CZAR

"You’re such a mess," I replied. "You don't want me to get comfortable, but you're the one who won't let go."

"And you won't look pitiful tomorrow," he held me by the waist and effortlessly lifted me off the ground and spun during the music's last chorus. "Go outside when your section is about to perform. You can still hear the music from there. I'll be there and I'll dance with you."

He was startled. I pretended not to notice but it seemed he had been sensing whether I was upset with ...