Page 14 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

“Wait, what’s she doing in the Cities?”

“She went away with Peter for a few days. I forgot the name of the place, but it’s that town in California where she grew up.”

“She … I …”

My breaths came faster, and I couldn’t speak. I was Hazel’s assistant. Why didn’t I know she’d gone away? And why had she contacted Jeff about this today, not me?

“She didn’t tell you?”

“Uh, you know, I probably just forgot. My attention was somewhere—” The second the words were out, I wanted to take them back. So much for not looking flighty all the time.

He rolled his eyes. “Figures. I just hope you can maintain your focus throughout this project.”

“I can, and I am,” I said through clenched teeth.

But I was dying inside as I pivoted to face the window. Why didn’t Hazel tellmesuch things? It wasn’t just this instance either—this had become a pattern with her. When she’d been stuck in Peter’s house during a blizzard for four days, I didn’t even hear from her once. When he’d been in the hospital a few weeks later, I had to hear it from Mari. And those were just the very recent examples.

Why would you expect any different? You’re just not the kind of person people share things with. You’re not friends with her.

Taking a long but shaky breath, I tried to block out thedevastation pouring over me.

This was nothing new. It was the story of my life. I took another slow breath and raised my chin. Determined not to show any weakness in front of Jeff, I spun around with a resolute expression—

OUCH.

I slammed into a hard, unforgiving surface and bounced back, landing on my heels as a larger hand reached out to clasp my upper arm.

We stood frozen for a moment before I hastily walked back two more steps, and he let my arm go. I stared at him and opened my mouth, but no words came.

“Are you all right?” He looked genuinely concerned, his brow furrowing deeper than usual. “Your chin—I think it collided with my shoulder.”

My hand flew to my chin, and a gasp escaped my mouth. “Uh, yeah, that really hurts. But I think it wasyouwho ran into me.”

His concern evaporated, and he shook his head. “You may have a nice big bruise tomorrow.”

I scowled. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”

His face twisted into an expression I didn’t recognize, and then he shook his head again. “Well, it seems like you’re OK.”

“No thanks to you,” I muttered, lightly patting my sore chin, which hurt to even touch.

“I heard that,” he said, having already turned back toward the door.

I reluctantly followed him out of the room. “We should head out and reschedule this visit after Hazel’s back. Or just tell her it’s not worth seeing. There’s a reason this building hasn’t been used in years.”

He turned back to me briefly before marching toward the other side of the central admin desk. “No need. We can send her notes.”

I wanted to object, but he was walking so fast I couldbarely keep up.

We entered the first office on the other side, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the large window with a view of the town square.

“What is it with you and windows?” Jeff said, eyeing me quickly before unlocking his phone.

I took a long moment to savor the surprisingly nice view and then replied, “Most people appreciate a nice view, Jeffrey. If you don’t, you’re the odd one.”

Who are you?

Where is Roxy?

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