VioletShane was ready to leave shortly after the program, but he did join me on the dance floor for a couple of songs. Nina managed to dance with Candace, while her husband was outside smoking cigars and drinking scotch with a few of our former football players. I hadn’t seen her smile that hard and look so genuinely happy in a long time. When Candace’s husband came back in, I grabbed her and squeezed her tight.
“You know how badly you want me to follow my heart and to be happy?” I asked.
“Yes, crazy woman.”
“All I want is for you to do the same.”
“I am happy.”
“Nina-beena, my best friend in the world,” I pulled back to look her in the eyes, looked over at Candace then back at Nina. “Follow your heart babe.” I kissed her on the cheek, squeezed her tight then, twirled her around and le
