The polite small talk began. I tried my best not to participate unless a question or comment was directed my way, and of course each time it was, I usually had my mouth full or was in mid-gulp. Sara pressed her lips together to keep from laughing, which only made me squirm uncomfortably.
After surviving the anxiety inducing dinner, I excused myself to use the restroom and promised to meet Evan in the foyer.
It was a struggle to hold the chiffon over my head so it wouldn't fall in the toilet. I was standing outside the bathroom door, smoothing the layers back in place, when I heard, "I don't want to talk about this again."
I remained still. Not sure if I should continue around the corner, or wait until they were done. I was thankful I decided not walk in on, "She's not your future, Evan. It's about time you realized that. I won't allow you to pass up on Yale to follow a girl, especially that one, across the country."
"It's not your choice to make for me, Dad," Evan bit back. "I don't expect you to understand."
"Stuart, what are you doing?" Vivian beckoned from afar. "We're going to be late."
I remained still, having collapsed flat against the restroom door with my heart pounding and my mind racing. What just happened? I knew Stuart was withdrawn, but I had no idea it was because he didn't approve of me. His reaction sunk in, and my lip quivered.
I bit my lip, taking a deep breath to compose myself. Then I walked around the corner and forced a smile when I saw Evan waiting for me with my jacket over his arm.
"Are you okay?" he asked, inspecting my face. I pushed my smile wider with a nod of my head. I slipped my arms into the jacket with my back toward Evan, afraid he could see right through me.
Evan held the door open and allowed me to lead the way to the limo. Sara and Jared were across from us, lost in conversation about who they deemed to be the best guitarist.
Evan took my hand. "Are you shaking?"
"It's cold," I lied, wanting to roll my eyes at my involuntary "tell". Evan wrapped his arm around me to warm me up. I eased away the nerves, nuzzling into him.
"Wow," Sara admired the up lit mansion as the limo slowly crept in line with the others. A streak of nerves twisted my stomach. I felt like I was nearing the head of the line for a death defying rollercoaster ride.
"They're just people," Evan assured in my ear, probably noticing I wasn't breathing. I exhaled to relax my shoulders, squeezing his hand.
Just people soaked in jewels of every color or poised in tailored tuxedoes, full of judgment and snide comments, I thought. We made our way through the glitz covered bodies shimmering in the candlelight. The voices swirled in time with the smooth jazz band in the ballroom.
Everywhere I looked, I was struck by more brilliance.
"Mrs. Mathews, this is incredible," Sara gawked. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."
"I'm not so sure my sons would agree," Vivian replied with a sparkling smile. My cheeks grew warm when Evan squeezed my hand. "This did turn out more spectacular than I could have hoped. I am so happy to have you all here with me. I need to greet a few more guests, but I will be expecting a dance later, Evan." The corner of her mouth rose as she met her son's eyes, and she glided away in the antiqued ivory dress that floated around her. Vivian was picturesque sophistication with her blond hair swept back into a French twist. I admired how collected she always remained, even in a setting that was completely overwhelming to me.
"What was that about?" Sara demanded, looking at Evan. "Do you have some crazy dance moves or something?"
Jared laughed, and Evan shot him a warning glance. "Evan's Mom's dance partner. My father refuses, and I failed out of the lessons … "
"You took lessons?" Sara laughed, interrupting Jared.
"Yes," Evan finally admitted. "My mother loves to dance. And I seem to be the only one who can keep up with her without stepping on her toes." He glared at Jared, who sneered mockingly back at him.
"I can't wait to see this," Sara smirked.
We found a lounge set in a corner away from the stifling conversations, and immersed ourselves in the details of Evan and Jared's skiing trip in France.
"Oh, Em, did you tell Evan about the news?" Sara burst out. It took me a moment to remember what she was talking about, hoping she wasn't about to ruin the surprise I had wrapped in the box.
"No," I said slowly, then remembered with a slight nod. "Oh, I'm moving in with my mother this weekend," I confessed casually, like I just announced I was buying a new pair of shoes.