Page 50 of Dreams and Reptiles

“Oh, so you know him?”

I turned back to Bart and grinned. “I do. He’s my person.”

The good kind of shiver ran through me. My person. Mine. It felt so good to say it out loud to someone else.

“Oh,” he said, surprised, but he smiled. “Oh, well, that’s great. Seems like lots of people find their person in this town.”

I waggled my eyebrows at him. “Watch out. You could be next.”

He held up his beer and nodded. “Sounds good to me,” he muttered as he took a drink. I wasn’t sure he wanted me to hear that part.

“Enjoy yourself, and thank you so much for coming. I’m just going to check the patio for empties.”

I’d have to find someone to dance with Bart. I glanced around and saw that Arnie was now dancing with Auntie Judy, and Derek was dancing with Ophelia. Beyond them, I spotted Francine with a couple of women, so I meandered on over.

“I’m so glad you made it.” We kissed cheeks, and I whispered in her ear, “You mind doing me a favor? See that guy over there? He’s my neighbor, Bart the dairy farmer. Mind saying hi? See if he wants to dance? He doesn’t know anyone here.”

“You got it.” She winked at me and made her way through the dancers to stand next to Bart. I didn’t see them make it to the dance floor, but they were laughing and carrying on for quite a while. I’d call that a win.

“Hey, Francis!”

I waved at Ezra from Beauty and the Boutique. He was a whiz with clothing design. I’d met him at Pints and Pool on one of my trips out with Derek, before moving here. He was another person I’d talked to about teaching some classes eventually.

“Hey yourself! You guys having a good time?”

Ezra’s partner looked like he was concentrating extremely hard.

“Babe, you look like you’re in pain.”

His husband, Olly, frowned. “Shh. I have to count. I don’t want to step on your feet.”

“You’ve been a professional musician for how long, and you’ve never danced with a partner?”

“Who do you think is making the music people dance to? Besides, my music is a little heavy for ‘walk-walk-tri-ple-step.’”

Ezra pushed up on his toes to kiss Olly, but Olly pulled back.

“You’re invading my dance space. Let me concentrate.”

Ezra winked at me. “I’ll call you next week. I’ve got some ideas for beginning classes.”

“That would be great. Have fun.”

Ezra had Olly smiling by the time I walked by again. I loved it.

Next, I passed by Dillon from the grocery store, and he waved me over.

“Your mom and aunt are incredible cooks. That honey soy glaze? To die for.”

“Thank you for all your help with the grocery orders. If they’re going to keep cooking for my events, I might be calling you for all kinds of interesting ingredients.”

“I love a challenge—oof. Sorry, babe.”

“Come on, Dillon, we’ve got to pay attention, especially if we’re going to do this at our wedding.”

I hadn’t met Dillon’s other half. Engaged? I wondered if they already had a venue. Now wasn’t the time to ask, but I’d tuck that piece of info away for later.

“I can’t wait,” Dillon murmured, and he leaned in and kissed his partner until neither one of them was respecting any sort of dance space.