Page 27 of Ocotillo Kisses
But when she turned back to the table, she immediately met Con’s gaze.
Chapter Eleven
Conhad decided he wasn’t going to let Britt’s presence force him to sit at home when he could be out with his friends. He hadn’t, though, expected to see his mother had joined his friends, and Britt appeared to be having the time of her life on the dance floor with some guy.
And then the song ended and she turned and looked right at him.
She hesitated, just for a moment, then stepped off the dance floor toward the table. She looked away, and went to sit by his mother, where he’d planned to sit.
Fine. He’d go grab a drink, then sit by Javi. Maybe a shot of whiskey with a beer chaser. Then he’d switch over to Cokes for the drive home. But right now he wanted to settle his nerves.
So, yeah, he took the shot while he was still at the bar, and returned to the table and sat by Javi, on the same side as Britt so he didn’t look at her, but damn if he didn’t feel her presence.
The band was pretty good. He was surprised, considering that it looked like Ginny’s grandpa was the baby of the bunch. Con waited for a slower song and walked down to his mom.
“Would you like to dance?”
His mom blinked up at him, her eyes wide. “Oh, I don’t know, sweetheart.”
“Come on, Mom. I know you love to dance.” He held a hand to her.
She tucked her lips together, considering, then put her hand in his. He let her lift herself out of the chair, and he matched her steps to the dance floor, where she moved to the edge, and into his arms.
“You’re a good boy, but you should be dancing with girls your own age.”
“Maybe later. Just want to dance with my mom right now. You having fun?”
“I’m sorry if it seems I shouldn’t be.”
“No, Mom, I’m not saying that at all.” For so many years she’d buried herself in guilt. He wondered how much of that was because of her dad, because she didn’t want him to think she wasn’t mourning their child. “I want you to have fun. I want you to enjoy your life. Please don’t think I don’t.”
“I just know it seems a little weird, me wanting to come out tonight, so soon after your dad’s funeral.”
“Mom. I know your true feelings. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. And I’m happy Britt thought to include you.”
“Well. I asked her, actually.”
