and I exchanged pleased looks and stepped away to give them privacy. He said, “You look ...”
“Underdressed?” I glanced again at his flashy car.
“Ha. No. I was going to say you look amazing.” He pointed toward my long-sleeved corset top. “Black looks great on you, I notice you wear a lot of it.”
“What do you know?” I joked. “You’ve only seen me what, twice?” I nodded at his shirt. “You’re one to talk. Black is all I’ve seen you wear, too.”
“I suppose you have a point.” He tugged at his shirt, grinning. “It’s all I wear. I don’t feel comfortable wearing any other color.”
I looked up, my eyes meeting his in understanding. “Me too. Everything else is too colorful. I like to blend in, not stand out.”
“Wow. We really are introverts.”
“That we are,” I agreed laughing, pulling at my sleeve. “But hey, I do have another reason. Johnny Cash. ‘Man in Black.’ It resonates with me. I feel convicted to wear it.” Embarrassed by my confession, I chuckled, playing with my sleeve as I spoke.
“That’s a great song. So, you’re an introvert with a conviction.”
He looked at me with the same intrigue that crossed his face that day in Paris. It made me uncomfortable, yet I didn’t want him to look away. I pried my eyes from his, feeling that annoying pink hue begin to spread across my face again. “I know, I’m a dork. Just deal with it.”
“You’re far from that, believe me.” He pulled his eyes from my face. “That’s a very respectable conviction, you know--”
“Okay guys, are we gonna head out? We’re starving.” Gabe and Audrey had returned from their little world. I was shocked to notice they were already hand-in-hand. That was quick. And strange.
“Uh, yeah let’s go,” I replied, giving Audrey a hard stare. She didn’t notice. She was too busy smiling at Gabe. It was nauseating. Already. “Where are we going exactly, by the way?”
“Well,” Gavin said. “We’re taking you to this place in Breaux Bridge. Cafe Des Amis. They have Cajun zydeco music. We hope you ladies like to dance, because--”
Audrey exploded with laughter, immediately clapping her hand over her mouth. Gavin shifted his eyes between Audrey and me, confused.
A penitent smile on her face, Audrey said, “It’s just that ... Camille doesn’t exactly dance. It’s not her thing.”
“Yeah, but it’s fine, really,” I said. “I can still hang out while you guys dance. Come on, let’s go.” I darted for the car, shooting her a warning look.
Not wanting to spoil the fun, after dinner, I let Gavin hurl me all over the dance floor. Every few minutes he would dip me and fling me into a stranger, although the flinging wasn’t his fault. He was actually quite coordinated, his rhythm impressive. I was the one who couldn’t keep up, unexpectedly launching myself into people as we moved. I watched Audrey and Gabe easily keep up with the fast Cajun beats. Their dance moves were just about as nauseating as their instant chemistry, though I couldn’t help but smile at their instant coupledom. The entire night felt safe. Lighter. So far, the new spell was working just fine.
I was having a great time too, but getting tired. Gavin caught my exhausted expression as another song ended and said, “Want to take a break? How about a walk?” I nodded, and watched him share a cautious look with Gabe before he led me out the door to the street.
“Everything okay?” I asked, puzzled by the exchange. We began to meander down the street.
“Oh ... yeah, everything’s fine. Gabe and I just watch out for each other. This guy inside has kind of been eyeing you all night, and he was helping me keep an eye on him, that’s all.”
“Well that’s creepy. But ... thanks.” I shivered. The familiar paranoia rushed over me, and like the gods suddenly sensed my fear, my cell phone rang. Saying, “Excuse me,” I stepped away from Gavin, but headed toward the end of the sidewalk when I saw the name on the caller ID. I hesitated, then silenced the ringer to ignore it. I was not about to let him ruin the night.
“Everything okay?” Gavin appeared from behind me, looking concerned in the streetlight. He glanced around at the empty sidewalk, as though looking for someone.
“Yeah,” I stammered, shoved the phone in my pocket. “My mom. I always get upset when she calls.” I tried to focus, gestured toward the sidewalk. “How about that walk?”
“Sure.” He took my hand