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Sunita’s eyes narrowed. “That angel’s gonna get a mouthful of my fist if she doesn’t let go.”
A former classmate, a frizzy-haired blonde accompanied by three whispering friends, strolled close, their hands busy with beer and burgers from the food vans parked in Lily’s endless driveway. “All right, Noodle Nose?”
Evie bristled. “Piss off!”
Lifting her chin toward the stage, the girl smirked. “Looks like your so-called boyfriend is sending you a message, loud and cl—”
“FUCK. OFF!” Sunita lashed out with a rude hand gesture.
“Don’t get too attached!” The interloper laughed and walked away.
Evie fiddled with her wristband as Nick danced in the woman’s embrace. “What if she’s right?”
“She’s not!” Sunita and Fiona hollered simultaneously.
“But dirty dancing like that is so…public.” Evie sputtered. “We don’t even kiss in public.”
“You do,” said Fiona.
“Yeah, behind funfair rides and bushes. We’re always hidden. Same with Stromness and the beach. We only go when it’s quiet.” She rubbed her cheek. “Maybe he’s ashamed of me.”
“Eves, he wouldn’t text you at all hours and drop everything to call if he wasn’t into you,” said Sunita.
“Then why doesn’t he have photos of me on Facebook?” A familiar ache pinched in the lower right side of her abdomen. Evie winced as Nick slid one arm around the woman’s shoulders and the other beneath her knees, scooping her up. The dancer laughed and threw her head back, playfully kicking her chunky heels in gleeful protest.
Have I been kidding myself? Was he ever really mine?
Evie had certainly given it a go. All the money spent on clothes and cosmetics, copying Bree and Hayley and what was fashionable in films and Bella Faith magazine, chasing the need to be more girly, more pleasing, less Evie, less Orkney.
My face is so swollen and gross.
She left Nick and his twinkly angel and stared at the flattened grass beneath her knockoff Timberland boots.
I can’t compete with girls like that.
Fiona whacked her arm. “He’s coming.” Her alert set off a boxing match in Evie’s belly.
She glanced up. “Dance. Pretend everything’s fine.”
“Want us to say something?” asked Sunita.
“No. I’ll do it,” said Evie.
Neither woman budged, sticking close to Evie as Nick snaked around happy revelers, his fingers madly buttoning his shirt. Spotting his girlfriend, he gave up, leaving the top one undone.
“Evie! You’re early!” Nick nodded to Fiona and Sunita then gathered her in for a tight hug. “Ohh, I’ve missed you!” Giving her a squeeze, he pulled back, a smattering of the dancer’s body glitter shimmering high on his cheekbone. “Why didn’t you text?” His gaze searched her face.
Evie ducked her head. “You looked…busy.”
“Tarq saw you waving.” Nick plowed a hand through his hair. “I’m glad he told me.”
I bet. Evie broke their clench and resumed swaying to the music. Nick joined in with a body roll or two, his moves polished and oh so hot. He’d obviously ticked the dancing box on the performer’s triple threat checklist.
I don’t need no pity dance. Evie fought back a scowl.
Bending closer, his eyes narrowed. “You feeling okay? Want to head inside—”
“Who’s that girl?” Evie interrupted, an edge tightening her voice.
