Opportunity’s historic Fairview Hotel had never looked more stunning. Patriotic bunting festooned the porch railings; strands of white lights encircled the cottonwood trees flanking the wide wooden steps; and red, white and blue pansies spilled from freshly painted window boxes. The glorious old structure that had once served as a boarding house for weary prospectors looked eager to receive Savannah and her classmates.
“Let me get your door,” Levi said as he stepped out of his car. His eyes met hers as he walked around to her side and opened the passenger door. She adjusted her long yellow gown, the fabric rustling softly under her newly manicured fingertips. Carefully, she placed one dainty heel onto the gravel and then the other, already regretting her choice of footwear.
Levi’s gentlemanly gesture of opening the car door for her roused an uneasy feeling in her stomach. Despite her insistence the other night at the Sluice Box that they call this whole thing off, she couldn’t help but wonder how she’d ever go back to being officially single. He’d been so sweet. So attentive. And those kisses... She wobbled, and Levi clasped her elbow, his fingers warm on her bare skin.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” She managed a nervous smile. “Borrowed shoes, and all that.”
Levi’s gaze swept from her toes to the top of her head, lingering when their gaze met.
“You look beautiful, Savannah,” he said softly.
A warm blush heated her neck and spread to her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said. “You look handsome.”
He glanced down at his crisp white dress shirt, striped tie, deep navy slacks and caramel brown dress shoes. “Thanks. Jasper helped me out.”
“What does it say about us that we needed our siblings to help us get dressed for this?”
“It says they have great taste. Come on, let’s dance the night away.”
“Oh, on second thought, let’s go roast marshmallows in my parents’ yard.”
“Not so fast.” His fingers trailed down her arm and laced with hers, leaving a pleasant, tingling sensation on her skin. “We have a fake relationship to maintain, remember?”
The question, even with a hint of humor clinging to his words, made her smile falter. She’d miss him when they parted ways.
“We’re going to have to dance at least three slow songs just to keep up our facade,” he added, winking.
She tucked her hand into his outstretched elbow. “I’m in.”
The truth was, as much as dancing made her self-conscious, and even though she already regretted letting her sisters talk her into these heels, she had daydreamed about how swaying in Levi’s arms would feel. Savannah snuck a glance at Levi as they made their way to the entrance of the grand hotel. Gently, he guided her up the stairs. The door opened, and they stepped into a room filled with people dressed in their finest. A band hired from out of town filled the air with live music as servers circulated among the guests, offering drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Levi ran a trembling hand down the length of his striped tie as he hesitated outside the ballroom.
Was he nervous too? She avoided meeting his gaze, gulped down her apprehension and let him lead her into the grand hall. The room swelled with the sound of music and chatter as friends and former teachers reconnected. Savannah spotted Grace standing next to her date, waiting to have their pictures taken at the photo booth. She waved, then followed Levi onto the crowded dance floor.
Buoyed by the success of her job interview for the art teacher position and the warmth in Levi’s liquid brown eyes as they danced together, she shoved aside her lingering worries about her future. When the band took a break, she and Levi meandered outside. The air was crisp and cool on their skin. They walked onto the balcony, which overlooked a small courtyard surrounded by trees and blooming flowers. Sunlight glinted off the water as it splashed playfully from the ornate fountain at the intersection of two flagstone paths. The sky overhead held breathtaking streaks of pale pink and orange.
Yet despite the seemingly perfect moment, an unease drifted around them.
“Want something to drink?” Levi offered, turning to face her.
“Water would be great,” she said. “Thank you.”
“Be right back.” He squeezed her arm gently and offered a tender smile. But before he left the balcony, Candace and Mr. Schubert stormed out of the ballroom, blocking the doorway.
“There she is.” Candace held her phone in one hand and pointed at Savannah with the other. “I’ve shared some information with Mr. Schubert that I think might interest you.”
Savannah’s mouth went dry. “I doubt it.”
Mr. Schubert’s uncomfortable expression made her wince. The man looked as if he’d rather be anywhere else but here, a feeling she was beginning to share. She dug her fingernails into her palms. Levi returned to her side, grabbing the railing behind him with both hands.
“I have some connections in Colorado,” Candace continued. “My cousin is dating a teacher named Troy. When he found out she had family here in Opportunity, he shared some troubling news today that I feel bears repeating.”
“I’m sure you do,” Levi muttered.
“The tragic events revealed to me confirm what I’ve suspected.” Candace tipped up her chin. “Savannah’s been lying since she got here.”
Candace’s statement sent Savannah’s heart rate into overdrive. Her chest tightened. Sweat trickled down her spine. But she managed to find her voice.
“What are you talking about, Candace?”
Candace smirked with a flinty gleam in her eyes. “Oh, please. Don’t play dumb. Did you really think the truth wouldn’t follow you back home?”
“I didn’t—”
“You shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near children,” Candace insisted, her voice getting louder and drowning out Savannah’s protests.
“No crime was committed,” Savannah said. She quickly scanned the group fanning out around them, nothing but shock and dismay reflected on their faces.
Candace planted her hands on her hips. “You lost your job because a kid died. That’s something that this community needs to know about.”
“It wasn’t my fault,” Savannah whispered. The disapproval emanated through the crowd in waves. Had Levi just taken a noticeable step away, or was that her imagination?
The principal’s brow furrowed. “Savannah,” he said softly, “that’s the kind of information you need to disclose in an interview.”
“No, it isn’t.” She squeezed the words past her tight throat. “It was a church youth trip, and I was a volunteer chaperone. The kid—”
