Page 210 of Sweet Dominion

“Man, Sweet, Savory, and Salty got swept off their feet by some Four Aces. But I told them that would happen.” Banks shrugged. “I never hate. Charge it to the game. I’ve got other flavors on the mental rolodex.”

The music came on and the first notes of the Electric Slide filled the air.

Everyone in the yard started sliding in sync—well, almost everyone.

Chen and Fen remained dancing to their own groove.

This is going to be a blast.

As I danced along, I checked behind me.

Lan and Thandie had paired up, dancing with Hu, who looked shockingly out of character. His jacket was off, his shirt halfway unbuttoned, and he was laughing—a real, genuine laugh.

Relaxedwas not a word I usually associated with Hu, but right now, he was one of the happiest-looking people out here.

O-kay.

I blinked in surprise.

This was the most laid-back I had ever seen him. Lan was showing him the steps and for once, he wasn’t stiff and awkward.

I continued doing the steps and taking in everyone around us.

Across the yard, I spotted Chloe and Jo dancing with Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi.

Aww.

They were having an absolute blast and to my surprise, Jo didn’t seem to mind hanging with them. When she showed up earlier, Jo had been so resistant to everything East-related, but now, watching her laugh with the aunts, it hit me—Jo had softened.

Thank God. She’s going to end up staying with us. I know it.

“Alright, everybody ready?” DJ Hendrix called out. “You all look like you know the moves!”

I checked Lei and he was keeping up with us for sure, although his gaze kept going to my hips.

My baby stays horny.

DJ Hendrix yelled on the microphone. “Everybody say, ‘Hell yeah!’”

The crowd roared back, “Hell yeah!”

“Everybody let me know where you’re from!”

People were yelling the East over and over. Many were screaming the South.

And far off, I heard Chloe and Jo laugh and roar, “Go Glory! Go Glory!”

And then our dancing crowd was one, pulsing and swaying together, under the stars, dancing like there was no tomorrow.

Banks began clapping as we stepped to the side. “That’s right, cuz. You’re going to have to bring soul to the East!”

Laughing, I checked around and a tiny pang of disappointment hit me.

I didn’t see Dima, Rose, or the cat joining us or anywhere else in the yard.

Did they slip out without saying goodbye? Or are they on the carousel?

Dima and Rose were such a unique pair and Barbara Whiskers had stolen everyone’s hearts, including mine. I hoped they hadn’t left yet I want to see them one more time and say goodbye.

---