A/N: A wonderfully long chapter to tide you all over. Enjoy! (psst review too!)

...

ISFNE Chapter 23

Allison POV

The dress had been plaguing my thoughts all week long. When I'd tried it on I'd been determined to say it didn't fit, or didn't fall right, knowing it would be difficult to replace in such a small timeframe, possibly giving me an out for the party. But when I slipped it on I knew there was no way I could do such a thing. It fit like a glove and the way it made me look was both frightening and exciting at the same time. I looked mature yet youthful. Classy yet tempting. Modest yet teasing. I would have liked to put a stitch or two to close the neckline slightly as it fell a little too low for my liking, but even with that I was amazed. I never dressed in anything that conformed to my figure anymore, it was probably a mixture between never wanting something that could get ruined by the twins and a defense mechanism. But because of this I'd basically lost sight of what I even looked like, I never stopped to fuss about it. But as I dressed for the party tonight, the dress told me plain as day, I had a waist again, my pregnancy weight was gone and most surprising of all, thanks to my current state, I had cleavage, something I'd never had before and that the dress gave a tasteful view of. I looked down at the skirt feeling very conscious of how much of my legs it showed off. It was deceiving in length because of the panel, even if it was tinted the same color as the dress. It wasn't instantly obvious, but if anyone looked for more than a few seconds there was a fair amount of leg to be seen. I'd never seen myself this way. To be quite honest, it had scared me a little to see what I looked like in this dress. And what others would possibly think of me in it. I felt bound to attract attention and could only hope that there were much more interesting dresses and people to pay attention to.

I was almost experimenting as I got ready, almost forgetting that I was preparing for a party and instead testing how far I could take this transformation. I tried hairstyle after hairstyle after realizing belatedly that I needed to recolor my roots; too late to do anything for tonight. I did makeup for the first time in an eon and made it bring out my features, transfixed and lost in the transformation I was bringing on myself, almost rediscovering myself.

"Oh hon, you look lovely," Grams exclaimed, interrupting my strange trance. I glanced at myself as a whole, barely recognizing me. I'd done too well. I needed to change it. What had I been thinking?

"I feel exposed, are you sure it's not too much? I'm so worried," I said, feeling anxiety bubble up in me.

"Don't be," Grams said with a beaming smile, "you look gorgeous," she whispered. "Simon's here if you're ready to go," she said.

Frick, frick, frick, I didn't want to go like this. "I can't go like this," slipped out before I could stop it.

"What's wrong?" Grams asked, worry crossing her face.

"I don't – I don't even recognize myself," I whispered, studying myself in the mirror and how the person before me mimicked my ever move, still not believing.

"Why? Because what's outside finally matches what's inside?" she asked sweetly.

"Grams-"

"You should stop discounting yourself so much, Allison," she chided lightly, "you are a lovely, beautiful young woman inside and out. It's about time you get to highlight it." She patted my shoulders and kissed my temple, "I'll be downstairs with Simon. Don't take too long."

Simon POV

I'd arrived at the bookstore a little early to pick up Allison and had been promptly scolded by Grams when I tried to go upstairs. Grams got up to check on Allison and let her know I was here.

"Oh hon, you look lovely," I heard her exclaim from upstairs.

"I feel exposed, are you sure it's not too much? I'm so worried," I faintly heard her respond.

"Don't be," Grams responded. "Simon's here if you are ready to go," she finally stated.

There was a delay in response but I then heard footsteps on the stairs, I perked up and was disappointed to see Grams.

"Getting a little impatient?" she asked quietly, a teasing smile on her face. I rolled my eyes.

"How does it look?" I asked eagerly. Suddenly I heard another lighter set of footsteps.

"You can see for yourself," she said with a smile.

Allison appeared at the top of the stairs and by god, if she didn't make me forget how to breathe for a second. Standing in front of me was not the Allison I knew who wore loose sweaters and jeans; no, this was a new and beautiful side of Allison, the dress emphasizing how shapeless her usual outfits were.

