Alexei knocked on Mrs. Magyari's door a few minutes before seven. He felt tense, unusual for him. Metty got up from the couch where she had been waiting in her new finery, willing herself not to sweat from nervousness.

"I'll get it, Grandma," she called and opened the door for Alexei. He looked handsome and dashing in a black tuxedo. She smiled brightly. His dark blond hair was brushed off his forehead, and gold cufflinks glinted on his sleeves. Her heart beat faster. She stepped aside to let him in.

"Come in, Alexei," she said. "I'm ready."

He walked in. "You look lovely, Metty. Hello, Mrs. Magyari. Good to see you again." He went over and shook her hand, after the custom in Almurias.

"You're very handsome, Alexei," Mrs. Magyari said. She had been a beautiful flirt in her youth, and still seemed able to attract men at 75. Alexei smiled charmingly.

"The dance is over at one. We might go for a late supper with my cousin. Don't worry if Metty is home late. I'll take good care of her. Hasta luego."

As they talked Metty put on the black jacket she'd borrowed from June, draped the shawl over her shoulders, and picked up her purse.

He had suggested a few places for dinner. Metty had left it up to him, but mentioned she liked a water view. He had a reservation for Harbor Lights.

Their table for two looked over the harbor. In the dark, the lights of the ships sailing in and out sparkled in the night. The clouds cleared and the moon shone in the sky and across the water.

"It's nice here," Metty said. "Lovely view. I could look at it all night."

"Sí," Alexei said, looking at her. "Lovely. I could look at the view all night."

She blushed and lowered her eyes. She looked up at him and smiled. "I hope you enjoy tonight. At the dance. I told you I wasn't a good dancer, but I'm excited about tonight."

"We'll do fine," he said.

The waiter came with their drinks. He took their dinner orders. Metty and Alexei talked all through dinner.

"The dance begins in 15 minutes. We should go. Unless you'd like to stay here and look at the view," said Alexei.

She smiled as she shook her head. "Let's dance."

*

Alexei led Metty around the ballroom at the hotel, looking for Marco. Marco stood up at a table in the corner away from the band. They walked over, slipping between tables. Marco was with Agatha. Dolores sat next to Agatha, then, Chris. Next, two vacant seats. A man Metty didn't know sat next to Madison, who had the last seat, next to Marco. She wore a clinging red strapless gown, slit high, that looked like it would slither off her if she breathed wrong. Or right.

Madison's date looked Metty over briefly, decided she was no match for Madison, and turned away. Madison smirked.

"Hello, Metty," said Marco. "You look lovely tonight."

Madison scowled. Marco had not complimented her. "Marco, please pass me a napkin," she said.

He handed one to her while still looking at Metty. Madison's scowl deepened. She patted her full, red lips. The red star ring glinted on her index finger as she held her hand in front of her mouth.

Alexei examined the ring before looking at Marco. Marco ignored him.

"Adrian, let's dance," Madison said to her date. Obediently, he got up and they moved to the dance floor.

Dolores leaned past Chris. "The band's great," she said. "Do you guys want a drink?"

"Water and lemon for me," Metty said. "We just had dinner."

"Marco got reservations at La Plume," Agatha said. It was the four-star and most expensive restaurant at the Belair. "We went with Dolores and Chris."

"I'll get a coffee," said Alexei. "Be right back."

Jessica, sitting at the next table, turned around. "Dolores, you look lovely in that deep blue," she said.

"Thank you," Dolores said. "That dress is great on you. Everything looks good on you."

Alexei returned with the drinks but couldn't squeeze past Jessica. She didn't realize he was there.

"Thanks," Jessica said. "The ETAs are hosting an apre-dance party with breakfast at my house." She smiled slightly, tossing her long hair. "Dolores, do you two want to come?

Dolores looked at Chris. He smiled and shrugged.

"Sure," she said.

"Agatha, what about you and Marco?"

She looked at Marco, who nodded.

"OK," she said. Then she looked at Metty, who was not an ETA. She smiled slightly. "It's for ETAS," she said.

"Permiso," said Alexei, squeezing past Jessica. He put their drinks on the table and sat down, turning his back to her.

"Sounds like you've got a big night planned," he said over his shoulder. "Metty and I will have to make do with each other's company. That's good."

Jessica started. "You can join us. It's my family's house, really, not just ETAS."

Alexei looked at Metty, his eyes narrowed.

"No thanks, unless you prefer to go, Alexei," she said.

"No. I have a few suggestions for after the dance."

Madison returned and Adrian held her chair for her. "What are you talking about," she said.

"We're going to my house after the dance, with some ETAS, and Marco and Dolores. Want to come?"

"Sure," she said. "Make a night of it." She sipped her Bloody Mary and patted her lips. The ruby star flashed. Jessica saw it and her eyes widened. She caught Marco's eye. He looked away. She smiled a slight, pleased smile.

"Let's dance," Alexei said. He held out his hand. Metty took it and they walked to the dance floor.

"This is a slow dance," he said, putting his arm around her waist and taking her hand in his. They moved slowly to the music, not talking, looking into each other's eyes. The song ended. They talked till the next song started. It was a fast number, and they danced among the throng of students.

Several songs later, Agatha said, "They're still dancing. Let's dance, Marco."

He said, "It's why we came."

A few songs later, Metty and Alexei were next to Marco when the song ended. Marco said, "Change partners for the next dance?" Alexei looked at Metty, who nodded.

The band began a slow song. Marco put his arms around Metty and they danced off.

"I warn you, I'm a poor dancer," she said.

"That's OK, I'm good. Just follow my lead." He grinned cheekily. They danced for a minute and Marco twirled her around. "You look good," he said. "Alexei was looking forward to this night. He is quite fond of you."

"I like him too," Metty said, "he's easy. To be with."

Marco smiled at her. "I'm glad you say that. Alexei is my best friend. More than mi primo, my cousin. He and his brothers are brothers to me. I am only child. My grandparents were responsible for me, but I lived with tía Sancha and tío Sergei until I went to Eton. It was home to me."

"I liked them when we met," Metty said. "I don't know them well, but they were charming."

"They liked you," he said. "Americans often overlook Alexei. He is a Leonardo."

"I know your family is prominent, but I like him. I don't know much about Almurias, though, or your family."

"Maybe you'll visit one day. When you do, call on me."

Metty laughed. "I'll let you know when I do," she said. "If you remember me."

"If Alexei is your friend, I am your friend," Marco said. "I am a very good friend to have, one of the best."

The song ended and they swirled to a stop. Marco gave a little bow and kissed her hand. She laughed again. Alexei and Agatha walked up. They returned to their original partners.