SHERRY
The air near the open windows was cooler than the rest of the hall. I stood with one shoulder against the stone frame and let the night settle against my skin. The music continued behind me. Conversations rose and fell. I could still feel the residual attention from the dance floor, but the immediate pressure of Adrian’s questions had eased.
Footsteps approached from the side. I knew the rhythm before I turned.
Eric stopped a few feet away. Close enough to speak without raising his voice. Far enough that anyone watching would see he was not forcing the distance.
“Sherry.”
I looked at him. The expression he wore was careful, as if he had rehearsed the opening and still did not trust it.
“What do you want?”
He opened his mouth, closed it, then tried again. “Can we talk.”
“We a