The dress had an elegant, off-shoulder neckline that gave a tasteful hint of cleavage before it tapered at the waist, forming the skirt which was stiff enough to not hang limp, but not so much as to look juvenile. It fell an inch or two short of her knees, but because of the panel of sheer red fabric it teased onlookers with a little more of her legs, something I couldn't deny was a lovely sight. Her hair was pinned up in a large bun on top of her head, her roots peeking through, fairly lighter than the rest of her hair, with a few strands of hair falling in gentle curls. Her bangs were not parted as they had been so often and instead were styled covering her forehead completely, a thin silver headband accenting them. Her small silver cross rested around her neck and black ballet flats completed her outfit. She was even wearing makeup, another thing I'd never seen her with, the eyeliner bringing out her blue eyes, or at least her contacts that she'd been even vigilant with. Still, I hadn't expected such a transformation; it was more than I could have hoped for.

She peeked up slightly, blue eyes shyly meeting mine. "Wow," I said, trying valiantly not to ogle or stare, but knowing I was failing miserably. I simply could not reconcile the conflicting images.

"It's too much isn't it? I should get a sweater to wear over it, should probably tone down the eyeliner too. Is it the bangs? It's probably the bangs, I knew I should have pinned them back-"

"On the contrary," I interrupted, "I think you look lovely, you shouldn't change a thing."

"Simon, stop it," she said blushing, truly embarrassed at my compliments, not coquettishly fishing for them. I frowned a little bit, she seemed very nervous, though I couldn't deny I probably was too, if for entirely different reasons. Whatever happened tonight, I was only determined to be there for her as much as she wanted or allowed.

"Let's go," I said, walking over to grab her coat and help her into it and heard a click, that she seemed to miss. I spared a glance at Grams who was hiding a camera behind her back now. How many pictures had she taken? At least Allison hadn't noticed. Grams winked at me then spoke up for Allison, "Have fun, dear, the twins will be well in hand."

Alice turned slightly and smiled, "I know you have them handled."

I offered my arm which she took tentatively and heard another telltale click as I opened the door.

Allison POV

Simon was being a gentleman tonight and I thanked him for it silently. I was extremely nervous for the entire ordeal as I'd been worried he might act differently tonight, but thus far he was being his usual accommodating self. Well, apart from when I'd first come downstairs. The way he'd looked at me was so different and new I'd wanted to turn around and go right back upstairs, and he'd complimented me so genuinely. But if I were to really process the look he'd given me I knew I could label it: desire. I prayed I was wrong, that was much too scary to contemplate. Simon did not desire me. I peeked at him again, looking dashing in his suit. It was gray and he wore a black vest underneath it, finishing the look off with a bow tie that matched my dress and his ever present thick framed glasses. I felt like I was going to prom, but it was a much more relaxed atmosphere, I found myself surprisingly feeling somewhat comfortable and decided to forget everything I'd just found myself contemplating.

We drove toward the city as Simon explained that they rented out the ballroom of this hotel every year. I mostly marveled at the city as we drove further in. There was a light sprinkle of snow coming down and the city was bustling as always. There were so many people, each with their own lives, it made me feel small, but strangely safe. I was among thousands; Eric was going to have a hell of a time tracking me down.

We pulled up to the hotel where the car was then handled by a valet, Simon got out and went around to the other side and opened my door before I could, offering his hand to help me out. I took it and marveled at the beautiful building, decorated in lights and made even more perfect by the light snowfall.

"Come on," he laughed at my awestruck look, "it's freezing out here, and I'm not the one in a dress!" I couldn't help but smile at that and followed him inside.

We were ushered to a beautiful ballroom that was filled with people sitting at tables milling around, even a few dancing. There was a band playing and people milling about, and I suddenly felt small in a completely different way.

Simon felt me hesitate and turned to glance back at me as I dropped my hold on his arm. "Alice you're okay," he assured me.

"I don't belong here, I-I just…look at them and look at me and – heck, I'm practically a child, what am I doing at this party?" I started rambling, my nerves building as I continued.

