But for the first time in a long time…I feel happy.
We decide to be social and I get swept up with some of my father’s friends while Jade gets politely swarmed with old ladies in pearls.
She’s glowing. Not in the way girls glow when they’re trying to be seen, but in that dangerous way that comes from being comfortable in your own skin. Her dress is simple, elegant, dark green silk that moves when she moves. No armor tonight. No leather jacket. Just Jade. Strong spine. Soft eyes. Power she doesn’t need to announce.
I forget how to breathe for a second.
She catches my eye across the room. Hesitates. Then smiles.
I cross the floor before I can overthink it.
“You look…” I trail off, because anything I say will sound inadequate.
She tilts her head. “Merry and bright?”
I nod. “Yeah. Like that.”
Music swells. Low lights. Conversations hum around us, careful, curated. If people are murmuring about us, it’s discreet. Respectful. No phones out. No spectacle.
This isn’t Royal Oaks.
This is grown-up territory.
We find ourselves slow dancing without either of us formally asking. My hand settles at her waist like it remembers the shape of her. Like it never forgot.
“Is that your aunt?” I murmur, nodding toward the bar.
Jade follows my gaze and laughs softly. “I know.”
Susan looks incredible. New haircut. New dress. New confidence. She’s leaning close to a man I don’t recognize, laughing like she means it.
“She’s dating again,” Jade adds. “Full glow-up.”
“Good for her,” I say, and mean it.
We sway in silence for a moment.
Then the words I’ve been holding all night rise up.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
She looks up. “For what?”
“For coming.” I swallow. “For making this special for me. I thought I’d be alone tonight.”
She studies my face, like she’s deciding whether to believe me.
“I didn’t want you to be,” she says finally.
My chest tightens.
“I know I’ve probably been giving mixed signals,” she adds gently. “I’m sorry if that’s confusing.”
“It is,” I admit. “But I get it.”
She exhales, relieved. “I just… I don’t want to get hurt like that again. And I don’t want to lose myself trying to be someone’s everything. I want to stand on my own. Be strong. Not need anybody.”
I stop us from swaying. Just enough to look at her.
