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“I said, I’m going to show him what he’s missing.”

  Amy tilted her head. “I don’t quite believe you, but it’s at least a start. Come on, let’s go back to the booth.”

  “Did you tell Nichole what happened?”

  “I said you two dated, but it didn’t work out.”

  “Nothing more?”

  Amy shook her head. “It’s not my story to tell. You ready?”

  “Is Gary gone?”

  “That’s not the attitude I want to see. Stand tall, hold your head high, and act like you don’t care. That’s what he needs to see.”

  Judy frowned.

  “I’m serious. Don’t let him see the hold he has on you. Just don’t.”

  She let out a long slow breath.

  “Judy.” Amy’s tone held a warning. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

  Gary’s new face flashed in her mind. “I can’t help it. Did you see him?”

  “Looks like a self-righteous jerk to me.”

  “You think so?”

  “Definitely. Stop thinking about him.” Amy grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the bathroom. “Now stand up straight and walk to the table like you own the place.”

  Judy groaned.

  “Who owns the place?”

  Judy glared at her.

  “Who owns the place?”

  “Me,” Judy mumbled.

  “Who?”

  “Me!”

  A slow grin spread across her face. “That’s the Judy we all know and love. Let’s go.”

  They marched back to the booth, and Judy kept her gaze focused away from Gary’s table. She didn’t even catch a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye.

  As soon as she and Amy settled back into their seats, Nichole leaned over the table. “What’s the story?”

  “About Gary?” Judy asked.

  Nichole nodded, her eyes wide.

  Judy held her head high. “There is no story. We knew each other when we were younger, but that’s it. Now we’re two strangers who just happen to be from the same small town.”

  Nichole frowned.

  Judy packed up her things. “I have something I need to do before I go home. Study date tomorrow?”

  Her friends nodded and said goodbye.

  Judy walked toward the door, keeping her focus away from a certain table. She hoped the hair salon was still open and had the space for a walk-in client because if they didn’t, she was going to chop her hair off herself.

  Chapter 3

  Gary Hunter pretended to stretch as he leaned against Andy to get a better view of Judy as she unlocked a silver two-door Datsun and threw her bag inside.

  “A little personal space?” Andy shoved him.

  “Sorry. Jet lag’s getting the best of me.” He craned his neck for one last glance at her before she disappeared into her car.

  “You staying in town?” Wes sipped his empty cup loudly.

  “You’re as annoying as ever.” Gary pushed his glass toward Wes. “Have mine.”

  Wes smirked. “Works every time.”

  Gary kicked him under the table, then watched as Judy’s car left the parking lot. That woman still knew how to set his pulse on fire, even though she clearly hadn’t noticed him. Probably because of his new look. He’d only recently cut his long hair to look more professional. If he’d still had it long, would she have seen him?

  Not that it mattered. They were ancient history, and chances were, someone as beautiful as her had to be in a relationship. Somehow she’d managed to become even more lovely and elegant over the years that had passed. In fact, she was probably engaged and ready to get married after graduation.

  That had been their plan. She’d had stars in her eyes about being the first woman in her family to get a degree. Then they’d get married and have a bunch of kids while she balanced being a working mom.

  Now Judy probably had those exact same plans with some lucky schmuck.

  He’d been so stupid to leave the way he had. Stormed off and left the state over some stupid argument. He couldn’t even remember what they’d been fighting about.

  And that was why he’d lost his chance with the love of his life. His stupid pride. Robert, his brother, had always said Gary’s pride would be what took him down one day. Boy was he right. The dumbest thing he’d ever done was to leave her.

  Now he was back, and he couldn’t think about anything other than her. They obviously thought alike—both chose the diner that afternoon.

  “Earth to Gary!” A fry smacked him near the eye.

  Gary wiped the grease off. “Hey.”

  His friends snickered.

  “What gives?” Wes asked. “You’ve been spacey ever since we sat down.”