"You have as much right to be here as anyone else, Allison, you're no child. You need to relax. You look lovely and Kate and Grant want to meet you. Just be your wonderful, charming self and you will have absolutely no troubles," he said unperturbed, taking my hands in his, "Can you trust me?" he asked gently.

Talk about a loaded question. I did trust Simon in some aspects of my life, I trusted him as my coworker and I trusted him with the twins but how much had I trusted him alone as nothing more than Simon? I hadn't given him many chances to be fair, I never really saw him outside of the two former contexts. Was it that much of a chance though given how much I trusted him in the other areas of my life? "Yes, of course, I'm sorry, Simon, I didn't mean anything-"

"Hey, you don't need to apologize to me. You just need to stop selling yourself short." He held out his arm to me again and I tentatively smiled, inhaled deeply, and accepted.

Simon POV

"Simon! You made it," Kyle exclaimed, his face lighting up along with Chloe's who was standing next to him. "I was getting worried!"

"Oh my gosh, Allison, you look stunning!" Chloe gushed. "It's so good to see you again."

"Might I second that sentiment," Kyle added with a smile, acknowledging Allison as well.

"Thank you," Allison responded shyly, "This party looks amazing."

"Yes, well," Kyle shifted, "I'd love to find out for myself, I have to help greet for another thirty minutes or so though," he said pretending to pout.

"Oh please, I've been here this whole time! Stop being miserable," Chloe chided, "Allison you want to explore with me a little? Simon, you keep Christmas Cheer over here company for the last stretch."

I looked at Allison trying to get a read on her comfort level and she met my eyes a brief moment later. I suddenly realized she was taking my cue on whether she should go with Chloe or not. I dropped her arm and stepped toward Kyle, "Go ahead and find Grant and Kate. We'll steal away soon and catch up."

"Let's go," Chloe said, smiling at Allison and leading her away.

"Damn, Simon, are you sure that's the same girl I met before?" Kyle asked as we watched the two walk away.

"Yep," I said, unable to tear my eyes from her retreating form. "She is."

"She's beautiful," he said, almost questioningly. "Like she was cute and sweet and kind or whatever when we met her, but…wow."

"Don't let Chloe overhear you," I teased, "but yeah, I honestly didn't know she could look like this…I can't get the two images to combine."

She still seems pretty skittish."

"Yeah that's a work in progress. She's starting to loosen up with me though, tonight is actually helping a lot."

"You're welcome," he said elbowing he slightly in the side. "So what's your next move then? What's the goal tonight?"

"Goal? The goal is to get through tonight with her having a good time and not having a break down or an episode of intrusion."

"Seriously? No advances? No professions of love?" he said with a grin.

"She's soooo not ready for that," I cautioned.

"Well, you would know better than me," Kyle said backing off the subject.

"Thanks, I like to think that's usually the case," I teased. Kyle rolled his eyes at me. We stood for five minutes in which one person showed up. It felt like an eternity. I was anxious to get back to Allison. "Let's go, nobody's even showing up anymore," I finally said, dragging him away, though he really didn't put up much resistance. "Let's find the girls."

Allison POV

"So how are Eleanor and Solomon? I'm sure they're keeping you busy," Chloe asked as we walked.

"They're getting pretty big and definitely keep me on my toes. They've started crawling which is an adventure. Lots of people like to stop in and see them which has been good for business, so I guess I can't really complain," I said with a smile, starting to relax with Chloe.

"I'll have to do so as well then, I honestly can't imagine, you're absolutely amazing," she said sincerely.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't think I could take care of a baby for a few hours, much less two full time. How do you do it?"

"Well, I'm not really alone, I mean, Grams and Simon have been such a help," I said quickly.

She did an actual double-take, "Simon Simon? Like the one we just left back there Simon?" she asked half joking, half in true disbelief.

I couldn't help but giggle at her reaction, "Yes, that Simon, who else? Why? Is that really so hard to believe?"

"Just, Simon changing a diaper is a great picture," she said with a grin.

I laughed, "Well, he avoids that part best he can."

