Page 111 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

SPRING SUMME R FALLING | 111

I smile at her, but it feels strange being on the nice end of her demeanor. She
senses my discomfort and grabs my hands.

“Sanya, I’m sorry that I let the things Teo said about you color my perception
of you. I know now that it is him and not you. Please forgive me. You are the nicest
person here. Myself included.” She flashes another genuine smile.

I nod. “Thank you, Tala.”

Henry rubs my back in support. He nods his gratitude to Tala. It is kind of
tense and awkward seeing Teo’s immediate family with my “new man” as my date.
His mother tries to look at me disapprovingly until Lizzie walks in. Apparently, she
hates Lizzie more than me.

The rest of the night progresses smoothly, Teo’s parent’s presence cage him
into being a polite representation of himself. The DJ plays soft music, and the
strategically placed white lights give the room a soft glow. Coupled with the warm
wood, it is romantic and magical.

Henry pulls me on the dance floor when “Slow Hands” begins to play. I don’t
understand, but he insists that we dance to it. He wraps me in his arms, his cologne
teases me, the warmth of his body calls to me, and his eyes seduce me. I pray the
spell follows us back to the room. I want to explore his body and have him touch
mine.

The groomsmen and the groom drag him off shortly after our dance. They
insist he try a drink the bartender makes called The Crazy Frenchman. They rave

about immediately thinking of him since his grandfather is from France. I have no
idea what is in the drink, but two shots ensure that the night I’d imagined doesn’t
happen.