Chapter 61: CHAPTER 61: May I Have This Dance?

　　The rest of the evening unfolded before me, a sparkling sea of appetizers, champagne flutes, and hushed conversations. I felt Alexander's attention on me like a physical weight, a continual reminder of the fact that I practically walked out on him. However, he did not attempt to approach me and I did the same.

　　Vance, the ever-present buddy, filled the vacuum created by Alexander's absence. He introduced me to other acquaintances, entertaining them with his tales of adventure and misfortune, each dramatized for maximum hilarious impact.

　　I found myself laughing harder than I had all night, my problems temporarily forgotten as I admired his ability to weave stories from plainly everyday experiences.

　　We drifted through the crowd, sampling a delectable array of miniature cakes and bite-sized desserts. Vance, ever the foodie, insisted on trying every exotic dish presented on silver platters by roaming waiters.