Chapter 10

The next evening Jen was in her room standing in front of a full-length mirror. Her outfit was one she would never have picked for herself. She easily could have worn one of her own dresses to the dance, but her only white one had been ruined at the cow branding; Jen shook her head angrily at the memory. Annie had once again insisted on dressing her for the occasion. The dress was white with a lacy overlay; a brown braided belt hugged her waist. A short denim jacket complimented the look, and brown cowboy boots gave it just the right finishing touch. She had to admit, Annie had done well, the outfit looked pretty darn good on her. Even Jen's hair, which she almost always wore straight, was now in curls and the look was beginning to grow on her. She glanced at the clock, better hurry. Annie would be there any minute to pick her up. Aunt Gabby claimed she was too tired to go to a dance tonight after having such a full day at the fair yesterday. Jen had firmly declared she would stay home with her, but Aunt Gabby wouldn't hear of it.

"Your ride is here!" Aunt Gabby called up the stairs.

"I'll be right down," she called back. It amazed her how stuck in time this place was. Two months ago, Jen would never have dreamed she'd be going to a country dance, in this outfit, waiting to be picked up in a truck by her girlfriend. It made her feel like she was ten years younger. With a dab of lip gloss and one final twirl, she was off, bouncing down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Alright Annie, are you ready to teach me some country..." her voice trailed off as her eyes fell upon Zack standing there instead. At least, she thought it was Zack! She drew her breath in and had to fight hard to conceal a gasp. His navy-blue cowboy jeans were complimented by clean, black boots; a solid black, button-up shirt was tucked in at the waist, and the sleeves were rolled to the elbow, showing off his tan forearms. But most shocking was his face, his rugged cowboy look had vanished. His hair was combed and the fast growing, unruly beard had been shaved, leaving only a very nicely trimmed goatee. If Jen hadn't felt fifteen before, she definitely did now.

"I, uh," she blinked, "I wasn't expecting..."

"Annie got wrapped up in something, so I offered to pick you up," Zack explained.

"I see," was all Jen could get out.

"I hope that's alright with you."

"Just fine. Goodbye Aunt Gabby," Jen waved as she turned to walk out the door.

"You kids have fun!" she called back.

Zack followed Jen out to the truck and paused before opening the passenger door. "Listen Jen," he started, "I'm really sorry about yesterday."

"You know you apologize a lot; you do realize that." Jen wasn't in the mood for another of Zack's requests for forgiveness.

A small smile crossed his lips. "Yes, well uh, I tend to say things the moment they come into my head without thinking them through, and it gets me into trouble sometimes."

He took a step closer, his fingers fiddling with the rim of a black cowboy hat he had just put on. Jen tried to just focus on her breathing, until she smelled his cologne, and then decided breathing was a bad idea. He smelled amazing.

"I would love for you to have a good time tonight," he continued. "I don't want you to worry about me saying something rude, or you feeling like you're being attacked because that isn't my intention."

"Well, maybe you needed to think about that yesterday," Jen stated, "because I felt attacked."

"Again, I'm really sorry." His dark eyes searched hers and she could see he was being sincere. "Aunt Gabby is the closest thing to a mother I have left. With how close you are to your father, I'm sure you can understand my wanting only the best for her." He leaned in closer and whispered, "And I'm being serious when I tell you I want the same for you."

Jen's heart skipped a beat, and then it melted a little. Curse this man and his charm! She just knew it was trouble.

"I understand," she said, clearing her throat and trying to come up with something that sounded coherent. "And I accept your apology. I just hope you know that I'm not trying to take anything away from your life here, I just want to try and build a little one of my own."

The minute it came out she regretted it. It was a lie; she didn't want to stay there; didn't want to build any kind of a life there. She was there for the summer only, period. As much as she loved Aunt Gabby and the charm and easy pace of Ohio, she could never live there. But it was too late; she had said it and she couldn't take it back. Zack seemed to accept her feelings and opened the door for her. Then he made his way to the driver's side.

Once the truck was started, he turned to her before putting it in gear. "You look gorgeous, by the way." He smiled at her and her heart skipped another beat. You too, she wanted to say, but all that came out was a whispered, "Thank you."

Annie was the first to greet them when they arrived at the pavilion. The dance was in full swing and the place looked beautiful. Lights were hung, canopy style along the pavilion ceiling. Lanterns hung around the outside giving the place rustic charm. A small band was situated in the corner, and the guitars and banjos played a slow country melody that filled the evening air. It looks like a scene from a movie! Jen thought.

