“Let me guess. She’s afraid of heights?”
“No. She’s terrified of clowns. Which kind of limits your circus involvement. Why do you think she’s doing everything she can to steer clear of all the red balloons? It reminds her too much of Pennywise.”
Joshua throws his head back, laughing a full-belly laugh. I join him, grateful he knew exactly what I needed tonight.
“You are deranged.”
“You asked,” I shoot back, fighting a grin. “Okay. Your turn.”
He blows out a long breath. “I have no idea how I’ll top a ballroom dancing lumberjack and a circus performer with a phobia of clowns.”
“I have faith in you.”
He scans the room and points to an older couple swaying offbeat near the tree. The man keeps stepping on the woman’s dress, and she keeps swatting his arm without missing a beat.
“That’s clearly a retired jewel thief and the cop who spent his career trying to track her down. Fred and Ginger.”
I choke on a laugh. “Is that right?”
“Yup. But the more he chased after her, the more intrigued he became. So much so that he didn’t want their cat-and-mouse game to end. Neither did she. Although a part of her hoped he eventuallywouldcapture her so he could use his handcuffs on her.” He playfully waggles his brows.
“Sounds like one of Grandma Estelle’s spicy romance books.”
“Don’t worry. Their story isn’tthatdepraved.”
“So what happened? How did they get together?”
“She finally let him catch her on Christmas Eve, right under the mistletoe. He thought he had won, but she slipped the handcuffs out of his pocket and shackled him instead. To his surprise, he learned she’s a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. They’ve since joined forces to use each of their unique skills to make sure greedy billionaires pay their fair share.”
“I think I like Fred and Ginger. The world needs more people like them.”
“It sure does.”
He twirls me again, and when I land back in his arms, he leans closer. “Okay, last one. Over there.”
He nods at a younger couple standing awkwardly at the edge of the dance floor. The guy is stiff as a board, the girl bouncing on her toes like she’s dying for him to move.
“First date,” he begins.
“Obviously,” I agree. “But the reason he’s barely moving is because he just realized he wore his roommate’s pants by accident. And they’re two sizes too small.”
Joshua bursts out laughing, his hand tightening at my waist to keep me steady. “That explains why he hasn’t taken a single step.”
“Exactly. He’s terrified the seams won’t survive if he does.”
The sound of our laughter carries through the rafters, drowning out the low hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and jazz music. I don’t even care that people are looking at us. I needed this. Needed to laugh.
Needed to feel happy again.
“How do you always know exactly what I need?” I say with a sigh as we stop moving.
“Because I’m your friend.”
I meet his eyes, wanting him to see the truth behind my words. “I’m so glad you are.”
“And because I’m your friend, I also know you need this.”
I furrow my brow. “What?”
