The zesty smell of shrimp and sausage caused Scarlett’s stomach to rumble as she and Vernon walked over to the long rows of tables lined with butcher block paper. Several people called out greetings as they sat down at an empty spot. Things had been tense between Scarlett and Vernon after the incident at the restaurant, but she hoped everything would get back to normal as the evening wore on. The shrimp boil was put on by the local men’s club, a group of retirees who spent the day preparing shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, potatoes, jalapeños, and corn on the cob in large vats. When it was time to eat, they dumped the food on the butcher paper, and everyone ate with their hands. It was a time of camaraderie where the townsfolk came together. Afterwards, a live band performed while people danced. This year, the Dixie Bandits were performing. Originally from Gulf Shores, the Dixie Bandits were taking the nation by storm. Mayor Tate called in a few favors to have the band come to Clementine.

Vernon scooted closer to Scarlett, rubbing her back. “You look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you.” She’d decided to wear white slacks and a red blouse with tall wedge sandals and red, dangly earrings.

“I’m sorry about earlier,” he offered. A pained smile touched his lips. “I just couldn’t stand to see you with him.”

The bitterness in his voice was understandable. When Scarlett learned Rigby was with Sadonna, she’d come back to Clementine a broken woman. Vernon offered her a shoulder to cry on until slowly their relationship evolved into something more. He knew better than anyone how deeply Rigby had hurt her. And he knew how much Scarlett had loved Rigby. Vernon was good and kind. She wished she had the same intense feelings for him that she had for Rigby, but maybe she’d never feel that way about anyone again. First loves were hard to top. She took Vernon’s hand in hers, which had the magical effect of soothing his ruffled feathers as he smiled affectionately. Then she asked the one question she knew would lighten the mood between them. “So how was your day at the office?” Vernon was super passionate about his work—a healer, one of the things she admired most about him. He cared so deeply for his patients that once he got started on the topic, he found it hard to stop.

“Really busy, but good. Cindy Stubblefield brought her baby in for a checkup.”

“How’s Cindy doing?”

“Very well, and so is the baby. Bonnie came in today and wanted me to tell you hello.”

“Oh, that was nice. How’s she doing?”

Ten minutes later, Vernon was still talking about his patients. Scarlett’s mind began to wander as she scoped the crowd. She caught a few people casting interested glances her direction, probably still thinking about the auction. When she smiled, they returned the gesture and quickly looked away. She took in a quick breath when she saw a familiar profile a couple of tables over. Rigby was here … with Pepper McClain. Pepper was leaning in, laughing at something he was saying. Jealousy seared through Scarlett like a hot poker, and for a split second she felt like history was repeating itself as the old hurt came gushing back like water through a broken dam. Earlier today, Rigby was vying for her attention and now he’d thrown her aside for someone else a few short hours later. Typical.

Vernon gave her a concerned look. “Are you okay?”

Oops, she’d not meant to be so transparent. She smiled brightly. “Of course,” she chirped, her voice sounding false in her ears.

“You sure?”

“Uh, huh. Oh, look, there’s Mayor Tate. It’s about to start. I’m glad because I’m starved.”

* * *

The Dixie Bandits were good—one of the best bands Scarlett ever remembered hearing at one of these events. No wonder they were so popular. She and Vernon had danced nearly every dance, and she tried to stay focused on him rather than Rigby who was a few couples away dancing with Pepper. Her dress was so tight it was a wonder she could sit down without bursting the seams. A few times, Pepper had given her a smug look that said she’d won. Scarlett didn’t know why she was so bent-out-of-shape about this. She should’ve been glad Rigby was with Pepper, because that meant he’d stay the heck away from her.

Vernon’s phone rang. He fished it from his pocket and sighed. “It’s the answering service, I’d better take it.”

“No worries. I’ll just go over and get a coke. You want one?”

“Sure, I’ll take a root beer.”

Scarlett had just taken her first sip when Rigby stepped up beside her. “Oh, is that for me? You shouldn’t have.”

She jumped nearly spilling coke down the front of her blouse. “Hey.” She tried to keep her expression nonchalant, even though her pulse was hammering in her ears.

He took the root beer from her and flipped open the can. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him it was for Vernon, but then she decided it would be easier to just get Vernon another one.

Rigby’s eyes flickered over her. “You look stunning. Red always was your best color.”