"Jen!" Annie squealed and grabbed her hand when she reached her. "Oh, get ready! I'm going to teach you to line dance tonight!"

Jen looked at Zack for help, but he just laughed. "Uh, I don't know, I have two left feet..." she started.

"I don't believe you," Annie said, waving a dismissive hand at her. "With that body there is no way you aren't good at dancing. Trust me, I know these things. I can spot a dancer a mile away even if they've never danced a step before. Besides, line dancing is easy as one two three. You'll have a great time I promise!" Jen laughed at Annie's vigor and nodded in agreement.

Annie pulled Jen onto the dance floor and began showing her steps. At first, Jen felt as though she were a little kid learning to ride a bike again, but as the night went on, she slowly started to get the hang of it. Each dance was a new challenge and Jen felt herself enjoying the rhythm and movement of each step. It was a warm night, and she finally ditched her denim jacket. She had no idea line dancing could be such a workout! On and on she went, learning each new move. Soon, she was getting most of the steps right. The more she danced, the more she realized she was having the time of her life!

The night wore on and the music slowed down. Jen stood by a table with Annie, taking a break and enjoying some iced tea when Zack sauntered over to them.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.

Jen thought the question was aimed at both of them, but it seemed that was Annie's cue to leave. Suddenly, she was out dancing again before Jen could even answer. She rolled her eyes inwardly. "I'm having a great time," she said truthfully.

"You seem surprised," Zack observed

"I am a little," she admitted. "I would never have thought that a country Fourth of July dance would be my thing but..." She shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm glad you're having fun." He smiled at her and his dimple came through. It was so much easier to see without the facial hair covering it up.

Jen glanced at him, and then looked down at her drink, feeling unusually shy. She felt that funny twinge in the pit of her stomach again. Keep it together Jennifer! Just then, the song ended and a new one began.

"Dance with me." Zack offered his hand.

"Oh, I'm kind of tired, and a little sweaty because of the line dancing," she fumbled her words. It wasn't that she didn't want to dance with him. She was afraid of what might happen if she did.

Zack laughed at her protests and grabbed her hand. "That wasn't a question."

He led her onto the dance floor. The song the band was playing was one she'd never heard. It was a typical western song; trucks, fields, beer and a girl in a red dress. Nothing new, but the beat was great. It was clearly one of Zack's favorites because he started singing along, and he was good! He could sing too? Was there anything he couldn't do?

Zack was an excellent dancer as well; his feet twisting and turning to the rhythm like he was born to dance. More than once he lifted Jen off the ground with ease and expertise, and then twirled her in a gentle but strong fashion. The song ended and Zack dipped her; his hand on the small of her back. They laughed as he slowly brought her back up to a standing position.

"You're amazing!" Jen exclaimed.

"I'm going to try not to be offended by the surprise in your voice," he teased.

A new song started. Zack listened for a moment and then made a gesture like he'd been shot in the heart. "I love this song," he stated dramatically.

"I can tell," Jen laughed. "Are you always this affected by music?"

He gave a sideways smile. "Only the ones I really like."

Without asking, he wrapped his right hand around her waist and scooped her hand into his. They swayed to the music and Jen caught him gazing at her intently. Quickly, she laid her head on his shoulder, her face turned in toward his neck; the smell of his cologne and the sound of the music intertwining. He began humming along with the song and Jen could feel the deep rumble in his chest. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. The lights from the pavilion were dancing in them. He shared her gaze and planted a small kiss on her forehead, which caused her heart to beat fast. The song ended with their gaze still locked. It was the moment; Jen could feel it. The moment where they would decide what happens next. What happened next could change everything, transform everything, ruin everything. The timing was perfect. He looked at her lips and leaned in. Jen closed her eyes. His hands tightened around her waist.

"Zack!" a high-pitched voice came from somewhere.

The moment was shattered; his hands left her waist, and Jen's eyes opened to see a pretty dark-haired girl walking toward them. Jen recognized her; she had danced with Zack several times throughout the night, not that she was keeping track.

"Hey, I never got introduced to your friend," the girl said with a smile as fake as margarine.

Jen, although somewhat annoyed, looked down at her feet and tried to hide a smile; she knew how this scene played out. This girl was in love with Zack LaFaye. Of course, she was. There had to be at least one.

Zack cleared his throat, "Oh sorry, umm, Jen this is Melanie."

