Free Magnetic by Robin Alexander Page B

said with a grin.
    “That’s not what I’m talking about.”
    “You don’t understand, Layne. That’s all I’m talking about, and Stacy knows it. We’re having a good time, and when the party’s over, then it’s all said and done.” Ronnie walked off before Layne could say anything else.
    Stacy watched Ronnie walk briskly away from Layne toward the bathroom. Stick moved in quickly and handed Layne a bottle of water. Layne watched the dance floor, and Stick watched her. Stacy didn’t like Stick. She recognized the lingering stares, the innuendo in the things Stick said, because she’d used the same tactics with women, with Layne. There was a time she would’ve applauded Stick’s smooth style, but when it came to Layne, the game wasn’t cool, it was repugnant. She didn’t want to see Layne in her arms or know they were next door doing the things that they’d done. It struck her then that she was genuinely jealous, and that was one emotion Stacy hadn’t felt in a very long time.
    She’d hoped to see the materialistic side of Layne that Ronnie spoke of that Stacy had always equated with shallowness. But what she found in Layne was a warmhearted, self-made woman who stood on her own two feet. She’d been physically attracted to Layne the night they met, but she’d found new reasons to be drawn to Ronnie’s best friend.
    Stacy looked away when Stick led Layne onto the dance floor and met twin stares from the women sitting across the table from her. Molly’s expression showed concern, Jenny’s amusement.
    “Thanks for taking care of our friend today,” Jenny said.
    “I didn’t do anything but bring her some soup.”
    Jenny’s smile faded as one brow rose. “Good.”
    “Hey, sexy, you wanna dance?”
    Stacy looked up at Ronnie, eager to escape the table. “Absolutely.”
    “This is a problem,” Molly said as she watched them go. “Ronnie’s acting weird, and that woman can’t take her eyes off of Layne.”
    Jenny leaned in close to Molly. “Layne’s looking, too. Did you see her at dinner? I was watching her the whole time, and when Ronnie kissed Stacy, Layne closed her eyes and turned her head. Houston, we most certainly do have a problem, but there’s nothing we can do but watch.”
    “I can’t sit back and watch a longtime friendship be ruined. Layne and Ronnie are going to get hurt. I think you should talk to her.”
    “And what am I going to say? ‘Layne, stop looking at Stacy?”’
    “I don’t mean Layne.” Molly nodded toward Stacy. “Tell her to get lost.”
    “I can’t do that. What if we’re wrong and ruin whatever is happening between her and Ronnie?” Jenny pointed at Molly. “Don’t you say anything, either.”
    Molly folded her arms and bit her lip.
    “Baby, please,” Jenny pinched the bridge of her nose, “promise me you won’t try to intervene.
    *******
    Stick held Layne tightly and brushed her neck with a kiss. Layne looked over her shoulder and caught Stacy’s eye. “Stick, I need to be honest with you.” Layne put a little distance between them. “I just recently got out of a six-year relationship, and I’m not ready for…anything at the moment.”
    “You live too far away for there to be anything , but what’s wrong with enjoying my company?” Stick replied with a smile.
    “I can dance with you, and we can be friends, but that’s all I can do right now.”
    Stick pulled her close again, molding their bodies together. “Can I still try to change your mind?”
    Layne smiled and looked away. “As long as you know your chances are very slim. You’re extremely attractive, and if I was in a better place, things would be different.”
    “Well, minus a day or two, I’ve got time to charm your socks off.” Stick spun Layne around when the band began a fast song and pulled her close again. “I can be very persuasive.”
    Layne glanced at Ronnie and Stacy. Even though the tempo had changed, they were still dancing slowly. She watched as Ronnie’s