So... Is it a date or isn't it... You'll soon see..
Oh... and make sure you're sitting down girls - formal dress - you know what that means...
Lucy
& Chris
Chapter 4 Part 5
Ringing Frances’ bell, John was stunned when she answered the door. He had expected her to look nice – remembering what she had worn to the gallery months ago, but tonight she would turn heads. Without realizing his smile broke into a broad grin which made Frances blush a little…
Walking into City Hall, Frances became extremely nervous, she had tried to avoid gatherings such as these for a long time, not wanting to be placed in the spotlight. John noticed and gently caught her arm, leading her to one side. “I don’t like the cameras either…”
Soon they were joined by John’s partner Mike and his wife Sadie, who raised their eyebrows slightly when they saw Frances. As the men moved to the bar to get drinks, Mike teased his partner, “Jesus John, I know Andy asked you to keep an eye on her, and you like doing a thorough job, but…”
John sighed, “She’s in the clear Mike, Andy told me yesterday – they caught the guy who did it. The Matisse will be returned to the gallery day after tomorrow.”
An amused look crossed Mike’s face, “So… That leaves you in the clear to make a move… You’re a dark one John… but I like your style…”
John gave him a startled look, “But there’s nothing going on…”
Mike roared with laughter, “You’ve got to be kidding me… I’ve known you a long time… Don’t tell me you’re not interested – she’s a nice lady John… You could do a lot worse.”
Leading the way back to the girls, he smiled as Frances accepted her drink, John had been about to say something, but remained quiet suddenly realizing that he had got a lot closer to Frances than he had initially thought.
&&&
Later in the evening as he danced with Sadie, John couldn’t help watching Frances and Mike for a moment. She was laughing at some joke he had made and John couldn’t help smiling at her reaction.
“She is lovely John, a little quiet, but she is new to New York after all, it must be a hell of a culture shock for her. Just give her some time…” Before John could answer she dragged him across the floor and swapped with Frances, “Sorry sweetie, but I would like my husband back now… and you really should dance with your escort…”
Frances blushed as she switched partners, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to dance with John, but every time they were close together, she could see the whispers around the room and felt very self conscious about it. It didn’t help that he was a great dancer – the jealous looks that she was getting just made it worse.
John sensed Frances discomfort and made a couple of jokes which helped her to relax, but soon he too became quiet, Mike’s words playing on his mind. Frances was in the clear and he began to realize that he did like her company… a lot.
As the music slowed down, he unconsciously tightened his grip and pulled her closer. Frances gave him a startled look but began to relax when she noticed that he hadn’t realized what he’d done. After a moment or two she began to relax even more as John led her around the dance floor. It was a long time since she’d been held like this.
At midnight John made his excuses and took Frances home, she had begun to get a little edgy and he didn’t want her to refuse the next time he asked her out. “I don’t want you to turn into a pumpkin…”
Frances had chuckled at his comment, eyes twinkling at the joke, making up John’s mind. He decided to try… but would wait a little while, Sadie was right, he needed to take his time.
Escorting Frances to her door, John gave her a soft smile, “Thanks for coming, you helped me survive the night.”
Frances smiled, “Thanks for inviting me, I haven’t been out in a while. I’m a little wary of crowds – but you probably noticed that…”
John chuckled and nodded his head, “I’d better leave you – you’re working tomorrow at the gallery aren’t you, I don’t want to keep you up.”
As she nodded, John caught her wrist and on impulse kissed the back of her hand, giving her a wink “See you around Cinderella.”
Crossing the street back to his apartment, he was distracted by his thoughts and didn’t notice the black car that was parked on the opposite side of the road.