The program went to commercial, and Dev sat back against the cushions. Vindicated. People would no longer give him dirty looks in the pharmacy, the bank, or passing on the sidewalk. His heart felt as light as angel food cake. He jumped up and danced a little jig by himself.
He didn’t notice the door opening until he whirled around at the sound of applause. Warmth suffused his cheeks as he faced a laughing Samantha and Stormy.
“Haven’t seen you dance since you were sixteen,” Stormy said. Immediately after the statement slipped out of her mouth, she paled.
“Look, Stormy...”
“Forget it, Dev.” She waved her hand. “Ancient history.”
He approached her. “I was a jerk back then.”
“So was everyone. Forget it.”
He took her hand. “I’m sorry. I never should have treated you like that. I was a m
