50. Tricks
FIFTY
Tricks
TARA
As the evening turned late, the crowd thinned out a bit when the younger folks with families went home, opening up enough space on the small dance floor for people to actually dance. Taking full advantage, Steve stood up and asked Tara to dance as soon as a slow song came on.
Tara glanced around to survey the room, then narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure there aren’t any other women here that want to dance with you?”
“Don’t know, but I’ve already made good on that promise.” Steve grinned. “You’re the only woman who matters.”
Steve took Tara’s hand and led her to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her waist and moved to the music. Dancing as close as they were, Steve stole an occasional kiss.
“I could never do that with one of the Tres Widows,” he said as he pressed his lips to hers.
Tara laughed as they swayed to the music. “I sure hope not.”
He kissed her again.
After the music ended and they made their way back to the table, Celeste leaned in to say something to Kiro. She extended her hand with an overly sweet smile. “Tara, come with me.”
Knowing something was up with her friend, Tara turned to Steve and smiled just as sweetly. “Be right back.”
She hopped up to go with Celeste. When they arrived inside the ladies’ room, Celeste did an about-face and placed her hands on Tara’s shoulders.
Tara furrowed her brow. “What’s up, Cel?”
“There’s a man at the bar who’s been staring at you all night. He’s creeping me out, so I wanted to give you a heads-up. Don’t walk home alone tonight, okay? Please?”
“Of course.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” They hugged, then headed back into the bar.
Tara met Steve’s gaze and exchanged smiles while crossing the room. Since Celeste had mentioned where the man was sitting, Tara risked a glance in that direction as she reached for her chair to sit back down. As soon as she did, she stopped dead in her tracks. Her body tensed up as a man stepped out from behind a table full of people standing up and putting on their coats to leave. He wasn’t in costume.
The color drained from her face the moment she recognized him.
What is he doing here?
Her hand dropped on the back of her chair and she turned back toward her own table. Still standing, she closed her eyes and dropped her chin to her chest, mumbling under her breath. She took a deep breath.
Celeste turned toward Tara in time for Tara to release a long, slow exhale.
Tara opened her eyes again to discover that Steve’s smile had dropped. He maintained eye contact with her as her face went from surprise to anger.
“Hello, Tara,” the man behind her said. “It’s been a while.”
Tara’s lips moved as she swore under her breath again. She spun around to face the man. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Tara’s hand now gripped the top of the chair so hard, her knuckles were white.
“We need to talk,” the tall man said. He was dressed in blue jeans and a button-down shirt. His short, brown hair was spiked up in the front and his dark brown eyes zeroed in on her as if everyone else didn’t matter.
Celeste placed a calming hand on Tara’s arm. “You know him?” She asked as Steve stood up.
“Yeah. I know him.” Before sending a grateful glance to Steve, Tara answered Celeste. “This is Ethan.”