Because I Get Jealous

By the time I made my way back to Herman’s side, a fair crowd had gathered in the hall. Any moment now, I thought, the trumpets would sound to announce the opening of the ball.

“I’m back.”

For some reason, Gloria stood pressed close against Herman’s side. And, absurdly enough, Cedric was there as well.

“Ah, Ria.”

Herman looked at me as though I were nothing less than his savior. I had no idea what I was meant to do with that, and only blinked back at him, bewildered.

Gloria’s eyes went from him to me and back again, wide...