She straightened his crooked bow tie.
“I liked dancing with you.”
His smile returned cautiously.
“But you know what I liked even more?”
He shook his head.
“Dancing with James while sitting in my chair.”
Theo considered that.
Then he nodded.
“Because you got to turn around?”
“Exactly.”
On the tablet, June giggled.
Elena looked toward the screen.
“June, can you still see me?”
“Yes.”
“Then don’t go anywhere.”
She turned toward James.
“Would you mind asking the DJ to play the rest of our song?”
James smiled.
“Not at all.”
Claire leaned closer.
“How’s your knee?”
“A little tired. No sharp pain.”
“Do you need a break?”
Elena considered.
“Actually, yes. A minute would be good.”
Claire nodded.
They allowed Elena time to rest and make sure she was comfortable.
There was no hurry.
No countdown.
No expectation that she needed to stand again.
