She really did love dancing with him. She'd never danced like this with anyone else, so it wasn't as if she had anything to compare it to, but she felt certain that dancing with someone else wouldn't be the same. She couldn't ever imagine not wanting to dance with him, though she supposed they ought o restrict dancing in the diner to New Year's. It bothered her that she had to keep this from her family, but she wasn't going to give it up. She'd been contemplating at least telling Chiedza, but it was difficult to keep secrets from the rest of the family, and she knew her father would be displeased, and Kamau even more so. She tried to believe that someday that would change.

Jim mumbled that he was thinking the same thing, and she flashed a smile in his direction even though he seemed focused on the cooking. “I'm always happy to dance with you,” she replied, twirling around. It wasn't the same without him to support her, but she was getting accustomed to the movements. “So yes, it's a deal. I'm glad you're coming to the New Year's party. A lot of my family from New Orleans and Philadelphia will be in town. They're going to love your music, though don't be surprised when my aunt tries to tell your fortune."