Content that she had fulfilled her parental duty, Leah tucked her camera into her purse and moved away from the crowd to join Jonathan on the sidelines. He took her arm and led her to the pool deck where it was less crowded. They watched as prom-goers dutifully rearranged on command—all girls, all boys, couples, sets of friends. Leah noted with maternal pleasure that Ali managed to be in the center of almost every shot, always ready with a smile and the right pose. “That girl has an uncanny sense of timing when it comes to face-time in front of a camera,” she said. Jonathan nodded. “Ali is definitely the prettiest girl here.” He stepped back and gave Leah an appreciative once-over, taking in her soft curves emphasized by her tight black jeans and lace camisole under a crimson silk bolero. He put his arm around her. “And you are, without a doubt, the sexiest mom.” It was the first time in many days that Leah felt anyone even noticed her, and her gloom instantly lifted.