  Ever since he saw Judy. “Jet lag, remember?”

  “Sure it had nothing to do with Judy Rivera?” Andy gave him a playful punch in the arm.

  “Judy?” Gary gave them the most innocent look he could muster. “What about her?”

  “She’s sitting right there.” Wes pointed to the table where she’d been sitting. “Well, she was.”

  Gary took his drink from Wes and sipped it. “Guess I didn’t notice. Didn’t realize she was still in town.”

  “Where else would she be?”

  Gary shrugged. “How would I know? It’s not like we’ve kept in touch.”

  Truth was, he’d tried. He’d sent an apology letter to her, hoping they could work things out. It had been returned unopened. She had either been furious or hurt, or maybe both. He didn’t press it and never wrote back, honoring her clear request to be left alone.

  Now with his pulse still racing, he realized the error of his way. He should’ve returned and fought for their relationship.

  What if he’d lost her for good? The problem was, it’d taken him this long to figure out he couldn’t shake her. The girl wouldn’t leave his mind or his heart. He’d dated others. Tried some long-term relationships. But no one measured up. Not when the standard was Judy Rivera. There was nothing in the world like her smile. Like her touch. When she held his hand, it was far more thrilling than kissing other girls.

  And she hadn’t even noticed him sitting in the diner. She’d walked by three times. To and from the bathroom—he’d been tempted to accidentally run into her—and then again when she left.

  “What is with you?” Wes kicked him.

  “Jet lag!” Gary grabbed his jacket and slid it on. “In fact, I’m going to get some sleep so I can start tomorrow off right.”

  His friends teased him about Judy, but he waved them off as he plopped some cash on the table for his meal then headed out to his car. He stopped and stared at the spot where her car had been before climbing into his new fire-engine red Buick LeSabre Sport Coupe.

  He needed to find out as much about her as he could in order to set up a plan to win her back. To show her he was a changed man and would never be stupid enough to walk away again. He would throw himself into it, not giving up until he’d exhausted every effort. She would either hate him twice as much as she did now, or she would fall back in love with him and make his world right again.

  With any luck, it would be option two. That was why he was back in Enchantment Bay. The only reason he’d finally returned. He would swallow his pride forever if it meant making things right with Judy Rivera again.

  Chapter 4

  The stylist spun the chair around, stopping it with a jerk once Judy faced the mirror. Looking at her reflection was like staring at a stranger. A really short-haired stranger. Her throat nearly closed up at the sight of all the hair lying at her feet. It looked more like a dark carpet than a tile floor covered in hair.

  Judy bit her lower lip and focused on the painting of Santa in the sleigh with his flying reindeer instead of her jolting reflection.

  “What do you think?” Elena beamed. “You look so sophisticated! I love how it frames your face. This might just be my best work yet.”

  Judy swallowed and cupped the ends of her hair. What had she done? Chop
ped off years of growth because of one encounter with Gary?

  She’d lost her mind. That was the only thing that made any sense. And there was no going back. She couldn’t glue her locks back on.

  “Judy?” Elena’s smile faded.

  Guilt stung. Judy forced a smile. “I love it. Really. It’s just a shock after a lifetime of long hair.”

  “It’s an adjustment for sure, but wow! The look really suits you. And I’m not just saying that.”

  Warmth crept into her cheeks and she tried to see it herself. “Thanks.”

  Elena pulled off the cape and dusted loose hair from Judy. “You know, if you really want to complete the look, I can show you some makeup tricks that’ll make you look like a whole new woman with the new hair.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Okay.”

  Elena told her some different ways she could try styling her hair as she swept up all the hair from the floor, then she led her over to the waiting area and picked up a magazine. She flipped through it and stopped near the middle. “You’d look like you just stepped off a movie set if you did your eyes like this.”

  They sat, and Elena gave Judy so many ideas it made her mind swim. “I hope I can remember just some of this.”