“Thanks.” The compliment warmed her like the first rays of morning sunlight touching the darkened sky. She could’ve added that he looked stunning too in jeans and a collared shirt, untucked. Then again, Rigby could’ve worn a tow sack and looked good. As usual, his hair was styled back, and his eyes had a smoky look tonight that added to his allure. A faint line of stubble emphasized his strong jaw. She sought for something to say. “I appreciate you coming to the restaurant today to take pictures.”

He smiled, the lines around his eyes crinkling. “Thanks.”

She took a swig of coke. “So, where’s your date?”

Amusement lit his eyes. “Oh, I didn’t realize you noticed.”

Her eyebrows bunched. “It was hard to miss, seeing as how Pepper was wrapped around you like an extra appendage.”

He chuckled. “Well, you and Vernie seemed to be having a good time.”

“Yeah, Vernie’s a good dancer.” She stopped, her face flaming when she realized she’d said Vernie.

Rigby grinned in amusement, but thankfully didn’t point out the slip.

Scarlett stiffened when she saw Pepper strutting towards them.

“Well, gotta go,” Rigby said, downing the soda, then crushing the can. He winked. “Thanks for the root beer, Lettie. See ya’ around.”

“Okay,” she mumbled, watching him walk toward Pepper, who linked an arm through his and held on tight like she was afraid he might get away. She’d never been a fan of Pepper McClain, but that feeling was intensified a thousand-fold as she watched her with Rigby. Surely he had more sense than to get involved with her.

Vernon stepped up beside her. “Sorry about that.”

She tore her eyes away from Rigby and Pepper. “No problem.”

He looked at the coke in her hand, the corners of his lips turning down. “I thought you were getting me a root beer.”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. I’ll go over there and get one.”

He gave her a long look. “Are you okay? You seem a little off tonight.” She looked out at the dance floor to where Rigby and Pepper were swaying to the music. “Nope. I’m good.” She couldn’t stand to watch the two of them dancing a minute longer. “Come on. Let’s get you a root beer, and then I think we should call it a night.”

Vernon’s face fell. “But the concert’s not nearly over.” His voice went soft as he trailed a finger over her arm. “And I was hoping to dance a few more slow songs with you.”

“Yeah, sorry. I’ve got a headache coming on. It’s been a hectic day.” She stole one final glance at Rigby and Pepper before turning away.

* * *

Scarlett paced back and forth across her bedroom floor. It was concerning that she’d gotten so upset about Rigby and Pepper. She scowled. Before Rigby showed up everything had been going well. Now she wasn’t sure what to make of her feelings. The practical thing to do would be to forget Rigby and push forward with Vernon. She was ready to settle down and start a family, but she also wanted love. Heck, if the truth be known, she wanted fireworks—to be swept off her feet. Rigby had been her world, and now that he’d come back … well, it was awfully hard to get excited about Vernie—um, Vernon. She’d have to quit calling him that. Everything was a muddled mess. She couldn’t talk to her grandfather about it because he’d go ballistic if he thought she was even entertaining starting things up with Rigby. There was only one person she could call. She picked up her phone and pressed the button. “Hey, Harper, it’s me.” She let out a long sigh as she sat down on her bed. “Do you have a minute?” She let out a shaky laugh. “I just need to talk something through …”

* * *

Shortly after Scarlett and Vernie left the concert, Rigby took Pepper home. The girl was as clingy as plastic wrap. She’d invited him in, but he declined saying he had to be up early tomorrow morning, which was true. But he also couldn’t take one more second of pretending to be interested in her. Rigby felt bad about using her to make Scarlett jealous, but like Harper said, it seemed to be working. Still, he wasn’t going to lead Pepper on. Tonight would be his first and last date with her. Like he told Harper, he wasn’t the type to play games. He stepped into the guest bedroom and peered out the window. The light in Scarlett’s bedroom was on. It was comforting to know she was home rather than out with Vernie.

His phone buzzed. He pulled it out, surprised to see a text from Harper.

Adrenaline pulsed through Rigby’s veins as he took a deep breath. A part of him wanted to charge over this instant and talk to Scarlett, but that would require going through Douglas. It was doubtful he’d even get past the front door. He could text Scarlett and tell her he needed to talk. No, too much of a likelihood that she’d put him off.

A second later, a slow smile stole over his lips, and he knew exactly what he needed to do.