As soon as Gwen Grayson finished speaking, George Grayson brought his foot down hard on Harold Harper's toes.
The group couldn't help but laugh, and Gwen shot Harold an apologetic shrug.
"The community center is hosting a Festival of Lights dance. My dad and Mrs. Weaver signed up. First prize is a slow cooker that Mrs. Weaver's had her eye on. Dad's determined to win it for her. He's got the enthusiasm, but as for the talent..."
Gwen pulled a face that said it all.
"Didn't you say that whatever you do, you should aim for the best?"
George was clearly annoyed that his daughter was airing his lack of rhythm in front of everyone.
"Go get 'em, Dad," Gwen cheered, instantly switching to supportive cheerleader mode.
"You two should enter too. Everyone gets a participation prize."
George egged Harold and Sarah Sullivan on. Harold glanced at Sarah, but she just kept her eyes on baby Chloe Gilmore in her arms, staying completely silent.
Seeing Harold look a little awkward, George quickly pivoted. "You young people are so boring nowadays. Us seniors know how to live it up."
"We're too busy making a living to party. How about you pay the bills, and I'll go out dancing?" Gwen shot back, ever the instigator.
The whole table burst into laughter. Thanks to Gwen and George's usual banter, the brief moment of tension completely vanished.
On the night of the festival, the whole group headed down to the community center.
Aside from the games, the main event was the ballroom dance competition. As an incentive, anyone who stepped onto the dance floor received a Handcrafted Melon Lantern.
It was a simple little trinket, but framing it as a prize made it entirely irresistible.
Ethan Gilmore wanted one immediately and begged Sarah for it. Unable to resist her grandson's pleading, Sarah finally gave in and let Harold guide her onto the dance floor.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time