"Hi," she said as she shook Jen's hand.

"It's nice to meet you," Jen said politely.

"Zack and I have been friends for a long time," Melanie was quick to let Jen know.

"We went to high school together," Zack countered. He was obviously uncomfortable with the situation before him.

"Oh Zacky," Melanie cooed, playfully slapping his arm.

Jen resisted the urge to burst out laughing. This place truly was like being in high school all over again.

"I'm Annie's best friend," Melanie added, as if that gave her more claim to Zack.

Jen nodded but didn't comment. She looked at Zack with raised eyebrows that said Wow, how did you end up with this one? The look on Zack's face was one of annoyance and frustration. Jen took advantage of the awkward silence that followed. "Well, it's getting late. I'm gonna head home." She waved at Melanie as she backed away. "Melanie, it was nice to meet you."

"Oh, you too Jen," she cooed as her fake smile returned.

"Zack," Jen began, "thank you for the dance."

It was all she could get out. She was done with this night. The entire scene that had just transpired was so comical she couldn't even be upset about it. She only wished Aunt Gabby had been there to see it. She would have laughed hysterically.

Jen had walked about two blocks when a truck pulled up beside her with Zack in it. "Get in," he ordered.

"No thank you," Jen said, smiling sweetly.

"Jennifer don't do this. Get in the truck. I brought you; I'm not going to let you walk home."

"Really Zack, its fine. I'm from New York... I walk everywhere. I can walk home."

"I'm not questioning your capabilities of taking care of yourself," he said, following her as she walked. "It's a matter of principle; it wouldn't be gentlemanly to let you walk home."

"I'm letting you off the hook," Jen said confidently. "Besides I need my exercise. Aunt Gabby always says you should walk at least three miles a day and I haven't been doing near that. I have a lot of catching up to do."

"Well that explains Aunt Gabby's excellent health and I can appreciate you wanting to be like her, but you don't have to take on her stubborn behavior, now please Jennifer." Zack was insistent.

Jen stopped and looked at him. Clearly, he wasn't going to give up. He tilted his head to one side, the puppy look, as Jen had come to call it.

"Please, get in the truck?"

The look worked its magic and Jen finally got in. Aunt Gabby's house was only another three blocks. She very easily could have walked, but she'd noticed something Zack had said and was ready to question him about it.

"Do you really think Aunt Gabby is so healthy because she walks all the time?" Jen asked, trying to make the question seem natural.

"She takes care of herself; I'm sure staying active helps."

"You mentioned that she's like a mother to you. Do you ever worry at all about her health? About her getting sick? I worry about her a little." She looked at him sideways, trying to gauge his reaction.

"Not really. I mean, she's seventy-five so I worry about her falling sometimes, but as far as health goes, she's probably healthier than either of us."

Jen was shocked. Zack didn't know about the cancer! She briefly wondered if she should tell him.

"It was hard going through my mother's illness," Zack interrupted her thoughts. "I think that's when Aunt Gabby really started taking care of herself. She always says she's going to live till she's a hundred," he laughed, "and she probably will!"

Jen didn't know what to do. Her mind was racing. Only two things were possible at this point. Either Aunt Gabby didn't tell anyone about her illness except Roger, or she wasn't really sick! If she was sick, why wouldn't she tell Zack? Of all people it seemed she would tell him. If she wasn't sick, why had she lied to her father about having cancer?

They reached the house and Jen thanked Zack for the ride. He acted as if he had something to say to her, but Jen cut him off and went inside quickly. Her mind was too caught up in the cluster of Aunt Gabby's 'illness'. She simply couldn't focus on Zack and what had passed between them that night. Not right now. She had to think. She needed to ask Aunt Gabby if she had cancer. But how could she do that without damaging their relationship? She was a lawyer. She had been trained to ask people the right questions to get an answer. It was time she found out what was really going on. She had to know the truth. Someone was lying to her, and she wanted to know who.

-- Would you like to download a FREE digital copy of this story to your Kindle or mobile device? Go here now! http://amzn.to/1q9cqnX

Book 2 in the Helena's Grove Series is now available here: http://amzn.to/1zJ0EDZ

Book 3 in the Helena's Grove Series is now available here: http://amzn.to/1oyUpPv

Book 4 in the Helena's Grove Series is now available here: http://amzn.to/1uZBw7W

Book 5 in the Helena's Grove Series is now available here: https://amzn.to/3LOh8W7