When I’d left Woodvine before, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. A fight-or-flight reaction in response to James’s sudden departure. This time, things were going to be much more difficult.

Sadness washed over me as I realized how much I was going to miss Victor. I smiled up at him and took his hand, following him to the dance floor. Victor held me close, and I rested against the familiar feel of his body. How I loved this boy. For the next few minutes, I chased all other thoughts out of my head and drank up being sheltered in his arms.

Victor was an excellent dancer. He moved around the floor gracefully, not missing a beat. Although I knew he loved me in a vastly different way than I felt about him, he didn’t take advantage of our closeness. He was the perfect gentleman, which made me love him even more.

At the end of the song, I turned away and walked toward the table. Victor pulled me back to him, holding me close as the next song started. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to have this conversation again as I thought about the best way to gently remind him that we were no longer a couple.

“I know,” Victor said.

Over the years, I’d gotten used to how Victor seemed to be able to read my mind. I was relieved he finally understood my feelings for him. For once, we were on the same page. So what would be the harm in dancing with him again, or all night long for that matter? Smiling, I stepped back into his arms.

Victor bent close to my ear. “I know everything,” he whispered.

I gazed at him curiously. “About what?”

“About everything. I know all about Judaculla.”

His words gave me pause until I realized he must have been talking about my false suggestion for prom to be held at Judaculla Rock. “Yeah, that got shot down pretty quickly. Everyone thought Judaculla Rock was too far of a drive.”

He leaned back a bit to stare into my eyes. “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it.”

Anamae.

I dismissed the thought as quickly as it entered my mind. Anamae would never betray my confidence. At the same time, it was obvious Victor was on to me. I cast a glance at Knox, who was watching us. He gave a subtle nod, and I realized Victor was telling the truth.

“Knox told you?” I asked, dumbfounded.

“Yes, he did,” Victor said.

“You actually believed him?”

“I had no choice. I knew he was telling the truth,” Victor said.

“How?” I was annoyed he was making me ask so many trivial questions. “Go back to the beginning, please.”

“Anamae pretty much demanded I see Knox.” He watched as they twirled on the dance floor. “She really does like that guy.” He was distracted by this realization.