The room exploded with noise. Some girls screamed. Some laughed. Phones went up. The string quartet started playing again but stopped after three notes because no one was listening.
Emma kept her hands on Alex's shoulders for one steady breath, then let go. Her cheeks were hot. Her heart beat fast but not from fear. She did not look at Jonathan. She did not want to give him her eyes.
Jonathan stood with the roses still in his hand. His jaw was hard. His aides tried to speak to him, but he shook his head. He looked at Emma and then at Alex. A muscle jumped near his temple. He closed the ring box, turned, and walked away. The crowd opened for him like a door. The roses stayed at his side. The room watched his back and whispered.
Caroline slid in next to Emma. “That was a kiss," she said,
