings makes me feel good as a human. “Well I’m glad you shared with me.”

“Yeah, me too,” she says. “I needed that.”

“I’m always happy to listen,” I say. “Anytime.” I put extra emphasis on the word, hoping she knows I mean it.

She smiles gently, placing her hand on my forearm. It looks like she’s about to say something just as Kelly Ann appears at her side, tugging on her arm and leading her away.

“We’ll chat later,” she says, waving at me as she’s being dragged away.

Goddammit. So close. Maybe. Sort of. I don’t actually know but it felt like I might’ve been.

CHAPTER FIVE

POPPY

It could possibly be in poor taste to ogle someone at yourwelcome-back-happy-birthday-sorry-about-your-divorceparty with a heavy emphasis on the divorce part, but I couldn’t help myself. Parker definitely isn’t the same guy I knew back in high school.

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