Despite the fact that Cecilia knew damn well she didn't need any help, she took his hand anyway. She mentally scolded herself for it a minute later, and tried to blame the costumes or the party atmosphere, or really anything that wasn't 'I just wanted an excuse to touch him.' After climbing out of the car she dropped his hand and looked away, having the excuse of looking to see where Neptune was going. Once the humans were mobile, the dog didn't stick around long.
Cecilia followed Neptune down the walkway, her breath catching in her throat when the party - and more importantly, the ocean - came into view. Neptune made a beeline right to the water, and Cecilia followed at a much slower pace.