Page 71 of Not Just Gal Pals

“Sorry about that. Um, thanks, everyone, for coming out tonight and braving the weather to be here. As most of you know, my name is Blake Mitchell, and I run the Sapphire Springs Medical Practice.” I looked around the auditorium, which was now almost full, locking eyes with George who gave me an encouraging smile.

“Having access to medical care is crucial for a secure, healthy, happy life in our country, but unfortunately, for some of us, it’s just not affordable.” I paused for effect, already feeling more comfortable.

I kept going, describing how people’s immigration and financial status could make them ineligible for government benefits and how finding other sources of funding could be difficult, before explaining how the Sapphire Springs Medical Fund would help uninsured Sapphire Springs residents who couldn’t afford medical care.

“I encourage you all to give generously tonight to support this initiative. I would like to give a special thanks to the mayor and village board, for setting up this fund, and also to Jenny Lynton, who unfortunately couldn’t be here tonight but is responsible for organizing this entire evening.” My voice wavered. I took a deep breath.

A loud crash made me jump, interrupting my attempt to gather myself.

What the hell was that?

I scanned the crowd, looking for the source of the noise, as my heart thumped in my chest.

Most of the audience seemed to be doing the same thing. A low murmur filled the room.

One of the screens behind George’s refreshment stand had fallen over.

And there was someone on the ground, slowly getting to their feet.

My heart somersaulted.

That someone was Jenny.

I blinked in disbelief.

But the audience was staring at her as well. This wasn’t just some figment of my imagination.

Confusion and euphoria flooded my veins, lighting me from the inside.

It was definitely her. Somehow, Jenny was here.

* * *

JENNY

Oh my god.

My face burned with embarrassment. Near the end of Blake’s speech, to get a better view of her, I stood up and moved closer to the gap I’d been peering through. I’d tripped over the leg of one of the screens in the process, sending both me and the screen flying.

I struggled to my feet, hoping I wasn’t too disheveled, and looked up at the stage where Blake stood, still and blinking, staring at me. In fact, the entire audience was staring at me.

So much for not distracting Blake during her speech.

I took a deep breath and cleared my throat, running a shaky hand through my hair to smooth it down.

“Hi, everyone. Sorry about that,” I said, awkwardly waving, my eyes locked on Blake.

I started walking toward the stage. Now Blake, and the rest of Sapphire Springs, knew I was here, it seemed pointless to keep my distance. Blake finished her speech, handed the microphone over to the mayor, and walked down the stairs toward me. I had to restrain myself from running the last few feet and throwing myself on her and, instead, settled for a brisk walk. But as I got closer to Blake, my stride faltered.

Shit.

I couldn’t read the expression on her face, but she wasn’t smiling.

* * *

BLAKE

My mind was still struggling to process Jenny’s reappearance. I was lost for words.