I have to think a minute after she asks me what did I tell Ri. That's a little hard with her nose five inches from mine. I can watch her watching me trying to come up with a good lie. Close my eyes and sigh. Not going to lie to Hermia. "I told her most of it." And leave it at that. We're supposed to be having fun tonight.

The matter's not really closed, though. "It's hard to keep my temper when people are speaking ill of those I l-love and other people are laughing over it." And as the music ends, I bow to her and lead her off the floor toward the drinks table again. I could certainly use one.