She gives him the critical once over all mothers give those their daughter’s have an interest in. Then she gives him a warm smile as she says, “Nice to meet you James.”

“You too ma’am,” he replies, blushing slightly under her stare.

“You dance well,” she tells him. “I just wish I could get my husband out there.”

Turning to her, her husband says, “You know I hurt my leg this morning!”

Nodding, she says, “Yes, dear.” She gives James a knowing look and continues, “He’ll do anything to get out of dancing.”

Meliana’s father just gives her an annoyed look and doesn’t take the bait.

The band is in the middle of another dance number and when they finish, Meliana takes James’ arm. With a quick farewell to her parents, she drags him back to the dance floor before the band has a chance to start up again.

They dance all evening, occasionally taking a break for drinks or just to talk. She doesn’t leave his side all night. At the end of one dance, her mother comes over to them and says, “We need to be leaving now.” She turns to James and says, “Would you be so kind as to escort Meliana home when she’s ready to leave?”

“Yes ma’am,” he assures her. “I’d be happy to.”

“Good,” she replies. Turning to her daughter, she says, “Your father’s leg is hurting, so we must leave. Don’t stay out all night, dear.”

“I won’t mother,” she assures her.

“Good evening, James,” she says to him. “It was good to meet you.”

“You too, ma’am,” he says.

Her mother returns to their table where she helps her father to his feet and they begin to leave the hall.

The rest of the evening is spent dancing and talking as they share past experiences. During one such break from the dance floor, James is amused when he sees Miriam has gotten Miko out on the dance floor. How she did it, he’d like to know. Miko looked positively frightened and lost out there. When the dance was over, he beat a retreat back to his seat next to Nate.