Page 51 of Texas Daze (Texas Montgomery Mavericks)

Another laugh from the dance floor had his teeth gritted. He stood and grabbed Delene’s hand. “Dancewithme.”

She looked with surprise and then a smile slowly crossed her lips. “Okay, Doctor. Let’s give my friend a taste of her ownmedicine.”

He led them onto the dance floor in time for a slow, crooning Tim McGraw song. Putting an arm around her waist, he held her and began to move. Delene rested her hands on his shoulders and looked intohiseyes.

“Came back to claimyourgal?”

“Maybe, or maybe I left some stuff here when I left and need to ship it toNewYork.”

Delene laughed. “You’re as bad as she is. Both of you a couple ofliars.”

“Thatobvious,huh?”

“Eli, if this dance is supposed to make her jealous, you need to step upyourgame.”

“What doyoumean?”

Delene slid her arms from his shoulders to around his neck. “Hold me closer like I wasMarti.”

He pulledherin.

“Better. Now smile. You look like you’re on a deathdance.”

He laughed, and when he did, Marti’s head jerked in his direction. Her lips pressed into a firm,straightline.

“Oh, dear.” Delene chuckled in his ear. “My friend does notlikethis.”

Eli pulled her tighter. “You’re a goodfriend.”

“To bothofyou.”

“Yes, you are. Was she as miserable asIwas?”

“I don’t know. Were you mopey, bitching, and impossible tolivewith?”

“I think I might have heard the phrase sonofabitch one ortwice.”

Shesnorted.

“I really miss her, Delene. What canIdo?”

“I don’t know. If you’re thinking sweet talk her into moving to New York City, I don’t think that’ll work. She hates crowds. Loves wide open spaces. She’d not made for New York. I mean, I know some people love it there. She wouldn’t. You might could talk her into moving, but she wouldn’t behappy.”

“And if she’s not happy, I’m not going to be happyeither.”

“Exactly.”

He sighed and let his mind wander. “You’re saying I have to move here for her to behappy?”

“No. Not at all. But, and think about this, maybe you aren’t meant to be together. Maybe you had fun, even developed some feelings for each other, but in the long run, you are two ships that pass in thenight.”

“No.” His voice was forceful. “You’rewrong.”

She shrugged. “Maybe so, but I don’t see this working. You work in New York. She lives in Texas. Each of you are where you want to be.” She kissed his cheek. “I love Marti and want her to be happy. But New York isn’t the answer.Sorry.”

They made their way back to the table of friends. Marti had taken a seat between Chad and Zack, as though flanked by her two guards. Eli pulled back a chair for Delene and took the one nexttoher.

“So, how’s New York?” Chad asked. “Bet you love it. All those single ladies just lookingforlove.”

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