Elizabeth had chosen a black sleeveless V necked silk dress with a tight waist and ruffles at the knee length hem. She put the dress on after showering and drying her hair, happy that she wasn't overly blessed in the bosom area. She could get away with wearing something low cut, something that would look downright indecent on a more well endowed woman. The last thing she wanted to do was appear like one of those femme fatales that Mrs Wexford had mentioned earlier. The type that could sniff out men with money from a mile away. The type who were always on the prowl for a rich man, always scheming and manipulating their way into custom made designer slacks.

Now what to do with my hair,? she thought as she stared in the mirror. Up or down, she said to herself as she combed through the golden length. As she ran the brush through her hair, her thoughts once again went to Nicholas. She smiled in remembrance of the time he convinced her to go on a date with him. He had taken her to an exquisite restaurant called the Cote d'Or, one of the most remarkable places her sixteen year old self had ever been to. Nicholas had been wonderful that night, he went out of his way to impress her, yet he was just as impressive without making any effort. She had enjoyed his company, but she made it clear to him that they couldn't be anything other than friends.

Why oh why did I do that,? Elizabeth thought to herself, as she put her hair up in a mid bun. She strategically placed blonde hairpins all through her hair in order to prevent the silky strands from falling out and collapsing her hairstyle.

Todd Wilkins is why, she answered herself.

You were so obsessed with your silly high school romance that you pushed Nicholas away. Don't be surprised if he wants nothing to do with you now.

She started to get nervous at seeing him again.

You talked to him this afternoon and he was as nice as ever. Relax Elizabeth,! she told herself as she began to apply a brown lash conditioner. She loved the more subtle hue that went well with her blonde hair. She applied a pale lip gloss and applied some eye shadow to her lids. To her horror, Jessica's face appeared in the mirror.

No, she said to herself. This will never do.

Elizabeth went into the bathroom and washed her face. Time to start over, she thought as she reapplied a light brush of conditioner on her lashes. She squeezed a tiny bit of moisturizer from a tube, and smoothed it into her skin, thankful that she never had the need for concealer.

I should throw this eye shadow out anyway, she reasoned, while examining her reflection in the mirror. The color is much too bright for me. And it looks better on tanned skin and most of my color has faded since I left California.

The last thing she wanted was to look anything like her sister. Jessica never left the house without her exorbitant eye makeup. Painting herself up too much would only bring her more attention and make her more anxious.

Besides, she thought. I don't want to look like I have a mask on. Less is more. She couldn't help but think again of what Nicholas would think of her. A knock on the door surprised her out of her reverie.

Come in, she said as Lance opened the door.

Ready to paint the party red,? he asked, grinning at her. Lance was wearing a casual grey jacket with matching slacks. He was simply dressed yet very debonair.

Elizabeth looked up from her seated position, and took in his appearance. I must say Lance, you do clean up very nicely, she teased, as he walked towards her. His still damp hair looked darker than usual and his whiskey colored eyes appeared to have taken on a golden hue in the soft yellow lighting of the room.

His eyes met hers in the mirror. I bet all the girls, married and unmarried, she said elbowing him, will want your name printed first on their dance cards tonight.

Admit it Sandy, you want me to save all my dances for you, Lance teased. But I'm sorry, you'll just have to share me with every other lady tonight. Unless…..unless you promise me not to lock your door tonight. Do that and I'll beat all the hungry vixens off with a stick.

Elizabeth shook her head, not knowing whether to laugh or to slap him.

Maybe I should sleep with a stick, she said, just in case you have any ideas!

Lance smirked. Come on Liz, how about a kiss for starters. Sort of the way to seal the deal.

At least you got my name right this time, Elizabeth said. As to your little plan, I will have to say no thank you. I'm not going to be the cause of all the brokenhearted women tonight. I'll just have to find someone else to dance with.

Fine Sandy, see if I care, Lance pouted. But our heat isn't on yet. You'll be cold all alone in that big bed later, he warned.

Lance, I've caught you again in Elizabeth's room. Mrs Wexford walked up to the pair, a suspicious look on her face.

I was just suggesting ways for her to keep warm tonight Granny. In this drafty old house.

You know you do have a point, Mrs Wexford agreed. About the heat. They haven't come to check the boiler yet, so you might be a bit cold tonight Elizabeth. I'll just give you some extra blankets. You look beautiful dear. And such a nice figure too. Last time my waist was that small, I was younger than thirty.

Thank you Mrs Wexford, Elizabeth said graciously.

Now Lance, ready to escort us down the stairs? Elias has already brought the car around.

Yes Granny.

Laurence!

I mean Grandma, he said, as he squeezed Elizabeth's arm.

The party was being held at the Delamar Greenwich Harbour Hotel, a red roofed, pale yellow structure that was located right next to the water. Elizabeth admired the soft light illuminating the elegant ballroom. The dance floor opened out to a waterfront terrace that covered the entire length of the hotel. There were numerous people in attendance, several of them dancing to the music of the live band up on the dais. Once again, butterflies entered Elizabeth's stomach. The outfits she saw earlier at the polo match were nothing compared to the haute coture that was parading around her now. She was once again reminded of the contrast between her middle class upbringing and the opulent world that she was currently experiencing.

