Chapter 3

Gatsby, Jay Gatsby

Saturday morning rose quietly across the bay, and Nicole was lost. Her thoughts hadn't been clear since that night, and she carried the jacket everywhere she went; it was more expensive than any of her wares. She fashioned a thin green dress over her sleepwear and decided to go for a walk; it would help to clear her daze.

Behind the cottage was a small grotto of low hanging trees, and she hadn't happened upon them before. Her shoes were sinking in the dirt, and smiling lightly, quickened her pace. It was long before the bustle of the weekend; not even eight in the morning. In this moment, she had nowhere to be. Next to a small landing, she spotted a staircase, and only pausing slightly, she ascended the steps.

Now Nicole knew she wasn't in Chicago anymore, but what she saw took her breath away.

"It's beautiful." She hummed, her hand hiding a small smile.


He hadn't been expecting company, but urged outside, he saw her again. Grinning slowly, he emerged from the shadows of the bar; she was locked onto the pool, and didn't register his presence.

"What a coincidence." He spoke up, and with ease her eyes glazed over to him. "I-" he coughed, regaining his composure. "I'm debating my own use of the pool this morning, and so are you it seems." He smiled, nodding in her direction.

"Perhaps if you had a less lovely pool, then I wouldn't consider it." she spoke so cooly.

As startled as she was, she didn't show it. This man caught her staring, and of all things, she didn't want to embarrass herself further. Without keeping her eyes locked on the man, she averted her gaze to the soft fabric in her hands.

He was impressed, and grinning softly, he pressed in further.

"Do you always keep your garments with such care, miss?" Cocking his head to the side, he admired how her hair fell around her frame. Long hair was long forgotten since the war, yet it licked at her body with grace. He found himself stepping forward slowly.

"Only this one, sir." Her long fingers tapped against the fabric and she mustered up the courage to glance up at the man through her lashes. She slowed, her gaze fixed to Adonis himself.

He was quite fetch, especially in a soft blue suit. His eyes were curious, deep pools reflecting the water in front of them. Suddenly Nicole was more aware of her own attire; she must have looked a mess! Her grey gown was worn, her shoes caked with fresh mud, and she hadn't taken the time to mess with her hair. What a joke she must've looked! She lightly tugged at the hair falling into her face and brushed it behind her ear.

Little known to her, Jay too lost his focus.

"It is a lovely pool." she commented again, composing herself as best she could. "And it's a shame, I have a nice bath, but by no means does it compare to this." Nicole was surrounded in such beauty, and she felt rather small, all things considered. Breaking her trance, she heard automobiles hurrying up to the house, at least ten filled with boxes and boxes of who knows what.

"What's the occasion?" Her speech was fluid and hopeful, and he found himself twirling his ring about his finger.

"Consider it tradition. On weekends I throw large parties; all of New York makes an appearance." He smiled humbly, looking across his estate with an exhale. Putting two and two together, she stumbled upon her neighbors house! Expecting him to be much older and much less dashing, Nicole didn't know how she managed to get herself into such a mess!

"I received your invite, Mr. Gatsby." Nicole met his gaze, blushing mildly. He looked at her with a wide grim, taking note of the use of his name. "I'm bound to be across the bay this evening, otherwise I wouldn't miss it." She added quickly.

"There will be plenty of parties, nothing to worry about, miss...?" He waited.

"Carraway. Nicole Carraway." She spoke with confidence, edging closer to the greenery.

He knew what her name was, he just wanted to hear her say it aloud. Jay, for the first time in a long time, found himself not thinking of the flower he had spent years trying to chase. He had tried to learn about Nicole, but found very little. The name hadn't hit any leads yet, and he hardly knew how to talk to her in this moment. Finally face to face after curiously lurking in the shadows of his home. He took a moment longer to look at her, the sun shining over the ridge dancing across her skin, before finding words.

"It's nice to meet you," he paused, "neighbor." he emphasized. "And as you know, I'm Gatsby, Jay Gatsby. In case you find yourself home sooner than you think, you're welcome to swing by. The party goes from all the way up the block and way out to my pier at the bay." And as he stole her attention, Jay pointed out over towards the water; the same way he had overlooked the water nights ago.

A light burst on in Nicole's mind, and she clenched the overcoat a bit tighter. She had her suspicions, with Mr. Gatsby's nice pool and fancy wardrobe, but as he pointed over the bay she was unmistaken. He had been the man in her painting, the man who had covered her up. The man who had taken her work!

"The wind must make that water cold at night Mr. Gatsby." she cooed, inching a bit closer. Jay had taken notice, raising a brow. "And even in these warmer nights, how on Earth did you make it home without your darb coat?" It was Nicole's turn to raise a brow. Jay slowly grinned ear to ear, catching onto her game.

"Oh you're quite right. I was out on a nightly stroll, and it was beside me to help welcome the new resident in town the only way I knew how. I hope it helped." Nicole nodded, and moved to hand Mr. Gatsby back his coat. He interrupted long before she had the chance. "Oh, no need for that. You see, I don't feel entirely right taking it back. You were working on a truly...memorable piece of work that night, and I'm afraid I couldn't leave without it."

"So, you liked my painting?" She asked pointedly, cocking her head in his direction. He admitted to taking her work! Looking down, Jay looked into the pool water, watching the reflection ripple out in little waves.

"I'm afraid I wanted to admire it a moment longer." He looked back up to her, trying to understand how she had captured exactly what he was longing for. Lost in thought, he looked up, back over the bay. The mist had cleared, and Gatsby was able to see the cursed house off in the distance.

"If that's the case, it's yours." Nicole's response surprised the both of them, and after locking eyes quickly, she coughed to compose herself. "After all, I'd love to finish it. That means I'll have to come to one of your parties." He paused.

"Indeed it does." Jay agreed. He opened his mouth again to speak, but was interrupted by a third party. Gatsby's butler had appeared quietly off towards a connecting shed, and cleared his throat to catch the attention of both Nicole and Jay.

"Excuse me, Sir. Detroit is on the phone." Nicole took note of Mr. Gatsby lightly clenching his fist before running a hand through his hair. Turning back to her, she caught on to the lowered grin faltering, and he looked up to her, her eyes curious.

"If you'll excuse me, Miss Carraway. It was a pleasure." He bowed his head slightly, turning away from her. Stunned, she stood there, watching him checking a time piece in his pocket before casting one last glance at her. She waved at him before descending the steps, and finding her ankling back to the cottage, Nicole found herself on her couch, deep in thought.

"Oh, applesauce." She chimed, looking down. She was clutching tightly to the coat, not realizing it until Gatsby was long gone.


Thank you for your patience and support, and ever always!

Crimsonsky132