  “Try this one. If you do it, you’ll have an easier time remembering. I can help you with the eyeliner. It’s a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Not at all. I love this stuff, and as you can see, this isn’t exactly our busy time.” She panned the empty waiting area with her palm.

  “Okay.” Judy tried to hold back a smile but couldn’t. She was getting excited about her new look, and not just because a certain Hunter brother was back in town.

  Elena led her back to where she’d cut Judy’s hair and pulled out some makeup supplies. She first applied it to herself, explaining each step as she went. Then she handed it to Judy. “Your turn!”

  She hesitated before wiping off her regular makeup and trying the samples Elena offered. The eyeliner took several tries, but she finally got the hang of it. After that, the rest of it was easy, and Elena had been right. Judy looked like a whole new woman. Sophisticated and confident. Just seeing herself like that helped her to feel that way.

  By the time she marched outside, she stood taller and had a purse full of new cosmetics. Tiny snowflakes fluttered down from the sky, but it may as well have been a sunny summer day. Judy felt invigorated and alive, and she walked with a bounce to her step.

  “Judy?” came an all too familiar male voice.

  She spun around toward Gary Hunter, her smile and confidence both fading. “Gary.”

  He didn’t respond right away. “You look amazing.”

  Her cheeks burned. With any luck, he’d think it was from the cold. She shrugged. “Oh, thanks. I just got a haircut.”

  “It looks great. The shorter hair is a great look on you.”

  Judy’s heart raced. She hated that he still had that effect on her, even after how much time had passed. “What brings you back to town?”

  He held her gaze for a moment before answering. “I thought I might move back.”

  “Oh.” Think of something brilliant to say! “That’s nice.”

  He leaned against a pole. “How have you been?”

  She glanced away. “Fine. You?”

  “Busy.”

  “That’s good.” Judy glanced at her watch. “I’d better get going. Final exams.”

  He nodded. “I’m glad we ran into each other.”

  “Yeah. See you around.” She hurried to her car, embarrassed she hadn’t thought of anything better to say, and left without glancing his way.

  How could he act like everything was normal between them? Nothing would ever be normal—not after how in love they’d been and then the way he’d taken off like he had. And now he was thinking of moving back to Enchantment Bay.

  Maybe she should think about taking her new hair and moving somewhere else. Nichole seemed to think Texas was a great place to live. Judy would sure miss snowy winters, but at least she’d be well over a thousand miles away from Gary.

  She continued rehashing their conversation as she unlocked her front door. There were a hundred things she could’ve said differently. Should’ve said differently. Gary probably still thought she was the pathetic girl he’d run from so long ago.

  “New haircut?” A male voice broke through her thoughts.

  Judy turned to see one of her neighbors. “Hi, Dustin. Yeah, I thought it was time for a change.”

  “Far out.” He gave her a friendly smile. “So, are you going to the winter dance?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Would you like to go with me? I’ve got a Santa tie I’m dying to wear.”

  Her mind raced. If she went to the dance with Dustin, that might help to get her mind off Gary. Plus, it would get her friends off her back about not going. She smiled. “That sounds great.”

  “Really?” His eyes widened. “You’ll go with me?”

  “Yeah, it’ll be fun.”

  “Perfect.” Dustin grinned. “I’ll pick you up at five, and we can grab some dinner first.”

  “Sounds great. See you then.” She waved and stepped inside, greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of cooking stew.

  “Is that you, Judy?” Her sister’s voice drifted from the kitchen.

  “Who else?” Judy teased Lynda.

  “Could be a robber.” She appeared from around the corner, wearing a cute checkered apron. “You never know. Whoa! You chopped your hair.”

  Judy pulled off her coat and fluffed it, the length still shocking her. “Do you like it?”

  “I love it! And I heard Gary’s back in town. He’s going to trip over himself when he sees you!”

  “I’ve moved on, remember?”