"Oh! There's Kate and Grant, I'll introduce you," she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me behind her.

I found myself facing the two as Chloe introduced us. The girl, Kate, was the same height as me, which was to say, short, and had unruly red hair that curled in tight ringlets as well as a bold smattering of freckles to match. She'd tamed it fairly well into a low bun, though a few hairs escapes. Regardless of her wild hair, she was very well put together and looked amazing with an ice blue dress and pearl necklace. She and Chloe with her cream dress looked like a winter ad campaign. She also looked incredibly excitable. Grant on the other hand hand a more relaxed air about him. He had brown-ish blond hair in a longer fringe cut that would've matched my natural color and his glasses had thinner frames than Simon's that were only visible on the top. He also was in a suit though he'd take off his coat and was in a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled and pushed up to his elbows as well as an ice blue tie that matched Kate's dress.

"Omigosh I can't believe we're finally meeting you!" Kate squealed as she shook my hand. "Chloe and Kyle told us so much about you." I noticed the lack of Simon in that list, another tally on him keeping me from his friends. "And your dress looks amazing! Where did you get it?"

"I-I'm not sure, Simon and Chloe picked it out," I faltered, a little overwhelmed by her enthusiasm. Grant took this cue and held out his hand.

"Happy to make your acquaintance," Grant said shaking my hand, thankfully less vigorously than Kate.

"Same to you," I responded with a grateful smile, "I'm glad to have finally met Simon's other roommate."

"I'm sure we'll have you over at some point," he said with a grin, "or we'll all at least be over to the bookstore soon to have a meal. We've been staying out of your way what with the twins and all. How are they?"

"They're fine, thanks for asking," I said, feeling much more at ease; he had a calming presence about him. "So what's the story here? I've already heard Kyle and Chloe's," I asked the two.

They began to tell about how Grant had sat by Kate in a class at the beginning of the semester only to find out that it was the wrong classroom, and finished quickly as Simon showed up with Kyle behind him.

"Finally, everyone's here. Introductions have been made, it's perfect," Chloe said with a sigh. "Now can we go find a table and some food? I'm starving."

Kyle laughed as he walked over to her putting his arm around her waist and then kissing her temple, "Whatever you want, Chlo."

"I'm going to grab something to drink real quick," I said. Anticipating the next question from Simon, I preemptively answered, "I'll be fine, back in a few minutes."

I walked across the party to the bar, crowded with different people taking drinks and leaving. It was going to take me a bit to be served. I took a seat on the barstool wait for my chance to snag a Coke or Sprite. Of course, it wasn't that easy.

"Hey," I heard from next to me. It was a voice that I could tell from the start was going to be trouble. I couldn't remember whether it was better to ignore or be uninviting with unwanted attention, I chose the former. "Hey!" I heard a little louder and undeniably directed at me. I turned my head slowly to look at the guy sitting next to me. He was tall with shaggy blond hair and was holding a glass filled with what I presumed was a very strong drink.

"Hi," I responded shortly, deciding to move to plan B and redoubling my efforts to flag down a bartender.

"Can I get you a drink?" he asked.

"Help in flagging down a bartender would be appreciated."

"Nah, I wanna get you a drink. How about a Long Island?"

"No, thank you." I said, quickly trying to close the conversation.

"A Margarita?"

"Look, it's an open bar, if I wanted it I would get it. Right now, I'm just trying to get a Sprite and get back to my friends. Thank you," I said with finality.

"I like your spunk," he said with a leering smile, it becoming more and more clear how drunk he was "and you're pretty hot too," he said blatantly staring at my chest. Screw getting my drink, I was getting heart palpations. I stood to leave but he put down his drink and reached across to lean on my chair, barring my exit. "Hey we were connecting. Let's talk. Get to know each other."

"No thank you. Please, move," I said weakly, as I began to succumb the pure fear coursing through my veins.

"Come on don't be like that," he said.

"I believe she just asked you move," I heard from behind me and felt a hand on my shoulder; Simon.

"Fuck off, it's none of your business. She's just playing hard to get," the man said, to Simon.

