Bennett had slipped away from the tense confrontation with his mother the moment he spotted Noel hiding behind a marble pillar near the far wall. His siblings were occupied with their strange mother and the second waltz had just begun. The orchestra's strings rose softly, couples swirled onto the floor, and the crowd's attention shifted. It was the perfect moment.
Bennett moved quickly but quietly through the edges of the room, blending into the shadows between lamps.
Noel stood with his back to the pillar. His empty champagne glass dangled loosely from his fingers. He was staring at the floor.
Bennett stepped close... close enough that Noel smelled his sharp and woody cologne.
Noel looked up and Bennett offered his arm.
"Come," he said quietly. "Walk with me."
Noel hesitated... only a second... then placed his hand on Bennett's sleeve.
