We'd taken formal dance classes together, at my mother's insistence, but we had to take it easy with Cary's injuries.
We basically just swayed in place, enjoying the contentment that came from ending a happy day with a good meal shared with loved ones.
"Look at them," Cary said, watching Stanton expertly lead my mom around the dance floor.
"He's crazy about her."
"Yes.
And she's good for him.
They give each other what they need."
He looked down at me.
"You thinking about your dad?" "A little."
I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair, thinking of longer and darker strands that felt like thick silk.
"I never really thought of myself as romantic.
I mean, I like romance and grand gestures and that tipsy feeling you get when you're crushing hard on someone.
But the whole Prince Charming fantasy and marrying the love of your life wasn't my thing."
"You and me, baby girl, we're too jaded.
We just want mind-blowing sex with someone who knows we're f**ked up and accepts it."
My mouth twisted wryly.
"Somewhere along the way, I deluded myself into thinking Gideon and I could have it all.
That being in love was all we needed.
I guess because I never really thought I'd ever fall in love like that, and there's the whole myth that when you do, you're supposed to live happily ever after."
Cary pressed his lips to my brow.
"I'm sorry, Eva.
I know you're hurting.
I wish I could fix it."
"I don't know why it never occurred to me to just find someone I can be happy with."
"Too bad we don't want to bang each other.
We'd be perfect."
I laughed and leaned my cheek against his heart.
When the song ended, we pulled apart and started toward our table.
I felt fingers circle my wrist and turned my head - I found myself looking into the eyes of Christopher Vidal Jr., Gideon's half brother.
"I'd like to have the next dance," he said, his mouth curved in a boyish grin.