Lillie sighed. "I got married right out of high school. It lasted almost ten years." She made a face. "I guess we just grew away from each other."
"I'm sorry," Carmen said.
Alex was watching Lillie absently, clearly lost in thought.
A voice announced that the next dance would be a contest - the Cha Cha. Alex came out of his trance and looked at Carmen, lifting a brow.
Carmen shook her head. "Not me! I barely do a good waltz, and that's because you're a good dancer."
He laughed. "You do fine."
Lillie perked up. "I can Cha Cha." She glanced from Carmen to Alex uneasily.
Carmen laughed. "Go ahead, you two. Win the contest."
"Are you sure you don't mind?" Alex asked.
"Go!" she said, pushing him playfully.
Lillie was tall - maybe an inch taller than Alex. Once again Carmen was reminded of the fact that Alex wasn't a tall man. At five-nine, he seemed tall to her - probably because she was so short, but possibly because he was so well proportioned.
Alex was lithe and graceful - light on his feet. He managed the attitude of the Cha Cha without the usual extreme movement of the hips. Once again he was doing something that might be considered effeminate in another man, and yet he looked totally masculine. Where did he learn to dance like that?
Lillie twisted and turned, always in perfect time with him. Her dress lifted out, revealing long graceful legs. They were a lovely couple and every eye in the room was on them as they danced to a lively Latin tune.
As she watched, Carmen's gaze found Candice. The expression on her face indicated she disapproved. Was Candice jealous? Had there been a relationship between them? Alex didn't actually deny a relationship. She sighed. It didn't matter. That was a long time ago. And yet, the old question returned. Was she holding him back? Tonight she was having fun, but it wasn't something she would enjoy doing on a regular basis. That might not be true for Alex, though. He was certainly enjoying himself right now. Did he miss the social life he had in Houston? More importantly, would they grow apart like Lillie and her husband? She forced the thought from her mind. It was a question that only time could answer. Marriage required vigilance and maintenance. It should never be taken for granted. If seven years with Alex had taught her nothing else, it was that.
"Carmen?"
Carmen glanced up to find a tall blonde standing beside their table.