Much later, after the cake plates had been cleared and the dance floor was crowded, I saw Emma walk toward Daniel.
Advertisement
No announcement.
No microphone.
No spotlight.
She held out her hand.
Daniel looked at her.
"You sure?"
Emma smiled.
"I'm sure."
Advertisement
He took her hand, and they danced.
Because she wanted to.
For once, I didn't walk over, didn't check her expression, and didn't ask whether she was okay.
That was part of what I'd learned too.
Sophie came and stood beside me.
For a while, neither of us spoke.
Then she said, "I really screwed up tonight, didn't I?"
"You were trying to protect her."
"That's not what I asked."
I looked at her.
Advertisement
Sophie had tears in her eyes.
"Yes," I said. "You did."
She nodded. "So did I."
Everyone had stayed, and that wasn't because Emma had begged.
Rearranged.
Softened.
Warned.
Or apologized.
