Brooke stared at Anna in complete awe.“You just stood up to my mother for me.”
Anna blushed.“That’s okay, right?” Suddenly she looked incredibly panicked that she might have overstepped.
Brooke resisted the urge to profess her love right then and there. Instead she just nodded and stared at Anna with what could only be described as heart eyes.“Thank you,” she whispered, though that wasn’t nearly enough.
Anna reached up and cupped Brooke’s cheek.“I don’t like the thought of anyone being cruel to you.”
Brooke turned her face to kiss Anna’s palm.“You’re…” She stopped herself. It wasn’t the right time, or place, or circumstance.“You’re truly wonderful, Anna Fourchette. I’m so thankful that you’re”—Brooke had never been more sad that she couldn’t use the word‘mine’in her life. She wasn’t a possessive person by any means, but Anna had just stood up for her when her mother had struck the deepest nerve in her body to be struck. She had been quick and efficient and it had been more than clear that her mother had had no idea what to do about it. She truly didn’t know how to finish her sentence, so instead she just leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Anna’s lips. She didn’t care if more lipstick transferred or if anyone saw them. If she didn’t kiss Anna right that second, she might be crazy enough to tell her that she loved her.
Two songs passed before Jasmine leaned over and whispered something to Anna. Brooke eyed them nervously, somehow attuned to the fact that they were talking about her. Anna nodded quickly and whispered something back before Jasmine cleared her throat.
Brooke lifted an eyebrow.“Yes?”
“Will you teach me to waltz?” Jasmine asked. She and Anna were wearing matching, hopeful grins.
Brooke looked to Anna for approval, not necessarily needing it, but deciding that it was the appropriate thing to do. Anna nodded happily, beaming at Brooke.“Sure, I don’t see why not.” Brooke stood and straightened her suit.
Teaching Jasmine to waltz was the much the same as teaching Anna had been only there was no simmering sexual tension. It was just a lot of laughing as Jasmine continued to mess up her footing and step on Brooke’s feet.
“I’m so sorry. I’m genuinely terrible at this,” Jasmine apologized for the fourth time.
Brooke just smiled, politely.“It’s quite alright. You’re not terrible, just new at this.”
“I’m afraid I’ve never been very coordinated,” Jasmine admitted.
“It’s truly fine, as long as you’re having fun. I don’t mind.”
Jasmine narrowed her eyes at Brooke.“So you’re just actually this charming?”
Brooke broke posture to stare at Jasmine.“Pardon me?”
“Yeah, your whole quiet, brooding, mysterious, incredibly polite, well read and learned, pull the seat out for your girlfriend to sit, vibe, it’s not an act.” Jasmine stared at Brooke in wonder.
Brooke shrugged and refocused on their steps around the room.“There’s too much on my mind this week to manage being anyone but myself.”
Jasmine let out a laugh of complete disbelief.“Anna is one lucky woman, but it’s clear that she knows that.”
Brooke blushed.“Do you think so?”
“You are both two of the kindest and most interesting people I’ve ever met.” Jasmine spoke so earnestly, it made Brooke rather fond of her. She reminded her of Christine, honestly. She thought it would be fun to introduce them one day.
She was about to thank Jasmine for her compliment, when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Brooke turned expecting it to be Anna wanting to claim her for the next dance, but instead it was Holly.
“May I cut in?” Holly asked, when Brooke and Jasmine didn’t immediately separate.
Jasmine looked at Brooke, clearly unsure of how to answer and unsure of whatever had caused the incredibly uncomfortable tension between them. Brooke finally nodded. Her eyes quickly scanned the room for Anna, trying to get some sort of reassurance or maybe, hopefully some help.
Jasmine excused herself. Brooke hoped that the look on her face sent a message to get Anna to come save her. She forced a smile at Holly and resumed dancing. Dancing with Holly was different. She and Holly had trained in various forms of dance together when they were children. They were of equal skill and ability. It only took a few steps for Holly to comment on it.
“Oh, come on, BK. Spin me. We both know that we’re good at this,” Holly said, not for a second breaking her posture.
Brooke sighed and stepped back, lifting her arm to spin Holly easily.“Why are you doing this?”
“I just wanted a chance to speak with you,” Holly dared a glance at her.“You look well.”
Brooke did not want to play this game at all. She spun Holly again, a more complicated spin that kept her from having to respond.
“Your friend is very pretty.” Holly’s tone was bitter and biting.