"She said no. Move," Simon's voice hardened.

"What are you, her boyfriend?" he said sarcastically, "Fuck off." He repeated.

I acted on impulse. I grabbed the drink with my free arm and threw it into the man's face. He reeled back immediately with a cry of pain at the alcohol in his eyes and I retreated with Simon as a few other guest gasped at the scene.

"Are you okay?" Simon asked, stopping us to sit on a couch immediately out of proximity to the scene. "I got worried when you were gone so long I didn't expect-" he stopped short as tears began to leak out. I couldn't help it, I felt so scared. He gently put his arm around me, pulling me in as I turned, trying not to cry into his shoulder. We sat for a few minutes as I pulled myself together, finally sitting up and swiping away the few rogue tears. The smudge of black that appeared on my hand reminding me that I was wearing makeup, I looked over at Simon, "Is my eyeliner everywhere?" I asked, trying to rein in any residual tears.

He carefully brushed his thumb across the side of my face by my eye, "You're fine now. I think that's the least of your worries."

I gave a watery smile, "Thank you."

"I should've just come with you. Man, what an asshole," he said, looking derisively toward the bar. "Are you sure you're okay? You were amazing throwing his drink in his face."

"I'll be fine; I just need to keep pushing through. The panic will settle. I feel surprisingly good considering. I've never been able to act on my fear like that before." Simon looked at me thoughtfully. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing, just an idea."

I decided not to ask, and stood instead, "Let's just get back to the group."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I need distraction now, let's just go do something with your friends, get away from here."

"Alright," he said standing as well.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

We moved to the dance floor after that. I sat for the first few watching the others including Simon goof off. Simon beckoned me over but I shook my head with a bit of a smile. He walked over smiling at me, "Is the lady's dance card full?" he teased.

"Hmm yes, I think this chair has claimed every single one! Better luck next time," I teased back and let out a small yelp of surprise when Simon took my hands and pulled me up out of the chair.

"The chair will have to be disappointed I guess," he continued with a grin as he shifted his hand to twirl me into a dip, earning him another yelp as I fell into his waiting arms.

"Simon, let me go," I complained but couldn't help smiling a little.

"I really don't think you want me to do that seeing as you would fall to the floor," he said making me let out a fairly un-ladylike snort which then made us both laugh. He did, though, take the hint and put me back on my feet. "Come on, Alice, it'd be a shame not to dance with such a nice dress and a dashing partner," he said, not letting up as he pretended to pout, though I could tell he was carefully gauging my every response to make sure he didn't overstep his bounds. Or was he? Why was I analyzing everything about him tonight? Simon is your friend, and nothing more…

"I don't even know how to dance!" I exclaimed, still smiling.

"Pffft, it's not a ball or anything, just follow my lead," Simon said, his hand moving to my hip while he held the other one out to the side.

"Simon? Is that you?" I heard from behind us.

We stopped before we even started as Simon let his outstretched arm drop but his other moved to my back, though I felt it tense as we turned to face the owner of the voice.

Simon POV

"Simon? Is that you?"

I stopped in my tracks at that voice. I recognized it immediately of course. I kept Allison at my side as we turned. "Valerie," I said brightly as I could, "It's been a while, how are you?"

Valerie looked much the same, long black hair with a sheen that would put a shampoo commercial to shame, and pale, clear skin to contrast her hair starkly. She wore a short, dark crimson dress and a diamond pendant that hung low into the daring v-neckline. Somehow she made it look classy, she tended to be able to do that with anything.

"Oh, I'm well, and yourself?"

"I'm doing wonderfully, thank you. What brings you here?"

She waved her hand dismissively, "I'm here with the Brunson's firm."

"The Brunson's firm? You don't mean you got an internship there do you?" I asked in shock.

"Nope," she said with a coy smile, "I got associate as soon as I receive my license."

"Wow," I said, at a true loss for words, Brunson's was the best law firm in town, and she was fresh out of law school. She always had her inside connections though. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," she said beaming and finally sparing a glance at Allison. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

I snapped out of it and immediately turned back to Allison, "My goodness, where are my manners? Valerie, this is Allison, Allison, Valerie."

