Page 84 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

We both laugh, and I love the sound of it. It’s the first time in days we’ve had a conversation, and even though it’s short, and mostly just fun, it gives me hope. Hope that I can someday convince her there’s something beyond Pride and Prejudice Park for us. Or, at the very least, that we can be friends. I’ll settle for that, if it’s all she’ll give me. But I hope it’s not all we’re meant to be.

Amelia makes a scoffing noise. “I don’t like that you two have inside jokes. It’s gross.”

I smile at Macey, and she smiles back.

“Well, then you should have come,” Macey says.

I walk over to the table to check out what they’ve ordered today, to find a few containers of pasta dishes and some breadsticks.

“Olive Garden?” I ask.

“Yep,” Amelia says. “Macey’s treat.” She lifts her head from the couch and shoots Macey a knowing smile—the kind that tells me there’s more going on here than I understand.

“Have some,” Macey says.

I grab a plate and load it up with food and then give a head bob toward Macey, who pulls her legs toward her to give me space on the couch, and I sit down.

Like the last time I watched this movie with them, I somehow find myself getting sucked into it. It could be that I appreciate the story more, now that I’ve reenacted it. Or it could be that this is the closest I’ve been to Macey in days, and I like the feel of her next to me. I’ve had to stop myself more than once from touching her.

“Hey, are they doing a country dance?” I ask, pointing to the TV as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth begin dancing at the Netherfield ball.

“It looks like it,” Macey says. Her smile, while reserved, has a bit of a spark to it.

I get up from the couch and hold out a hand toward her.

“What are you doing?” Amelia asks.

“Miss Elizabeth, might I request the honor of this dance?” I ask Macey, reciting the same line I said to her at the ball.

She gives me a confused look, her cheeks turning pink. “What?”

“Come on,” I say. “Let’s show my sister our skills.”

With some reluctance, Macey stands up, placing her hand in mine. We begin moving through the steps, though it’s not easy without other people to do it with. The gaps feel awkward—there’s no one to weave around or exchange partners with—but Macey catches on quickly, her laughter bubbling up as we do our best to make it work.

“You two look ridiculous,” Amelia says.

“Miss Bennet,” I say as we complete the final step, and I add a bow that makes Amelia roll her eyes.

“Mr. Darcy,” she replies, curtsying dramatically before breaking into laughter.

Something like hope fills my chest as I catch a glimpse of the Macey from last week—the one laughing and dancing with me at Pride and Prejudice Park. And I’m going to keep trying until I see her again.

MACEY

An email from Macey to her mom, Saturday, October 12, 12:13 p.m.

To:[email protected]

From:[email protected]

Subject:Update

Hi Mom,

I just wanted to let you know that I signed the lease for the apartment, and I’m moving in today. It feels good to finally have that settled, like I’m taking a real step forward.

I’ve been thinking about you a lot and hope you’re doing well. I’m glad to hear you’ll be out soon—I can’t wait to hug you.

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