the tiny movie theater that only ran vintage films. She knew she was rambling to fill the silence, to cover her awkwardness. But the weird thing was, the more she talked, the less awkward she felt. And Jared was the reason why. Instead of just nodding and pretending to listen to her silly stories, he was completely absorbed in everything she had to say. It was as if he wanted to know every single detail about her. And he didn’t just listen. He asked all kinds of questions. About everything. His curiosity about her was endless.
“Okay,” Jenny said with a soft laugh as they neared Seattle. “Now it’s my turn.”
He glanced over at her, his face illuminated by the dashboard lights. “My life has been dull compared to yours.”
She laughed again. “I don’t believe that for a minute.”
With a little prodding, he told her about all the places he’d traveled and the things he’d seen. She was mesmerized by him, captivated by his voice and the stories he wove around her.
They talked about nothing and everything, and when the Space Needle came into view, Jenny felt a stab of disappointment. Instead of attending the fund-raiser, she wanted to stay right where she was, continuing to talk to Jared.
Parking was crowded, but Jared found a spot close by. As they got out of the car, a slight breeze blew the bottom of his jacket open, and she caught herself staring at him. In the weeks he’d been here, his hair had grown, and she found herself wanting to reach out and run her hands through the back of his head, where it brushed against his collar.
Jared had her through the doors and into the thick of the party before she realized it. Waiters, dressed in black pants and formal white jackets, moved effortlessly through the crowd, balancing silver trays on their hands. Jared snagged two glasses of champagne and handed one to her. He clinked his glass against hers. “To a perfect night.”
She smiled and took a sip, knowing that even if the evening ended right now it had already been perfect.
On a dais at the far end of the museum, a dozen or so members of the Seattle Symphony provided the music for the night. Even in this large a room and with this many people, she could still hear the beautiful strains of their music.
“Jenny.” Wearing a sapphire gown that perfectly matched her teardrop earrings, her mother was ravishing. She gave Jenny a hug and a kiss on her cheek. “You look lovely,” she said before turning to Jared. “I’m so glad you could make it. Now come, mingle.”
She steered them toward the crowd. For over an hour, Jenny met new friends and reacquainted herself with old ones. As they talked, she found herself relaxing and reconnecting. Jared was the perfect companion. Once, when she was talking with some very old and very dear friends, he’d tried to move away, to give them some privacy. She’d caught his hand, and when he looked at her, all she said was, “Stay. Please.” And he did. She couldn’t explain it. All she knew was that she found a strength in his nearness, a comfort from his arm when it settled gently around her waist. She’d been so worried about tonight; worried about coming face-to-face with people she’d pushed away after Steven’s death. But now she saw how wrong she’d been.
“Jenny.” She turned at the sound of her brother’s voice.
“My, don’t you look dapper.” It was the same thing she said each time she saw him in a tux. And each time, he smiled and crushed her in a bear hug.
“And you clean up pretty well yourself, Jelly Belly.” He gave her a peck on the cheek. “Worth.” Paul stuck out his hand, and the two men shook. “Enjoying the party?”
Jared’s gaze went right to Jenny and stayed there. “Immensely.”
An awkward silence fell as the two men sized each other up. Trying to smooth over the moment, Jenny hastily asked, “Have you seen Anna?”
Reluctantly, Paul returned his attention to her. “I don’t think she’s arrived yet. How about a dance, little sister?”
“Only if you promise not to step on my feet.”
He laughed as he took her arm and tried to guide her onto the dance floor, but Jared’s arm was still around her waist. Jenny was caught between the two men. She looked from one to the other, confused. Then, with a sigh only she could hear, Jared’s arm dropped away. Paul