Barely Breathing (The Breathing #2)(6)

Jared had no idea why this was big news, but Evan narrowed his eyes. "You're doing what?" he asked.

"Your mother's looking for you," Stuart interrupted from behind us. Evan turned around to view Vivian scanning the crowd. She raised her hand when she located him.

"I'll be right back," Evan announced, rising to escort his mother to the dance floor. I turned toward Sara, but she and Jared were already making their way through the crowd, not wanting to miss the spectacle. I was left alone in Stuart's shadow.

Feeling I couldn't just walk away without appearing completely rude, I fumbled with something intelligent to say. Instead I said, "This is quite the party, huh?"

He peered down at me as if I'd spoken in a foreign tongue, shook his head slightly and walked away.

"Okay then," I mouthed, glancing around to see if anyone had witnessed my humiliation. I pin-balled my way through the crowd to the ballroom. The dance floor was full of couples, but one couple stood out amongst them. They floated around with ease and grace to the cool rhythms of the Sinatra song sung by a lanky crooner.

"Omigod," Sara gasped next to me with a glass of champagne in her hand. "They can really dance." My mouth popped open at the sight of Evan leading Vivian in a perfect stance, cradling her hand in his. Her eyes sparkled as they twirled around the dance floor, their feet in perfect unison.

"Told you," Jared interjected. "Kinda scary good, right?"

"Very," I floundered, finding that there were way too many things about Evan I still didn't know.

The song concluded, and there was an overwhelming burst of applause. Evan appeared uncomfortable, while Vivian smiled brightly. At that moment a woman with short white hair in a long sleeved black dress stepped up to the mic. Stuart joined Vivian, and Evan spotted the three of us on the opposite side of the dance floor.

"Wow," I admired when he slid his arm around my waist. He shrugged abashedly and redirected his attention to the speaker.



       
         
       
        

The woman went on to recognize Vivian's philanthropic accomplishments over the years, acknowledging her success and dedication to each cause and organization. She'd invested not only time, but her passion. I listened intently, completely astounded by all that Vivian had done. The presentation concluded with a roar of applause, and the white haired woman handed Vivian an award made of crystal with a kiss on her cheek.

The music picked up again, and we met Vivian, along with every other person in the audience, congratulating her affectionately. Evan hugged his mother, followed by Jared and Sara. I went to congratulate her as well. She wrapped her arms around me tighter and longer than she'd ever done before and whispered into my ear, "I'm so glad you're here with us."

My eyes watered instantly, understanding the intended meaning of her words. She released me and was pulled in another direction, with more words of praise.

Evan took my hand and led me away from the crowd. I was still caught up in the moment, my head buzzing with emotion.

"Let's get out of here," Evan said in my ear.

"What? You want to leave?" I searched his face, baffled by his request.

"Yeah. I want to show you something."

"Okay," I responded, still so very confused. We retrieved our coats, and Evan escorted me out the door without saying good-bye to anyone.





2. Fireworks



Evan led me down the long driveway lined with limousines and town cars. We approached the parking lot, and I recognized Evan's BMW.

"When did your car get here?" I asked suspiciously.

"I drove it here earlier," he shared with a crooked grin. That's when I realized this was part of his plan, the surprise he referenced when we left the hotel.

He opened the passenger-side door and pulled out a backpack. He unzipped it and handed me a pair of sneakers. I eyed him apprehensively, recognizing the shoes that were supposed to be at Sara's―which meant Sara was in on this too.

"I figured they would be more comfortable than the heels," he explained, tossing his black dress shoes on the floor of the car, along with his tux jacket and tie, and lacing up a pair of sneakers. I sat on the passenger seat, switching out my shoes.

I had tried to figure out his plans in the past with little success, so I learned just to go along with them without too many questions―unless he walked us to the edge of a cliff and asked me to jump. Then I would have something to say.

Evan found my hand again, and we continued toward the cobblestoned street lined with lanterns. My shoulder brushed against him as we walked with the crisp air swirling around us. The sky was clear, allowing the full moon to follow us like a spotlight.