Jace's POV
The fundraiser hall buzzed with donors and sponsors, string lights strung along the ceiling, servers weaving through the crowd with trays of appetizers nobody was actually eating. I spotted Ariana near the entrance, dressed sharper than her usual campus look, and something in my chest tightened just seeing her there.
"You look good," I said, crossing over to meet her.
"Thanks. Becca picked it out." She smoothed down the front of her dress, a little nervous energy in the gesture. "Big turnout tonight."
"Yeah. Coach wants us mingling, shaking hands, the whole image thing." I glanced around at the crowd of boosters and alumni. "You ready for this?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
I offered my arm, mostly out of habit from months of practiced routine, and she took it, her hand set
