I stifled a smile at the shock on Chastity’s face. Apparently, she wasn’t used to her advances being rejected.
“Are we ready?” I called out.
Emmy and Scott had taken a position nearby. Everyone’s heads were turned toward the front, Chastity excluded. She was totally focused on Matt, and she rubbed up against him like she was covered in lotion and she intended on applying it to his skin.
He held himself stiffly, staring at me over her head.
“All right, begin,” I said.
The waltz started and people swept across the dance floor. I mustered up a smile, hoping it didn’t look as fake as it felt. My gaze tracked Matt across the floor, watching as he struggled to keep Chastity on track and from grinding herself into him. Christ, it was a miracle she hadn’t dropped all pretenses and started twerking on the spot.
Emmy and Scott swept by, and I smiled at them. But my bestie wore a frown. She turned her head, watching me as she passed, her gaze moving swiftly onto her brother and back again. I averted my eyes. God, had I been too obvious about it?
The sooner I got Chastity away from Matt, the sooner I could ignore the elephant in the room.
The tune continued, taking forever to peter out. After, I clicked it off. Matt immediately stepped away from Chastity, and the knot in my chest loosened.
You’re an idiot. Goddamn, what difference does it make what he does? You’re not an item, and you never will be.
I didn’t want a partner. I had a future to work toward, and pain and love and all the rest would only delay my plans and goals.
“All right,” I said. “Good start.”
“Was it?” Chastity asked. “I mean, I don’t feel that I, like, got the real hang of it.”
“You can practice with your partner,” I said, gesturing to the guy. “He needs a shot too.”
The groomsman gave me a brief and thankful smile then hurried over to take Chastity’s hand. She acted as if he’d just offered her a turd on a silver platter but allowed him to steer her away from Matt.
“All right,” I said. “Let’s go again.” I started the music and called out instructions and corrections to the people closest to me while Matt wandered between them, pausing to check things that he couldn’t possibly know about or understand. Finally, he came to the front and stood next to me.
“I’m winging it,” he said.
“I can tell. I hope you haven’t given out any instructions. What if someone sprains an ankle?”
“You’ve got jokes.”
“And regrets,” I muttered.
The banter was easy between us, and we spoke every now and again. I’d point out a correction, and he’d walk off to make it and explain what was being done wrong. The dancing improved, and the half-hour lesson ended with most folks in good spirits.
Barring Chastity, of course. She looked like a kid who’d had candy snatched right out of her palm.
“All right,” I said. “That was really great. Well done, everyone. And thanks to Matt for helping out. Next time, I’ll be on my feet again.” I clapped. “Class dismissed.”
It was meant to be a joke, but most people listened anyway and headed for the doors, chatting amiably to themselves.
“How are you feeling today?” Matt asked.
“I thought you didn’t like talking about feelings,” I said.
“I don’t.”
“Hmm. Why ask, then?”
“Don’t be difficult,” Matt replied sternly. “I’m just trying to comfort you. Make conversation.”
“You’ve done more than enough comforting,” I whispered. “Let’s just leave it at that. Thanks for helping out, Matt.” The last sentence I said loudly—Emmy was on her way over.
“Hey, sis,” he said.
Emilia stopped, her arms folded and her sharp, brown eyes zeroed in on my face. “How are you feeling, Summer?”
“I’m getting better.” I smiled at her. “How are you?”
Emmy hesitated. “Uh, Matt? Can I talk to my maid of honor alone for a second?”
“Yeah, sure. I was heading out anyway.” He nodded once then walked off, back out the doors and out of sight. Thank god for that. I could barely think straight with him around. How awkward would it be to try doing it with his sister gawping at me?
“So,” Emmy said.
“So?”
“What’s going on?”
“You’re going to have to clarify that for me, Em. There are a lot of things going on. Wars and births and deaths and—”
“Between you and Matt.”
I lost my breath and prayed the hesitation didn’t show on my face. “Sorry?”
“You two are acting weird around each other,” Emmy said. “Usually, you’re hating on each other nonstop. Now, he’s helping you out and…you were looking at him.”
“I was making sure he didn’t mess up any of the steps. He was supposed to be helping me teach,” I said. “What’s the big deal, Em?” I tried relaxing my shoulders. “Am I wrong in saying that you want us to get along?”