Chapter 14
“You ready for the battle of the bands?” Rebecca asked. She couldn’t help smiling as five guys carrying Conga drums and trumpet cases made their way up to the Las Palmas stage.
“You’re actually excited about this.” Jay’s eyes held so much humor in them. “You’re hoping for a natural disaster to come down and prevent this wedding, but if not, at least the dancing will be good.”
Rebecca slapped his arm. “I’m looking for the positive.”
“Here’s our happy couple now.” Jay turned and went to greet Winnie, who was sauntering over in a shimmering outfit with strategically placed sequins to ensure she wasn’t naked. Wow, she was taking this rehearsal seriously. Ian was wearing shorts and a ratty t-shirt. If there was a better indication of opposites attract, she couldn’t think of one.
“Stop staring at her outfit,” Jay murmured in her ear. “If I can, you can.”
She turned to glare at him. “I wasn’t staring … much.” Jay loved to tell her what to do. And while he had that right as her boss, sometimes it was super annoying. “I’m going to the front to wait for everyone else.”
A tiny Prius pulled up as she stepped outside, and three people in black workout clothes climbed out. Two women, and one tiny guy with a huge grin.
“We at the right place?” he asked, leaping up the steps.
Rebecca nodded. “You sure are. The first band is warming up inside, and our engaged couple is here.”
“Well, let’s get this party started! I’m Rico.”
He shook Rebecca’s hand so enthusiastically, it shook her whole body.
“Don’t mindRichard. He excites easily.” The dancer with long dark hair linked her arm with his and shook her head. “Why are you still trying to go by Rico? Nobody’s buying that.”
“Yes, they do. What’s wrong with Rico?”
They walked ahead together, still arguing, while the other dancer, a petite blonde, explained to Rebecca how things would work once they had a room full of guests at different levels of ability and enthusiasm when it came to Latin dancing. The girl stopped short when she saw Jay.
“Oh, I guess I should have realized he might be connected to this wedding.”
Perhaps she was a former bride or bridesmaid, except the way she was frowning at him didn’t suggest she was happy to see him again.
“Do you know Jay?” Rebecca asked.
“Yeah, we went out a couple times. And then he started avoiding my calls. My last text to him was pretty desperate sounding.” She ducked her head. “I can’t believe I told you that. Anyway, I just wish I didn’t have to see him again.”
Rebecca’s heart went out to her, even while insane jealousy perked up its ears and wanted to know more. This girl was gorgeous, talented, and created fun for a living. Why would Jay just blow her off?
They were both saved an awkward reintroduction as the band started up again, and the dark-haired dancer immediately claimed Jay’s hands. She pulled him toward her, their hips swaying together as they began their dance.
Rebecca’s heart gave a lurch, but the blonde dancer looked murderous for half a second before going over to Ian and Winnie and putting on her game face smile. “I think this band is great! Was this the sound you were hoping for?”
Winnie shrugged. “I’m not sure. So, these black t-shirts and yoga pants aren’t what you’ll be wearing the night of my reception, right?”
“No. We came straight from a dance practice.”
“Well, good. Okay, teach us some dance moves. And maybe smile a little more.”
“Honey,” Ian murmured. “Be nice.” He put his hand out and introduced himself.
Rebecca wanted to hide away in a corner somewhere as Jay and his partner twirled around them, oblivious, looking like they were having the most fun ever. He’d always been a good dancer. She wished she didn’t have to get the reminder like this, though.
***
Winnie squeezed her temples dramatically. “Okay, this strobe lighting is going to give everyone a seizure. Tell the guy to tone it down a little.”
Jay nodded, not having to fake how happy he was to go backstage and momentarily avoid a girl he barely remembered, who apparently hated him, or her new best friend, Rebecca. She’d somehow latched on to Rebecca early into this train wreck and he’d been afraid to approach either one since.
