I’m laughing now. I can’t stop.
Because this man is usually so serious.
So controlled.
And now he looks like someone set his personality to “golden retriever.”
Then he grabs my hands again and spins me in a quick circle.
When I stumble slightly he catches me easily.
“I’ve got you,” he says.
Across the room, I see my father standing frozen, watching us.
Jake notices him too. And instead of panicking like a normal person, he waves cheerfully.
Then he keeps dancing.
“Are you having fun?” he asks.
“Yes,” I admit helplessly.
“Good.”
The song ends and polite applause ripples through the room.
Jake bows. Actually bows.
Then he pulls me gently against him again, breathing slightly harder now.
I press my forehead to his shoulder, still laughing.
“You are unbelievable.”
He sounds very pleased with that. “Thank you.”
When we walk back toward the table peopleare smiling.
Connor is staring like he just witnessed a miracle.
“Jake,” he says slowly, “I have known you for seven years.”
Jake nods.
“You hate dancing.”
Jake considers this carefully.
“That was before tonight.”
Connor turns to me. “What did you do to him?”
“He took some THC gummies,” I whisper.
Connor blinks.
Then he bursts out laughing
