Tonight, she would.
Andie glanced down at her outfit, feeling grateful that the clothes she’d ordered online had arrived in time for the event. The jeans were more comfortable than the pair she’d brought to the inn, and the shoes—ankle high hiking boot for women—suited her better than the cowgirl boots she’d borrowed from Betty. At least when she wasn’t in the riding class.
She fisted the hem of the shirt she’d settled on. A soft flannel, white with pastel squares of blue. Thin lines of light pink cased each square, adding a feminine touch. It was odd, getting ready for a party that didn’t require black ties and evening gowns. Andie practically collected stilettos in her old life, and she’d worn them proudly too. But along with the flashy gowns and sparkling jewelry came an air of superiority. Very few among her could afford the brands she wore, and well she knew it.
Andie slowed her footsteps as she considered that, allowing the thought to shine light into dark, unchartered parts of her mind. Her preoccupation had made those parties, galas, and charity balls more about her than the particular cause she was supporting.
And while it was true that she’d ordered enough online items to restock her closet, it wasn’t in effort to stand out or look better than the rest. It was more of a resignation—her old life in exchange for her new one. Name brands for no-names. Elegance for simplicity. And in many ways, discomfort and competition for a cozy new norm of acceptance and ease.
She’d never been one to cake on the makeup, but Andie noticed that without all the glamorous clothes to keep up with, she used even less of that.
An image of her grandfather came to mind. Perhaps she was starting to see things from the angle he’d hoped they would.
“Hey there, City Girl.”
The low, raspy greeting made Andie’s heart skip. She glanced up and realized just how close she was to the action. She hadn’t noticed the chatter from those just inside the bright patio, live with action and food. But even closer, standing on the porch step with one hand in his pocket, stood Trenton.
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight, then galloped into a new and quickened pace as she ran a quick gaze over him. It was the first time she’d seen him without a hat. Andie had known Trenton had slightly long hair; she’d noticed random strands of it peeking from his hat. That, combined with his short scruff, had told her the shade of his hair was caught between blond and brown.
What she hadn’t guessed was that he had that whole mussed-to-perfection look going on beneath. The chiseled shape of his jaw seemed even more defined somehow. And, to her satisfaction, that short facial scruff she liked so much was still in place.
Andie bit her lip and grinned. “Hi there back at you,Country Boy.”
Trenton grinned, but then furrowed his brow. “You mean Country Man.”
But Andie only grinned.
“Well,” Trenton said, puffing his chest. “Let me be the first to welcome you to arealparty. Where folks talk loud, laugh even louder, and dance like no one’s looking.”
“Sounds good to me,” she said with a grin. And to Andie’s satisfaction, it honestly did.
Trenton pried open the screen door and motioned for Andie to go ahead of him. She did, eyeing the hanging bulbs that were already glowing to life as the sun set. The massive back porch had that inside/outside feel to it. Technically, it was part of the outdoors, but between the awning overhead and the floor to ceiling mesh along each outer rail, the space felt like a perfect combination of the two. Many of the patio tables had small, gas fire pits at the center. Already, Andie could feel the warmth.
“It’s my teachers!” hollered a tiny little voice among the chaos.
Andie spun around to see little Annette rushing toward her with a grin on her face. “You’re here!”
“We sure are,” Andie said, charmed at the small girl’s excitement.
“My dad says there’s a dance tonight after the food.”
“That’s right,” Trenton confirmed.
“Areyouguys going to dance together?”
“Annette, honey, that’s not polite to ask.” Annette’s dad hurried alongside her and scooped her hand into his own.
“Oh, we don’t mind a bit,” Trenton said. “And to answer your question,” he continued, stooping lower and perching a hand beside his mouth. “I’d like to, but I’m not sure she’ll agree to it. Think you could talk her into it?”
Annette turned her wide blue eyes on Andie. “Will youpleasedance with Teacher Trenton?”
Andie looked over at Trenton, enjoying the questioning look in his deep brown eyes. “Okay,” she said, turning back to Annette.
Trenton pumped a fist.“Yes!”
Annette tipped her head back and giggled.
“Okay, cupid,” her father said. “Let’s get back to your mom, shall we? I think she’s done feeding little Joey and it’s our turn to burp him.”
