The Last Time We Kissed

by Ann Roth

  Though the music was loud, everyone heard. People murmured and craned their necks.

  “Shh.” Sam pressed his finger over his mouth and the dancers sheepishly nodded.

  He handed the kid a tissue and watched as he wiped his mouth. “You okay, son?”

  “Now I am.”

  Sam nodded. The Emeralds’ part of the recital was halfway over. He figured he had time to get rid of the mess before the next set change. “I’ll be back,” he told the kids. “You stay put.”

  Careful to remain hidden, he crouched behind the set and slipped offstage from the side. He carried the receptacle to the bathroom, emptied and rinsed it out. Now the dance was nearly finished, and there was no time to waste. Sam returned the way he’d left.

  By the time he rejoined the students, the boy who had thrown up and the tearful girl were bouncing with energy at the edge of stage, awaiting their turn.

  In the brief lull between dances, Sam quickly adjusted the set, leaving the trees in place and positioning the moon, clouds and glittering gauze scrim Connie and others had made. With moments to spare, he placed dry ice along the bases of the trees. “Smoke” began to fill the stage floor, creating a magical effect.

  The music Mariah had practiced to began and the Pearls danced onto the stage. From his place at the side, he watched, paying special attention to his niece. Smiling as Amy had schooled them, the youngest group danced out of sync, but looked very proud.

  One more set change, complete with a replenishment of dry ice, and the entire group returned to the stage for the finale. Suddenly, in what seemed no time at all and at the same time forever, the performance ended.

  As each group took their bows, Sam and the parents applauded wildly. Spent, he sagged against a wall backstage. He ran a thriving business, juggling numerous tasks at one time. But this was by far the hardest job ever. Amy worked with these kids nearly every day. How did she do it? Despite the fact that she thought little of him, his admiration for her grew.

  The dancers beckoned to Amy. She walked onto the stage. Beaming, she gestured to the group. Fresh applause followed. Dancers from each group handed her colorful bouquets. With her arms full, she dipped her head in thanks. She looked pleased and glad it was over at last.

  “I’d like to thank Sam Cutter for his help backstage,” she said when the applause died. She gestured to him to join her.

  The last thing he wanted was to stand there in front of everyone, but he couldn’t refuse her. Not in her moment of success. Feeling self-conscious, he strode forward. Turning toward him, she executed a graceful ballet curtsy. Sam bowed in acknowledgment. Everyone cheered.

  Amy held out her arm, offering her hand. Her grip was firm and warm. Though it was only for show, a heady rush of pleasure filled him. He couldn’t resist a glance at Bob, who threw him a thumbs-up. Sam puzzled over that, but could make no sense of it.

  Releasing his hand, she again addressed the audience. “Thank you all for your support tonight and throughout this first year of the Amy Parker School of Dance.”

  She listed the volunteers by name, then invited everyone to enjoy the treats provided by generous parents. Conversation buzzed. Kids made a beeline for the food, leaving Sam and Amy alone onstage.

  “Congratulations on a job well done,” he said over the noise.

  “Thanks.” Her face was still flushed with pleasure. “I couldn’t have managed tonight without your help.”

  The words sounded right, but Sam knew the truth. She’d wrongly assumed he wanted to control her students. She didn’t believe he’d changed, didn’t really trust him and had only asked for his help because she wanted the parents out front, watching. There’d been no one else to ask. Dammit, that hurt, and he gave a derisive snort. “Well, you got what you wanted.”

  Her eyes widened. Coloring, she bit her lip. “Sam, I—”

  “Miss Parker, come and meet my cousin,” a student called.

  Her gaze sought his. “I’d better go. Find me later, will you?”

  He shrugged. What more was there to say? In any case, she was leaving with Bob. Sam didn’t want to stick around for that. He’d find his sister, her husband and Mariah, then leave.

  He ambled down the stage steps and pushed through the crowd, until he located his family sitting on a bench. “Great dancing, kid,” he said.

  His niece looked up from a plate heaped with treats. Despite a mouthful of cookies, she managed a grin.

  “We’re so proud of her,” Jeannie said.

