Page 121 of The Dance

“I know,” I sighed. “But you know my mom throws a 4thof July party every year. I really want you to come.”

“I’ll come next year. Promise.” He kissed me quickly. “Now go before you get stuck in traffic.”

“All right, but video call me tonight when you get home.”

“I will, baby. I love you. Drive safe.” He kissed me again.

“Love you too.”

* * *

By the timeI got to my mom’s house in San Antonio, her street was packed with cars. I wasn’t joking when I told Blake my mom held a 4thof July party every year. She went all out, considering she lived in a rural area. She invited everyone she knew, had my uncle man the grill, and every kid probably peed in the pool.

Stepping out of my car, I left my bag inside, planning on getting it after the party once things quieted down. As I walked down the road, I saw a familiar Tesla parked up ahead. It couldn’t be. Why would my mother have invited Eddie? And why would he come?

Rubbing the back of my engagement ring with my thumb, I made my way through the yard and toward the backyard where the party was being held. Scanning the crowd, I searched for my mom and instantly came to a halt when I saw who had his arm around her shoulders. My feet were glued to the cement walkway as I stared.

“They’re back together,” a familiar voice said.

I glanced behind me to see Eddie walking out of the house. “Since when?”

“Not my place to tell,” he stated.

I furrowed my brow. “Not your place to tell? What does that mean?”

“Your mom said she wanted to tell you herself.”

“I … ah … okay,” I stammered and looked back at my mom and Eddie’s dad talking with another couple. They looked happy and in love again, and I wondered how long they’d been back together.

“It’s good to see you, Stace.”

I blinked at Eddie’s words, and turned my head towards him, seeing him in a tight white T-shirt that hugged his muscular chest and Navy cargo shorts. “Yeah. I’m also surprised you’re here.”

He smiled warmly and took a step forward. “Figured enough time has passed and we can be amicable, considering our parents are dating again.”

“You broke my heart,” I stated, not beating around the bush or sugarcoating anything.

“And you cheated on me.”

“I didn’t.” I shook my head. “Nothing happened.”

He looked down at my left hand. “Seems somethingdidhappen.”

I covered my hand with my other, not sure why I felt the need to hide my ring when he’d already seen it. “Not for many months after that wedding.”

“Water under the bridge.” He shrugged.

“Is it?” I scoffed.

New people arrived at the party, and I took a step closer to Eddie so they could make their way farther into the backyard. My mom still hadn’t seen me, or if she had, she made no move to come to greet me.

“Do you want to do this inside?” Eddie asked.

I chuckled sarcastically. “What? You’re ready to talk? Ready for closure?”

“I’m ready to stop missing you.”

“It’s been over a year and a half,” I reminded him. “You had plenty of time to get over me.”