  Lynda gave her a look that said she clearly knew better.

  Chapter 5

  Gary sipped the peppermint punch and watched as Judy spun around the dance floor with Dustin McGraw. Her sparkly blue-and-silver dress flowed out as she moved around. She looked like a movie star, though she was just as gorgeous when she looked like the girl next door, too. Judy was perfect no matter how she dressed.

  “You going to stand there all night?” asked a feminine voice.

  He turned to see a girl from high school. Her name was Tessa or Trisha or something. She’d been on the drill team, or maybe it was cheer. It was hard to remember since Judy had been the only girl who had ever truly caught his eye.

  Gary glanced back over at Judy and sipped his drink. “Maybe.”

  “Let’s dance.”

  He turned back to Tessa-or-Trisha and finished off the punch.

  She scrunched her curly red hair and smiled widely, adjusting her weight from one leg to the other. Her dress was striped like a candy cane, and she wore an actual wreath around her waist. “Come on. Judy’s with Dustin.”

  He threw his head back and chuckled. “Am I that obvious?”

  “Yep.” Tessa-or-Trisha grabbed his hand and dragged him to the dance floor.

  Wes gave him a thumbs-up, obviously approving of his ‘choice’ to join the fun.

  The song switched over to Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and Gary focused on his moves, and before long, he was actually having fun. Not as much fun as he’d have had with Judy, but fun nonetheless.

  After the fifth song, he stopped to catch his breath. “I’m going to take a break. This has been fun.”

  Tessa-or-Trisha tilted her head. “There’s an after-party at the beach. A big bonfire with music and drinks. Sounds like a real fun time.”

  He looked back over at Judy, who was still dancing the night away with Dustin. “That sounds nice, but…” His voice trailed off as he imagined himself in Dustin’s shoes.

  “But I’m not Judy Rivera.”

  Gary turned back to his dance partner. “Sorry, it’s nothing personal.”

  She nodded. “I know. But you
had fun out there. We can have fun at the beach, too.”

  Gary frowned. The only person he wanted to snuggle under a blanket with in the snow flurries was Judy. “I think I’m going to hang out here.”

  “Well, I’ll stick around for a bit longer. Let me know if you change your mind.”

  He nodded and picked up a candy tree. The chocolate triangle was decorated with green frosting and a candy cane stump. Gary took a bite as he looked back at Judy, laughing at something Dustin said.

  Tessa-or-Trisha trudged away without a word. Gary felt a little bad, but it wasn’t like he’d promised her anything other than dancing.

  Andy came over and stuffed a tiny gingerbread man into his mouth and swallowed. “You going to the beach?”

  Gary shook his head, his focus back on Judy.

  “Come on, man. Tessa’s totally hot and she’s really into you. That after-party is going to be where it’s at.”

  “Sorry. Have fun without me.”

  Andy grabbed another gingerbread man. “Think about it, at least.”

  “Sure.” Gary picked up a red-and-green snickerdoodle with melted chocolate.

  A few minutes later, Judy and Dustin stopped dancing, and he headed for the bathrooms.

  Gary’s pulse raced. This was his chance to talk to her before she went back to dancing with her date.

  He hurried over to her, trying to act nonchalant. “Having fun?”

  She turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise. “I didn’t realize you were here, Gary.”

  His heart sank, but he smiled widely to hide his disappointment. “Yeah, I’ve been dancing with Tessa.” He waved to her, and she waved back eagerly.

  “That’s nice.”

  “It looks like you’re having fun with Dustin.”

  She stood taller. “I am.”

  “Good, I’m glad.” He studied her, trying to figure out what she was thinking. That girl had always been a big mystery, and it had always driven him crazy in the best way possible. She was having the same effect on him right there.

  “He’s coming back. I’ll see you around.”

  “Yeah, see you around.” Gary returned to the snack table but didn’t take anything. He just watched as Judy and Dustin continued dancing right where they’d left off.