Let's dance, Lance's voice interrupted her thoughts. Elizabeth gladly took his hand, relieved that she was not completely alone in the vast space of strangers. Mrs Wexford had told Elizabeth to mingle, while she took off towards her friends, most of them too old to enjoy dancing. There were several curious looks from the men, somewhat not too friendly ones from the women; it seemed they were all sizing her up, trying to figure out if she was important enough to converse with or if she was there to snatch one of their men.

Champagne? Lance asked, as he handed her a glass of the golden liquid. So you see Blondie, I saved my first dance for you.

Elizabeth giggled. Lance have you ever had a serious girlfriend?

I have, he said more seriously, the devilish glint disappearing from his face.

So where is she,? she asked.

She ran off to save the world, Lance said, a hint of bitterness in his handsome face.

What do you mean?

She's into anthropology. She told me she was going to some island in the south Pacific to build huts or some crap like that. So much for our relationship. Who needs it right? It's much nicer to be a free agent. So I can cuddle with whoever I want, he said raising his brow at her.

But doesn't that get tiresome after a while? I mean cuddling with every and anyone? How do you keep track?

I manage.. And who needs the potential heartbreak? Besides, I'm young and I'm hot.

I agree. And you have a huge ego too, Elizabeth smirked as he twirled her around the room.

I've had my heart broken too you know, she told him.

Oh? Well what better way to wipe your tears than to hook up with me,? he said, grinning again. He handed her another glass of champagne and she sipped the bubbling liquid while looking at him.

Elizabeth shook her head. I don't want to hook up with anyone, she insisted. I'll cuddle with my teddy bear.

We'll see about that Sandy.

Your hair is real isn't it? I don't see any hint of roots, he said, bringing his head closer to hers.

Yes, it's real.

So… does the rug match the curtains,? he grinned wickedly.

Lance! That's none of your business, Elizabeth huffed. I have a good mind to throw you into the water!

OK, you don't have to answer me, he smirked. I'll find out later, he said, winking at her. Now tell me more about yourself. What are you doing so far from home?

I just wanted to live somewhere new. So I moved to New York.

To Williamsburg though,? he wrinkled his nose.

You should have moved to Brooklyn Heights instead. I have some friends who live there.

Not with my salary. Your friends must have much deeper pockets than mine. So Williamsburg it is.

Where did you go to college,? he asked her.

Sweet Valley University.

Sweet Valley,? Lance laughed.What kind of sappy name is that?

Don't you dare make fun of my home town,! she swatted his arm. It's a nice little town in Southern California. It actually reminds me a bit of Greenwich, but this place is a lot richer. The houses are much bigger for sure.

So what about your family? You have brothers, sisters?

Yes, one of each.

Are your parents together?

They are, Elizabeth nodded. My Mom's an interior designer and my Dad's a lawyer. What about you Laurence? Tell me more about yourself.

I'm an only child, as you can probably tell. I grew up in Maine mostly. My parents are still there. They sent me here to keep my grandmother company. And to get me out of their hair. I was kind of a problem kid.

You? No, Elizabeth said sarcastically.

I got thrown out of a few boarding schools up and down the east coast. None of it was my fault though, I swear! I was never too good at school. But I've always loved horses.

Me too, Elizabeth said.

Another,? he said, handing her a third drink. If I didn't know better Sandy, I'd think you were trying to get me drunk.

What,? Elizabeth said hotly. You're the one handing me the drinks, not the other way around!

But you're not exactly stopping me are you? It's your plan all along right?

Ha ha,! Elizabeth shook her head. Yes Lance, you've caught me. I'm trying to take advantage of you. He turned her around as the music changed to a smooth jazz.

Elizabeth's eyes moved to one of the entrances of the room. There in the doorway stood Nicholas. Their eyes met and she lifted her hand in a wave. She stared at him from several feet away, her heart warming instantly.

So what's up with you two,? Lance asked, seeing her gesture. I caught you cheating on me when you were talking to him earlier.

Nicholas and I know each other.

Lance raised his dark brows thoughtfully. Wait, that's right. Sweet Valley you said. I knew that sounded familiar. His parents live there right?

Elizabeth nodded.They do. I met him about five years ago when his family moved there.

So you knew Regina then?

Yes. She went to school with me.

I remember her. I met her a couple of times. She was really shy, really pretty. Too bad what happened to her.

What happened to whom? Nicholas interrupted upon approaching them.

What happened to the girl who Sandy here pushed over the dock so she wouldn't get to dance with me that's who.

Elizabeth burst out laughing. Lance, how do you come up with these things,? she said, as her eyes set themselves on Nicholas.

That's Lance alright, Nicholas said. There's always a group of girls fighting for his attention.

Rightly so, Lance smirked.

So can I cut in?

I guess so, Lance replied. Just don't forget who you're going home with tonight Elizabeth, he smirked as he stepped away.

I won't, she laughed in response as Nicholas held her hand. The pit of her stomach tightened again as he put his hand at the small of her back and flashed her an amused smile.

I see you and Lance have hit it off,? he asked.

Elizabeth smiled at him, the dimple in her left cheek making a coy appearance. Well, I am staying at his grandmother's house. And I don't know anyone else here. Except for you of course. Her smile deepened.

They moved around for a while, enjoying the ambiance of the slow, soothing waltz that was coming from the bandstand. Elizabeth smiled inwardly, feeling more elated than she had been for a long time. Everything about Nicholas Morrow was so familiar to her, but new and exciting at the same time...