  “We sure are.” Mike beamed. “She told us what a great job you did behind the scenes.”

  Sam wasn’t good at taking compliments. “Thanks,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

  “Come over for dinner tomorrow night?” Jeannie asked.

  “Sure.” Ready to go, he turned toward the door.

  From out of nowhere, Bob appeared. “Hey there, Sam.” He clapped a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Good job backstage.”

  Sam shrugged out of his grip. “It went okay.”

  “Amy seemed to appreciate it.” Bob winked. “I think she likes you.” He licked his lips. “Wish I’d volunteered to work back there.”

  Sam reacted without thinking, leaning to within inches of the other man’s face. “Keep your dirty hands off her,” he snarled.

  Bob held up his hands and backed away. “Easy, man,” he said with wide eyes. “It’s only talk.”

  “Offensive talk,” Sam retorted. “Amy’s too good for that.” He narrowed his eyes. “She’s way too good for you.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Bob said. “But you can relax. We’re not going out tonight, or ever. She broke the date.”

  Sam’s jaw dropped as relief sluiced through him. “I didn’t hear about that.”

  “Well, it’s true.” Bob straightened his shirt and offered a humorless smile. “Can’t win them all.”

  “Amy just did,” Sam said. Elated, he pivoted away from Bob and the exit as he searched the crowd for her. Only to praise her on using good judgment, he assured himself.

  But parents and friends were gathered around her, and he only caught glimpses of her. Sam hesitated. Since she considered him too controlling, she’d no doubt think he was gloating because she’d followed his advice. Better to leave things as they were.

  Goodbye, Amy. Swallowing past a sudden lump in his throat, he strode through the door without looking back.

  AS PARENTS AND STUDENTS trickled out, Amy at last had a chance to breathe. She wanted to find Sam and apologize for jumping all over him earlier. Frayed nerves had sapped her patience. She’d accused him of being rigid and controlling toward her students when he hadn’t.

  She surveyed the room and the approximately twenty remaining people, but there was no sign of him. Kari and Connie were cleaning up the refreshment table, and she approached them. “Thank you both for your help tonight.”

  “Any time,” Kari said as she wrapped leftover cookies in plastic wrap. “It was a wonderful recital.”

  Amy gave a gratified smile. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

  Leaning down, Connie unplugged the coffee urn. “I think it was real smart of you to cancel that date with my ex,” she said when she straightened. “He’s not what I’d call good dating material.”

  “So I’ve heard.” Amy glanced around the nearly empty room once more. “Have either of you seen Sam?” The two women shared a look she didn’t like. “I wanted to thank him again for his help,” she explained.

  Kari shrugged. “I think he left, didn’t he, Connie?”

  The blonde nodded. “Shortly after the recital ended.”

  Without a goodbye? “Oh,” Amy said. She tamped down her disappointment. She’d wanted a last chance to talk, to wish each other luck and smooth over what had happened earlier. She’d wanted closure so they each could go on with their lives.

  That wasn’t going to happen.

  Maybe ending things this way was for the best. Amy didn’t believe that, but she really had no
other option. Sam was gone. His choice, and she couldn’t change it. Suddenly, for no reason she could discern, her life stretched before her bleak and empty. She chalked that up to fatigue and the letdown after the performance.

  Connie and Kari were studying her openly. She offered a tiny smile. “I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. I’ll finish cleaning up tomorrow.” She planted a hand on each woman’s shoulder and guided them to her office, where they’d stowed their purses. “Let’s call it a night.”

  If Sam wanted things to end this way, so be it.

  Tomorrow was a new day, the start of her life without him. Her heart ached as if it had broken in her chest. She bit back a sob of despair. She’d survived before and she could do it again.

  No matter how much it hurt.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “A SPA BACHELORETTE party is the best!” Nina beamed as Amy, Nina, Dani and six of Nina’s friends padded barefoot and robed from the dressing room.

  “This was Amy’s idea,” Dani said, adjusting the robe over her bulging belly.

  Amy nodded. “With only nine days until the wedding, I figured you needed a chance to relax.”