Allison smiled and shook Val's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"And you," Valerie said, "Where did you two meet?"

I saw Allison give me a sideways glance of panic and quickly jumped in, "She's helping out at the bookstore," I supplied, my hand carefully rubbing her back, deciding in a split second to run with the ambiguity.

"I see," Val said, her disinterest in Allison tangible. "Well could I borrow you for a dance, Simon? For old time's sake?"

I looked over at Alice, she seemed very lost, "That would be fine, but give me one second, I have to escort my date back to our table," I said, my hand moving to the small of her back as I guided her away and back over to where the group's things sat, I leaned in as we arrived, "Go with it, I promise I'll explain later," I whispered to her, pulling back with a smile, seeing her blush. I quickly turned to rejoin Valerie.

"Shall we?" I said offering my hand. I kept her at arm's distance as we started to dance, but she managed to move in closer.

"Simon, what are you doing these days?" She asked, sounding amiable though I wasn't fooled.

"Medical school mostly, working at the bookstore a little as well," I replied.

"Medical school, I'd forgotten," she said, laughing prettily, "and apparently running around with college students," she said her voice lowering slightly, as she glanced again at Alice.

"Do you have a problem with Allison, Valerie?" I asked pointedly.

"Of course not! No, she's simply adorable. Whatever has she done to capture your attention, Simon?" she questioned innocently, but I could here the mocking hidden right below her tone. She spoke as though Allison were a small dog.

"Many things," I said lightly, but giving her a look that told her I'd heard her disparaging undertone and wasn't a fan. "I'm sure you didn't pull me aside to talk about Alice though."

She tsked slightly, "Simon, you've become very direct, I think I like it though."

I frowned, "What is this about, Valerie?"

She sighed dramatically, "Can't I just have a dance with my ex-boyfriend in peace?"

"If that's all you want then, yes."

"Well it's not," she said with a teasing smile before suddenly leaning in to kiss me which I quickly evaded.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I want you back, Simon," she said with a sultry smile, unfazed by my rejection.

"Are you drunk, Valerie?" I asked in astonishment.

"Perfect sober, Simon. Why do you ask?"

"You're acting very brazen," I said.

She shrugged, "I've learned you have to go out and take what you want sometimes, and I still want you. And I'm sure you'd be fine with partaking of everything I have to offer," she insinuated, pressing herself into me. "Look, I have the position and connections to do you a lot of good. Not to mention that as a lawyer and doctor we'd be an unstoppable pair."

We'd stopped dancing at this point as she stepped back and pulled me over toward the bar. I made eye contact with Allison and jerked my head pleading her to follow. She thankfully took the hint and started to trail us, keeping her distance. Val quickly got a martini and took a sip and before slipping the stem between her fingers, holding the glass out to the side as she rested her elbow on her other arm. "So?" she asked, raising one eyebrow.

"I don't know what you expect from me, Val, I'm obviously here with Allison."

"Oh, you can't seriously tell me you prefer that mousy little thing?" she said with disparaging laughter.

"I seriously can and do," I retorted tersely.

She sipped her martini again looking unfazed. "Do you now? What could it be? She must be at least four years your junior so she can't be doing any favors to you intellectually, she was completely passive during our entire introduction and even now is watching from afar so it can't be her strong personality or passion for you, she's no showstopper so it can't be that she's eye-candy, and to top it all off, she looks to be about as sexually exciting as a nun." She said blithely.

I was past annoyed at this point, "On the contrary, she makes for engaging conversation and is one of the wittiest people I've met," I said sharply, "She is also one of the strongest people I know, with a personality I wish I could replicate for her caring and patient nature which make her all the more beautiful, though her physical attributes are just as lovely. And finally, the fact that you even feel you have to stoop as low to attack her sexuality says much more about you than it does her. Her body and who she may or may not sleep with are her business and hers alone," I finished, barely containing my rage when I suddenly felt a hand slip into to crook of my arm. Allison had snuck up next to me at some point during my speech. How much did she hear? Valerie looked a bit taken aback at my rebuttal and Allison's sudden appearance. "Well it's been lovely catching up with you, Valerie, but I believe I promised this lady to dance so if you'll excuse us," I said pulling Allison in a bit closer and having us both exit quickly to rejoin the group.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

"Who does that girl think she is?!" Kate asked in an outrage as we returned, "Dances with you and tries to take you right in front of your date."

