Dance Like Nobody's Watching (Summer Lake 3) by SJ McCoy Read Free Book Online Page A

herself.
    “Don't look at me like that, Miss. I mean
it. You're doing the work of at least four people. I'm not surprised
you're always exhausted.”
    All heads around the table turned towards her. Dan
edged closer to her on the bench. She was grateful for his silent
support. She felt incredibly uncomfortable. Everyone there was worth
millions in their own right. Everyone except her, and maybe Holly.
The rest of them would never need to work another day in their in
lives, if they chose. While she needed to clean multiple toilets
every day, just to make ends meet. It didn't normally bother her.
They were her friends. But in this moment she was acutely
embarrassed.
    “Whatever. We can talk about that on Monday.
What's the other thing you need to talk to me about?” God, she
hoped it was nothing else that would embarrass her!
    Ben seemed to realize he'd made her uncomfortable.
“Yeah. The other thing is about you saying you won't be out
again for months. You have to come out for your birthday. Seeing as
you've been working your ass off, I thought you should have a party.
You haven't had one for years. Missy's costume party used to be
something we all looked forward to. Now everyone's back up here most
of the time, I thought it'd be good to kick-start the tradition. What
do you say?”
    She smiled. She used to love her birthday parties,
and she knew the others did too. They'd been expensive and a lot of
work to organize though. She hadn't had the time or the energy to
pull one together for the last few years. She'd done one for Scot's
birthday a few months ago and had decided that would be her annual
goal now. “It's a nice idea, Ben. Thanks for thinking of it,
but there's no way I could fit in.” She wasn't going to say
‘afford it’. “It's only a couple of weeks away.”
    Ben grinned. “All you'd have to do is
organize your costume and show up. I'll take care of the rest.”
    “I'll help,” said Holly.
    “And me,” added Emma. “Say you
will, Miss? We all used to love your parties and you deserve one.”
    Dan leaned against her. She didn't dare turn to
him with everyone still looking at her, but it felt like
encouragement. She looked at Ben. “You really wouldn't mind
organizing it?” She did love the idea—especially if she
didn't have to pull it together, or foot the bill.
    “I wouldn't have offered if I did,”
said Ben with a smile. “Go on, say yes. You know you want to.
Let it be my birthday present?”
    She wrinkled her nose. He was such a good friend.
Always had been. What was there to think about really? It'd be fun,
and boy could she use some fun. “Okay, yes. Thank you. Let's do
it.”
    Everyone smiled. Everyone except Pete. He fixed
her with his supposedly powerful stare. It didn't bother Missy
though, never had. He was such a big softie really. “What,
Hemming?” she asked. “What does perfect Pete want now?”
    He laughed. “I have one request.”
    Holly groaned. “Always so demanding. Sorry,
Miss.”
    “Don't worry, Holly. He's been this way
since we were kids. You're not going to change him now.”
    “My request is, if you're going to pick a
theme, we don't have to wear anything too demeaning.”
    Missy burst out laughing remembering a very grumpy
Pete, a few years ago, in a ridiculous pixie costume she'd made him
wear for losing a bet. Emma and Ben joined her laughter.
    Pete glowered round at them. “If it's
anything too degrading, I may have to be in San Francisco that day,
whatever day it is.”
    Holly grinned at Missy. “You have to fill us
in?”
    “No, Miss,” said Pete. “You
don't. You really don't! Just tell us what the theme is for this one,
so I can decide if I can handle the humiliation.”
    Missy was still laughing. “I'll need some
time to think about it, Pete. Let's eat, can we? I don't think well
on an empty stomach.”
    “Good idea,” said Jack. “I'm
starving.”
    ***
    Dan picked at his fries. He was enjoying himself
this evening. He liked these people.