A/N: Thank you guys so much for the reviews. It makes the writing come easily. This chapter was so hard to write. I'll say no more. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Rush was celebrating its 10 year anniversary as Toronto's magazine giant. The gala event was quite formal, black tie. Eli had worked himself up for it after his walk with Clare. He walked into the office kitchen and poured himself some coffee. He had about 3 hours before the event.

" Excited?" said a cheerful voice making Eli spill his coffee.

" Uh... sorry?" Eli said wiping the counter with a cloth.

" For the gala, I heard it was the most glamorous event of the season. I've never been to anything black tie before." Imogen said, smiling sweetly. Eli smiled.

" Actually, it's kind of boring."

" Oh, anything can be interesting if you want it to be." Imogen said avoiding eye contact. Eli took a sip of his coffee.

" Are you coming?" he asked.

" I didn't know I was invited." Imogen said looking up.

" Well, of course you are!" Eli said quickly. "You'll be working here in a matter of days." Imogen smiled widely.

" Well, then I guess I bet start getting ready, I don't know what I'll have to wear." Eli returned the smile.

" Do you need a ride?" Imogen smiled.

" That would be great!"

" I'll pick you up at 7." Eli said as Imogen rushed off. Eli smiled to himself then decided to finish his coffee in his office.

When Eli arrived at the gala with Imogen, he passed through the photographers quickly, flashing small smiles. Imogen was wearing a lacy black dress that showed off her size 0 waist. She wasn't exactly subtle, thought Eli as they entered the large room that glittered with excess. Eli saw Adam approaching with a beautiful blonde.

" God, when does this end?" asked Adam, glancing at Imogen with annoyance.

" Adam, maybe you should introduce you arm candy?" smiled Eli.

" Do not flirt with her!" warned Adam. The blonde smiled widely.

" I'm Becky."

" Eli." he replied. Adam sighed.

" Well, there you go."

" I'm just going to get a drink." said Becky leaning into Adam slightly.

" I'll come with!" smiled Imogen, unlinking her arm from Eli's. The two women walked away. Adam sighed.

" Do not flirt with her."

" I heard you the first time."

" Eli I'm serious." said Adam. " I don't want a repeat of Bianca, of Fiona, or Katie."

" Alright I get it." Eli said, feeling suddenly like a terrible friend. Adam scoffed.

" You came with Imogen?"

" No, we just came together. She's not my date or anything."

" You are an idiot." said Adam. Eli ignored him. Instead he scanned the crowd for a familiar face. The room was a sea of expensive suits and sparkling gowns. The women dripped in jewels and the men smelled of money.

Then Eli saw her. She was talking to some men from the 50th floor. Her hair was pulled back with a few auburn curls escaping. She had small diamond earrings and a gorgeous red dress. The dress was extremely simple but she had a lace shawl wrapped around her bare shoulders. Her red lips moved musically as she spoke. Eli had never felt breathless. She was heart stopping. She glanced over and caught his eye. Eli smiled, transfixed in her eyes. She smiled and began walking towards him. Eli did the same, they met in front of the large fountain. Eli still gazing into her eyes.

" What do you think?" Clare said, looking down at her dress. Eli stuttered.

" You look... well, I mean..." Clare grinned in satisfaction.

" You always have a way with words."

" You look radiant." he finally said. Clare smiled. They both just looked onto each other's eyes. Clare, for the first time, felt beautiful. She didn't compare herself to the other women in the room because she didn't care. She felt beautiful, she felt radiant. Eli could feel his heart doing jumps in his chest. He wanted to stay like this forever. " Would you like to dance?" he said holding out his hand. Clare smiled and let him guide her to the dance floor. Eli positioned his hand on her waist, pulling her close. They danced to Frank Sinatra, getting lost in the moment.

" Are you here with her?" asked Clare, unable to keep it to herself. Eli was caught off guard.

" I'm here with you." he said into her ear. Clare leaned her head against his. For once, he was saying everything right. She wanted to remember every detail of this moment. The smell of his suit that she loved so much. The tune of the song, the way the light touched their intertwined hands. Eli felt her hair brush against his cheek and savoured the closeness of this moment. Clare took a deep breath.

" I'm wearing heels." she said smiling.

" You must be trying to impress someone." noted Eli, letting his lips brush against her ear.

" Is it working?" Clare asked. Eli pulled back and looked at Clare. Her eyes searched for an answer. Eli smiled and kissed her cheek. Clare melted at his touch, blushing ever so slightly. This was it. This was their moment. Eli looked deep into Clare's blue eyes. He felt the music stop but their position didn't change. Clare bit the inside of her lip, her heart leaping.

" Eli! They have Scotch." yelled Adam from the bar. Eli pulled back and sighed. Clare looked down at her feet and smiled.

" Come on." she said ushering him towards Adam, Becky and Imogen. Eli glared at Adam.

" So, how's it going?" he said angrily, throwing back Adam's Scotch.

" Great." replied Becky, holding Adam's hand.

" Clare!" said Imogen cheerfully. " Where will you be working after this?"

" Politics or Finance." answered Clare calmly, no longer threatened by Imogen. Eli had since convinced her that Imogen was not a problem she should worry about.

" I didn't know they were hiring." said Imogen.

" Well, it's all in the Rush family." said Clare. Truthfully, Eli hadn't really mentioned her new job. They had been otherwise preoccupied.

" Actually, Eli helped seal the deal on the transfer of rights about a year ago. They are a part of Toronto International Press." said Adam ordering another Scotch.

" What?" asked Clare looking at Eli, who was shifting uncomfortably.

" Huh?" said Eli awkwardly.

" You promised me a job when I started." Clare said angrily.

" That was a deal made in an elevator." Eli laughed softly.

" But you promised me something you couldn't do." said Clare.

" Hey Imogen, I love this song, let's dance." said Eli, trying to keep the mood calm. Clare was about to burst, the Imogen thing threw her over the edge.

" You are the most selfish, manipulative person on the planet." yelled Clare. Eli grabbed Imogen and pulled her away. Clare watched as they danced to Nora Jones. She could feel the anger rising in her chest.

She hated him