While Jasper waited in a long line at the bar, a few other people wanted pictures. However, in between photo taking, I took in the gathering, people-watching. At first I was looking for more people like the rude guy, people looking for a chance to laugh at us, but everyone seemed occupied with their own friend groups, too busy and happy to make fun of some college kids in wacky costumes. Shoulders unknotting, I started picking out costume ideas for my drawings. I liked the idea of doing more superhero drawings for kids at the hospital.

My gaze landed on the dance floor where a tall Superman was swaying along with a shorter Batman. They were only one of several couples dancing to a classic ballad, but they captivated me. Both men were probably in their late thirties or early forties, and the easy familiarity with which they danced spoke to a long relationship. And there they were, wearing tights and fake muscles and capes and laughing and moving together without a seeming care for what anyone else thought.

I want to be that brave. The thought slammed into me. And more than that, I wanted a love like that. Someone who knew how I danced and what I liked and what made me laugh. I glanced back at Jasper who was almost to the front of the drinks line. Maybe that wish wasn’t as far out of reach as I thought. And maybe there was a way to show Jasper that I was working on the brave part. Maybe.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Jasper

“Did you get into trouble without me?” I asked Milo as I handed him a soda in a clear plastic cup. I tried to keep my voice light, like we hadn’t taken a left turn into Awkward Town ever since Milo had turned into a walking corpse when we’d run into the people at my dorm. Stiff. Pale. Monosyllabic. So much for progress.

“Nah. Stood for some more pictures. Thanks for the drink.” Milo’s tone was cautious, like he was trying to suss out if I was still irritated with him. Which I was, a little. But while in line, I’d resolved not to sulk all night.

“No problem.” I gave him a smile, a real one because even uncomfortable, he was still who I wanted to spend my evening with. “I looked at some of the auction items on my way back, and the bids are high. They should raise a ton of money tonight.”

“Good. I hope the foundation can help more families like yours.” He sipped at the soda.

“Me too.” Maybe small talk was the best we could do right then, but Milo seemed to be marginally loosening up. A pair of women in fairy costumes wanted pictures with us, and he even managed some jokes along with a grin for the camera.