All the Colors of the Dark — Chapter 84

84

She drew looks at the party as she skirted the edge of the dance floor, found the gift table, and set hers down. A pink sweater she’d knitted while he was gone, the pattern a little large for her, so would likely be a little small for

Misty.

“Is he here?”

Saint turned as Misty stunned her into silence in a white dress that skimmed her knees, and matching heels. Her nails were painted, her hair piled in curls, her eyes touched with the lightest shadow that told Saint the girl had likely not been beautified by a corpse handler.

“I don’t know,” Saint said.

Misty looked around, drawing looks from every boy in their year, and

most of the girls.

“Happy birthday,” Saint said.

Misty smiled but it was empty. “So he didn’t come with you?”

Saint shook her head. And then she got it. And as she did, she felt the air leave the church hall. She knew then why Misty had invited her.

“Don’t take him,” Saint said, and she felt the flush in her body, the

shame of her words.

Misty looked down at her.

“I know how that sounds. But you…you can have, you already have everyone.” Saint watched the flash of lights and looked across at Misty’s

grand family.

“I’m not sure what you—”

“Please, Misty. If it’s pity, if it’s some kind of obligation, then…”

She did not get to finish what she started because the music slowed and as the guitar strummed Chuck grabbed Misty’s hand and tugged her toward the center of the floor, where she belonged.

And through the open doors Saint saw him, slowly walking away from them.

If she had her time over, she might’ve called out, but standing there in her dress and makeup she felt so foolish she could do nothing but look on as Misty shoved Chuck away and stepped out into the warm evening air.

“You look beautiful.”

Saint turned to see Jimmy. He wore a blazer and slacks, his father’s tie.

“I didn’t think you’d be here,” she said.

He shrugged. “My mom knows the Meyers.”

She turned.

“Saint. Would you like to dance?”

She shook her head.

Jimmy smiled, and it was warm and kind. “When Joseph was gone… and I told you that I prayed for him…I wanted him to come back safe, of course. But as much as that, I wanted you to be okay. I needed it.”

“Why?” she said.

He kept his blue eyes on hers, this time did not blush or shy away. “I see you, Saint. I see the way you care. I see the way you close your eyes for a couple of seconds before you laugh. I see you try and hide your tooth when you smile. But you don’t need to, because you’re…because it’s a perfect

smile.”

“Jimmy—”

“I know that…I know I’m not your first choice. But still, dance with me.”

Saint glanced back once more, outside, to where Misty walked toward

Patch.

And she took Jimmy’s hand.

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