A/N: I got a reply asking about Edgar, since I started the story before he died. Basically the dance takes place 3-4 months after Season 5 ends. So, I wrote in Edgar's death, but there is enough time for Chloe to grieve, heal, etc. Also, don't hate me for this chapter. I promise to fix the mess I make.
The door slammed behind her as Chloe let herself into her apartment. She flopped down on the coach and wondered how she got here. Jack had asked her out, called exquisite and almost kissed her.
Then Audrey interrupted them. "Ughh," she moaned as her mind replayed the scene.
"Jack," Audrey shrieked as she crossed the dance floor towards him. She was stumbling and clearly very drunk.
Next to her Jack had stiffened, still holding on to her, but as Audrey bumbled up he had no choice to let go and catch Audrey as she fell.
"Jack," she said again and then looked over at Chloe, "And his date. Your Jack's date. That's funny, cause Jack told me a few months ago that he still loved me, so why is he on a date with Little Miss Computer Nerd."
Chloe had no idea her entire body could freeze that way. Jack was still in love with Audrey. That made no sense! He was here with her, he had almost kissed her. She would think Audrey was lying, but the panic in Jack's eyes said it all. He still loved Audrey.
"Audrey," she heard Jack say, "You had too much to drink. I think we should call you a cab and get you home."
"No," Audrey said loudly, attracting some people to look toward her, "I want you to take me home."
Chloe felt her blood pressure rise as Jack looked at her helplessly. Audrey's father was at the party, but had left a few minutes earlier to head to Washington.
"No, Audrey," Jack said firmly, "I'm going to call you a cab and you're going home to sleep it off."
"No," Audrey said petulantly and refused to move, even as Jack tried to pull her toward the exit.
"Audrey…" Jack began, and looked at Chloe for help. He couldn't just leave her. If she was left by herself she could get hurt or arrested. That would look back for her father, who despite his crazy children was a good guy.
"It's okay, Jack," she finally said, "Everyone's leaving. Why don't you take Audrey home?"
"What about you?"
"I'll get a ride from someone. I see Carrie in the corner, I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
"But, Chloe, you can come with me and I'll just drop her off."
She looked Audrey up and down, "Jack, I think she's going to need more than a drop off. You're going to have to stay with her for a while, at least." She schooled her features to show her nonchalance at the whole situation, "It's fine, Jack. I better go catch Carrie."
And she had practically run out of the room at mach speed. The night had begun perfectly, and it had ended a perfect mess. Jack was still in love with Audrey and right now he was at her apartment taking care of her.
Chloe pulled the dress of her body and threw it on the floor. There would be no reason to wear it again. As she began pulling on a t-shirt she heard a knock at the door. She ran over, hoping it was Jack.
Once again she was disappointed.