"She's crazy, can't believe you dated her as long as you did," Kyle said shaking his head.

I waved it off, "Let it go guys, it's over, thank god." I turned my attention to Allison, "So that dance," I said with a smile, taking her hand in mine and letting my other arm wrap around her waist. She gave a distant smile but complied, following my lead. "Sorry for all of that by the way, you handled yourself well."

She shrugged, "Who was she?" she asked curiously.

"Valerie Michaels, an ex from my early college days. We were pretty serious for a while."

"What made it end?" she asked, "not that you have to tell me or anything," she quickly backtracked but I waved it off.

"It's fine, I just realized how much she liked to undermine everything. It was subtle but she was never satisfied or genuine. She always had to cut things down so she comes out as the best. She was kinda demanding too," I said with distaste.

"She was…beautiful," she said.

"Beautiful shell, empty vessel," I retorted, "I like people with substance."

We danced in silence for a while, I didn't mind too much, if Alice was content in my arms it was a victory.

"Did… did you mean it?" she finally asked quietly, "What you said to her?"

"Well of course not, it was not lovely to catch up with her, it was awful," I said.

"No, I meant… nevermind."

We continued to dance. "You do that a lot." I finally said.

"What?"

"Start questions you're too scared to finish. You can ask me anything, Allison. Truly."

Allison POV

My head was still reeling from all the information I'd taken in. I'd heard Valerie's accusations as I'd crept closer and felt myself shrinking back in anticipation of Simon's response. I expected anger at her unkind words but what I hadn't expected was for Simon to come to my defense, and certainly not with such lovely words. I couldn't dare to hope could I? He just wanted to cut Valerie down, it didn't have to mean anything. I couldn't let myself believe anything. Val was right, there was no reason for him to think anything of me. He was defending me as a friend would.

I was suddenly getting more and more conscious of how close he was. His hand had moved from my hip to wrap around my waist. I hadn't been this close to Simon since…well, since my first day here. I felt blood rush to my face at the thought.

"You okay?" he asked, obviously seeing my furious blush.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, looking down at our feet, "Think I'm getting a little tired of dancing."

"Okay, we can head back to the group," Simon stated, twirling me in one last time so that my eyes met his, looking at me in that same way he had at the bookstore. I felt paralyzed in a way I couldn't quite put my finger on. Why was he looking at me like that? Is he going to kiss me? Why would he do that? He dropped his arms belatedly when the last chord faded and we walked back to the table where the others were also congregating, the strange moment evaporating and seemingly forgotten.

"Kate and I are going to head out, it's getting pretty late," Grant stated, taking Kate's hand. "Allison, it was lovely to meet you. I hope to see you around."

"Yes! Don't be a stranger," Kate said, stepping forward and giving me a quick hug. "Simon, don't you dare let her stay away for another three months."

"I won't," he said with a roll of his eyes.

"It was lovely to meet you guys," I said with a smile and then looked at Simon to see if we could take the same cue. I was getting tired, and I didn't want to leave Grams with the twins for too long. Thankfully he read my mind.

"We're probably going to take off too. Say thank you to your parents for us, Kyle," he said.

The drive back was quiet, but it was a comfortable sort of quiet; contented.

"Did you have any fun? What a mess of a night this turned into," Simon asked as we got closer to the bookstore.

I looked over and though it was dark I could see concern on his face from the passing street lights. "I did, don't worry."

He looked relieved and glanced over at me as we pulled up to the bookstore. "Do you want to come to New Year's too? It's just our apartment and some other friends. Much less formal."

"I'd like that," I said with a smile.