  She’d come up with the plan just before the recital three-plus weeks ago. Each woman had taken the afternoon off and driven to Seattle for a full three hours of pampering, followed by a gourmet dinner.

  At the time, it had seemed a great way to celebrate the waning days of Nina’s single status. But at the moment, Amy couldn’t muster up much enthusiasm. Lately, nothing excited her.

  “I’m going to try the seaweed wrap and then a full body massage,” Nina announced.

  “And I’m heading for a pedicure and foot massage,” Dani said. “Since I can barely see my toes, I’m really looking forward to this.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Each woman wanted to indulge in something different, and Amy half listened as they discussed the various procedures. Finally, Nina glanced her way. “You’re awfully quiet, Amy. What are you going to try?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.”

  “You don’t sound so eager.”

  She forced a lively grin. “Oh, but I am. I’ll get the wrap and then the massage, just like you.”

  Half an hour later, she lay on a narrow table beside Nina, while the uniformed masseuse worked wonders on her hip. Of course, she wasn’t as good as Sam… Amy’s heart contracted, as it did whenever she thought of him. Which, for a woman bent on finding the man of her dreams, was far too often. With firm resolve, she emptied him from her mind.

  When the massage ended, Nina released a relaxed sigh. “I feel marvelous,” she proclaimed.

  “Me, too,” Amy lied.

  Apparently with less zeal than Nina expected. She frowned. “Is anything wrong?”

  Amy shook her head. “I think I’ll head for the showers.”

  “But we’ve only been here ninety minutes. We’re booked for another hour and a half,” Nina said. “We still need facials and manicures and hot waxes on our legs.”

  It sounded wonderful, but Amy couldn’t muster the energy for more. “You go ahead,” she said. “I’ll find you later.”

  “Okay.” Looking disappointed and confused, Nina headed off.

  Eyes on the white tile floor, Amy shuffled toward the dressing room. Dani suddenly appeared at her side. “What is the matter with you?” she hissed in a low voice. “Your bad mood is ruining Nina’s bachelorette party.”

  Amy stared at her in surprise. Dani rarely got angry. Apparently this was one of those times. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” Contrite, she bit her lip. “I guess I’m just letting down.”

  Concern replaced Dani’s fiery frown. “You’ve been ‘letting down’ since the recital three weeks ago. It was a smash success. The whole town’s talking about it, and a ton of kids have signed up for classes in the fall. This is what you wanted.”

  Amy shrugged, knowing she should feel elated. “I know.”

  Her friend scrutinized her through narrowed eyes. “How was that blind date with that banker the other night?”

  A friend had set Amy up, but at the last minute she’d canceled. “I didn’t go.”

  “But you said you wanted to start dating after the recital. You were going to work on finding a husband full-time, remember?”

  “Of course I remember,” Amy said. Right now she just didn’t have the heart for it. “I’ll start dating soon, I swear.”

  Another odd look from Dani. “Maybe you’re sick, or something. How long has it been since your last physical?”

  “A few months.” Amy met her eye. “There’s not a thing wrong with me.” Except for the hole where her heart used to be.

  “Could have fooled me.” Dani pursed her lips. “For Nina’s sake, at least pretend to be happy.”

  Amy nodded. Pasting a bright smile on her face, she lifted her head. “How about that facial?” she said.

  JOSH ANGLED HIS CHIN toward Sam and gave a frown of concern. “What’s wrong, Sam? You just scored a prime piece of real estate for a bargain price. This is what we’ve been working for, for weeks. You should be happy.”

  Sam forced a smile. “I am.”

  Except for the empty feeling in his chest. It had been there for three weeks, since the night of the recital. In all honesty, it had been there since the morning after making love with Amy.

  “You need a woman.” Josh advised. “Why don’t you stop off at Bill’s Pub on the way home and hook up with someone?”

  Sitting in a singles bar, scoping out females was the last thing Sam felt like doing. But, hell, anything was better than an evening alone with his thoughts. His foul mood was making it difficult to stand his own company. He shrugged. “Why not?”

  His friend nodded and gave a thumbs-up. “I want to hear about it tomorrow.”

