“Yeah,” I agreed. “I’m just glad to see Mom smiling.”
Elise nodded. “She’s so stressed right now.” She looked at me. “I think we need to plan a trip to see Julia. It’s not looking good.”
I swallowed. “I know. Sooner than later.”
Mom waved at us and shouted, “Come over here and dance with us.”
We stood and joined them on the dance floor. Soon, all the Young sisters were out there with us. And,Oh God, it felt so good to just let loose and dance with people who meant the world to me. We stayed on the floor for several songs, laughing, showing off our dance moves, and hugging each other. I needed it. Hell, we all did.
When the DJ switched to a slow track, the floor cleared out. On the way back to our table, James grabbed Elise and tugged her into his arms, leading her back to the floor. As I watched them dance, I couldn’t help but smile—even through the heavy weight that had settled in my chest. They really were an amazing, accomplished couple. I wondered if I’d ever have that type of bond with anyone.
“Feet hurting, yet?”
I smiled at Dex when he handed me a glass. “Not quite.” I held up the drink. “Water?”
“Vodka tonic.”
I arched a brow. “You do know me well.”
He hunched a shoulder. “Some things don’t change.” We stood in silence for a moment as the song played. “Just so you know… I’m proud of you.”
I took a sip of my drink. “Glad you are because I feel like a dumb ass.”
“We’re not doing that, Char. Look at what you’ve accomplished this year. You got an MBA; you’re considering starting a non-profit… You’re a master electrician. How many black women can say that? That’s bad-ass.”
“Wow, when you say it like that—”
“Believe me.”
I peered at him over the rim of my glass. “You always boost my confidence.”
“I try, at least. You’re hardheaded as hell.”
“I’m definitely that.” The song switched. Another slow jam. “Sometimes I wonder why I even try.”
“To what? Be amazing? ‘Cause you don’t have to try to be that.”
I beamed up at him. “You always say what I need to hear. I need to keep you with me.”
His gaze fell to my mouth. “Just say the word.”
And because I’m basically a klutz, I choked—figuratively and literally—spewing my drink on his shoes. I gasped. “Oh no.” I grabbed a napkin from the nearest table and dropped to my knees. “This is… Oh God.” I babbled on, spouting more apologies and more than likely saying other non-sensical things, while I wiped his shoes.
“Get up,” he demanded softly.
I dabbed the napkin on his left shoe for no reason at all. There was nothing there. I just needed another moment to get myself together. My face was hot. Hell, my whole body was on fire. “I can’t believe I did that,” I muttered.
“Get. Up,” he repeated.
I stood finally, fighting the urge to run. Covering my face, I admitted, “I’m so embarrassed.” And something else I wouldn’t name.Flustered.Nervous.Attracted. Even though I was all of those things in that moment, there was one emotion that eclipsed everything.Fear.
“I think being on your knees in a formal dress would be more embarrassing.” He squeezed my shoulders. “It’s clear. It won’t stain. It’s fine.”
I leaned my forehead against his chest and let out a slow breath. “Maybe I should just cut myself off.”
“I’ll get you some water.”
When he walked away, I plopped down on the closest chair.I’m such a dork.
