Part 19:
Ethan tuned most of it out, watching instead the way Viven’s expression shifted when she thought no one was looking. Tired, lonely, like she was performing a role she’d perfected but never really wanted. The dancing started around 9:30. A live band playing standards that Ethan vaguely recognized from his grandmother’s record collection.
Couples filled the dance floor, swaying in practiced rhythm. “We should dance,” Vivian said. I don’t know how. Neither do half the people out there. Come on. She pulled him onto the floor before he could protest, and they found a spot near the edge where Ethan hoped his incompetence would be less visible.
Vivien placed his hand on her waist, took his other hand in hers, and started swaying. “Just follow my lead,” she said. “You’ll be fine.” “He wasn’t fine.” He stepped on her foot twice in the first 30 seconds, apologizing profusely while she laughed. Relax, she said. It’s just dancing. Easy for you to say.
You’re not the one stepping on people. I’ve had lessons since I was six. You’re doing fine for someone who’s learning on the fly. They found a rhythm eventually, swaying more than actually dancing, but it worked. Ethan was hyper aware of her hand in his, the warmth of her waist under his palm, the way she fit against him despite the 4-in height difference created by her heels.
Thank you for coming tonight,” Vivian said quietly. “I know this isn’t your scene. It’s really not, but you came anyway. You asked me to.” She looked up at him, and something shifted in her expression. “Ethan, Ms. Hart, may I cut in?” Marcus appeared beside them, wearing that same confident smile.
Vivien’s expression went cold. “Marcus, no, you may not. Just one dance for old times sake. We don’t have old times. We have a past I’d rather forget. That’s harsh, Viv. Don’t call me that. She tightened her grip on Ethan’s hand. We were just leaving, actually. Really? It’s barely 10. The Viven heart I knew never left events early.
Too worried about offending donors. Marcus turned to Ethan. Has she told you yet? About how work always comes first? how every relationship she’s ever had has ended because she can’t turn off CEO mode long enough to actually be a person. Marcus, “That’s enough,” Vivian said sharply. “I’m just trying to help the guy out. He should know what he’s getting into.
The late night calls, the canceled plans, the way she’ll choose a board meeting over your birthday every single time.” Ethan felt Viven’s hand trembling in his. Saw the way her jaw was set, her eyes bright with either anger or tears or both. and something in him snapped. “You know what I think?” Ethan said, his voice calm.
“I think you’re a bitter who can’t handle that she’s moved on.” Marcus’s eyebrows rose. “Excuse me?” “You heard me? She dumped you.” And yeah, I’m sure she dumped you, not the other way around. And you never got over it. So now you’re standing here trying to sabotage whatever she has with me because if you can’t have her, nobody should.
You don’t know what you’re talking about. I know exactly what I’m talking about. I know cars. And when an engine is making noise, it’s usually because something’s broken and trying to compensate. That’s you. Broken and loud. Several nearby couples had stopped dancing to watch. Marcus’s face was turning red. You’re comparing me to a broken engine? Yeah, specifically a blown head gasket.
All noise, no substance, and expensive to fix. Ethan stepped closer, still holding Viven’s hand. She’s not a project or a charity case or whatever narrative you’re selling yourself. She’s a person who actually gives a damn about the people in her life. And if you couldn’t see that when you had her, that’s your failure, not hers.
” Marcus looked like he was about to say something, then apparently thought better of it. He turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd with whatever dignity he had left. Ethan turned back to Viven, who was staring at him with wide eyes. “Did you just compare my ex-boyfriend to a blown head gasket?” It was the best metaphor I could think of on short notice. She started laughing.
Real helpless laughter that made several people glance over. That was the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. But it worked. It absolutely worked. She pulled him close, not dancing anymore, just holding him. Thank you for that, for defending me. He was being an He was, but most people just let him talk.
You actually shut him down. They stood there on the dance floor, other couples swaying around them. And Ethan realized something. Marcus’ words had gotten under his skin because part of him believed them. But watching Viven laugh, feeling her relax against him, he understood that the fear was his, not hers. She wasn’t trying to fix him.
She was just trying to be with him. “Can we leave?” Vivian asked quietly. “I know it’s early, but I’ve smiled at enough people for one night. Please, I’ve been ready to leave since we got here.” They collected their coats and slipped out through a side entrance, avoiding the main crowd.