  Who knew? Sam thought. He just might meet the woman who could take his mind off Amy. Yet he drove toward the tavern with all the enthusiasm of a convicted man headed for the gallows. Truth be told, he wasn’t interested in meeting a new woman.

  He wanted Amy.

  Tough. That was over.

  His brain knew that, but his heart hadn’t figured it out yet. Passing the tavern without slowing down, he headed straight home for another long and lonely night.

  “SHOULD DANI AND I BE HERE?” Nina asked over the country song wailing from the jukebox. It was Thursday night, and Gabe and Josh had invited them to Bill’s Pub for a meeting. “I mean, this is really none of our business.”

  “Not true,” Josh said. “When your best friends are miserable and too stubborn to admit they’re ruining their lives, their problems become our business.”

  “You are so right,” Dani agreed with a sober nod. “We need a plan.”

  “Which is why we asked you and Dani to meet,” Gabe said.

  Josh hoisted his glass. “To interfering for the sake of your friends.”

  They all tipped their drinks—beer for Nina, Gabe and Josh, and sparkling water for Dani—and sipped. Then they settled down to serious conversation.

  After a while, they agreed on a plan. “Friendship or not, Amy’s going to kill us when she hears about this,” Nina warned. “Want to bet that Sam will, too?”

  “We’re about to find out.” Josh pointed his chin toward the door. “He just walked in.”

  WHAT WERE HIS FRIENDS UP TO? Sam wondered as he shouldered open the Bill’s Pub old wooden door. The smells of smoke, beer and pizza greeted him, accompanied by a whiny country music song. Just what he needed, a song about some guy’s broken heart.

  Gabe had phoned this afternoon, asking Sam to meet him and Josh here. That had put him on alert. Not that meeting his friends for an occasional beer was unusual. But on a week night, at a singles’ bar? Both were family men, they got together when their wives were busy or they brought their wives along. If they were trying to fix him up with someone…

  Squinting in the dim light Sam searched out his friends. Since it was a weeknight, there wasn’t much of a crow
d, making it easy for him to spot them. They’d taken a booth in the back corner. Sam headed straight for them.

  What wasn’t so easy was trying to figure out who they were with. Two women Sam didn’t recognize, at least not from the backs of their heads. They weren’t spouses, which puzzled Sam even more. Then they both turned toward him. Dani and Nina.

  What were they doing here, and why were they with Gabe and Josh? The guilty expressions on the women’s faces and his buddies’sheepish looks forewarned Sam that he’d been set up. He didn’t know how or why just yet, but he was sure that, want to or not, he’d find out soon. His gut bunched with dread, and he didn’t bother to conceal his annoyance.

  “Hey, Sam,” Dani said. Nina waved her fingers at him.

  He nodded stiffly, then scowled at Gabe and Josh. “What’s going on here?”

  “Sit down and have a beer,” Josh said. “Then we’ll explain.”

  The men slid over, making room. Gabe filled a mug and skated it across the shiny wood table. Though Sam didn’t plan to stay, he sat down. He ignored the beer. “I’ll give you five minutes, then I’m out of here.”

  His seatmates glanced at one another. Gabe eyed Josh, who shrugged and aimed his attention on Dani. “You want to start?”

  “Gladly.” She attempted to lean forward, but her pregnant belly stopped her. Elbow on the table and chin propped in her palm, she eyed Sam. “First, we’re here because we care about you and Amy.”

  “Or because you’re damn nosy,” Sam snorted. His four seatmates shifted uneasily.

  “Second,” Dani continued, shifting her head to the other palm, “you should know that Amy isn’t aware of this meeting. She’d have fits if she knew.” She paused to regard him with frank openness. “Though in all honesty, having a fit doesn’t begin to describe Amy’s state of mind. She’s a total wreck.”

  “And not just because she’s got a Mars-moon opposition right now,” Nina cut in.

  Sam scoffed at that. For some reason, he also felt the need to defend Amy. “The first year of her ballet school just ended. That recital was a huge responsibility,” he said, shooting them an are-you-all-morons? frown. “It takes time to wind down from that.”