The smile on his face never slipped an inch. My mouth was hanging open in stunned shock as the music stopped. We separated, John turning toward the orchestra and applauding. I sort of stumbled away, joining the couples that were moving off the floor. I managed to find my way back to our table, my whole body numb.

I stood there for a moment at our empty table before I saw my mother talking with a group of people about forty feet away. Our eyes met, and I knew that she was aware of exactly what John had just said to me, or that they had at least discussed it....