Delphine enters the pre-race dinner, accompanied by her parents and Krystal, and immediately scans the room. Her eyes almost instantly land on Cosima standing by the buffet, chatting with a familiar blonde.
"Do you see Cosima and Felix?" Pierre asks.
"Cosima is right there," Delphine points. "I don't see Felix."
Pierre leads the way to the jockey, "Cosima, hello, my dear."
"Hello, Pierre, Marie, Krystal." Her eyes fall upon her favorite Cormier, "Hi, Delphine."
"Hello, Cosima."
"This is Shay Davydov. Delphine, you met her in Arkansas."
"Yes, hello, Shay."
"Nice to see you again, Delphine."
"You're with Morley Stables, correct?" Pierre asks her.
"Yes, I am."
"You were very impressive in Arkansas. You have a great horse."
"Thank you. Leda is a terrific horse as well, and in good hands with Cosima," she smiles at Cosima and rubs her arm.
"Thanks," Cosima grins while Delphine zeroes in on the positioning of Shay's fingers on Cosima's bicep.
"I couldn't agree more," Pierre says as someone grabs his attention across the room. "There's Aldous Leekie, we better go, we just wanted to come over and say hello. We'll see you later, Cosima. It was lovely meeting you, Shay."
Pierre and Marie leave, while Delphine and Krystal stay behind.
"I'm Krystal, Delphine's bff," Krystal introduces herself to Shay and they shake hands. "Which horse do you ride?"
"Blue Barcelona."
"Ooh, that's a really cool name. I'm partial to pink, though. Hey, Del, you should name your next horse Pink Paris."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"There's Fee, I'm gonna go say hi," Krystal excuses herself and heads towards the trainer, who is standing by the bar.
"Shay was just telling me about some of the dance clubs in town."
"That's nice," Delphine grins tightly.
"Yeah, she invited me to join her and some of the other jockeys tomorrow night."
"Sounds like fun," Delphine replies.
"Yeah, a bunch of us went last year after the gala and danced into the wee hours of the morning. It was a lot of fun and I have a feeling Cosima, here, has some impressive moves on the dance floor."
"I can hold my own," Cosima smiles.
"Oh, Mr. Morley just arrived, I should probably go make the rounds as well. I'll talk to you later, Cos," Shay gives her shoulder a little squeeze.
"Yeah, totally."
"See you, Delphine."
"Shay," Delphine nods curtly, watching as the jockey walks away before turning her attention back to Cosima. "Looks like you two are getting along well."
"Oh, yeah, Shay's cool. She actually gave me a massage this morning after practice, I guess she's got certification in it or something. It really helped relieve a lot of the tension in my lower back."
"That's good. I guess that explains why she seems so comfortable touching you."
"Wow!" Cosima exclaims, looking up at Delphine.
"Wow what?"
"Are you jealous of Shay?"
Delphine scoffs, "No."
"Oh my god, you totally are, first Leda and now Shay."
"Cosima, I am not jealous of Shay."
"You can't even say her name without using that tone."
"What tone?"
"That annoyed tone. Shay," she mimics haughtily.
"Oh stop it, I do not sound like that," Delphine chastises. "And I don't care if you get massaged by or talk to Shay. Or anybody else for that matter."
"What if I go dancing with her?"
"You can go dancing with whomever you wish, we aren't dating."
"No," Cosima lightly brushes her fingers along Delphine's, "but we will be soon."
Delphine fights off the electricity running through her body at Cosima's touch, "The possibility of one date does not constitute dating."
"We'll see," Cosima shrugs. "Anyway, I'm not gonna go out with them"
"Why not? You should do what you want."
"What I want is to be with you."
"Cosima," Delphine shakes her head.
"I mean hang out with you, like we do when we're home, get your mind out of the gutter."
"My mind isn't in the gutter," Delphine insists.
"Sure it's not. Anyway, I wouldn't want to give Shay the wrong idea. I think she kinda likes me and, well, I don't want to lead her on when I only have eyes for you." Delphine blushes and the reddening of her cheeks does not go unnoticed by Cosima.
"Holy shite this bourbon has bite," Felix yelps as he swallows the liquid. "Oi, Krystal, what are you looking at?"
"Cosima and Delphine," she responds, her eyes fixed on the duo across the room.
"What's so interesting about them? You haven't even complimented my outfit."
Krystal quickly looks him over, "Very chic, I like," then turns her attention back to the girls. "I'm just excited about the recent developments between those two."
"What developments?"
Krystal turns back towards him, "Can you keep a secret? I told Delphine I'd keep it to myself."
"I can probably keep a secret better than you can since you're about to tell me this one. Spill."
"Okay, well, Del told me that Cosima asked her out."
"Oh no, does that girl ever listen? I told her this crush was a mistake."
"Felix, it wasn't a mistake, they might be going on a date."
"Might?"
"You know how Del is really stubborn, right, well she wouldn't agree to it outright, so Cosima made a bet with her."
"A bet?"
"Yeah, if Cosima finishes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd tomorrow, they're going on a date."
"Delphine is probably humoring her. Or doesn't think she'll do that well."
"No, Fee, I really think Delphine is hoping she does do well so she has to go on the date. I think she really likes Cosima but is just scared about the whole going out with a girl thing."
"Krystal, Delphine is a raging hetero."
"Not anymore. I mean, look at them and tell me you don't see it."
"Delphine does look a little flushed," he muses, "but that's probably cause it's hot as Hades in here."
"Yeah, that must be it," Krystal says with a roll of her eyes.
"I did a lot of planning on the bus over for our date," Cosima tells Delphine as they carry their food to a table and sit down.
"Did you really?"
"Yeah."
"But you don't know yet which, if any, date it would be."
"I planned it out so it would be adaptable to any of the three."
"Okay, now I'm kind of intrigued," Delphine admits.
"Wow, Delphine, can I take that to mean you actually want to go on this date?"
"Yeah, I think it could be fun."
"Could be? When am I anything less than fun?"
"You're a lot of fun, but I meant fun to see what you're like when you're trying to be all romantic."
"Wow, okay, no pressure. So does that mean you want me to win this bet?"
"Yes, of course I do."
Cosima smiles broadly, "Yeah?"
"Yes, that would mean you came in at least 3rd place in the Kentucky Derby. That would be wonderful."
"Oh my god, I got so caught up in the us part, I stopped thinking about that part. I'm going to be racing in the freakin' Kentucky Derby!" Cosima exclaims.
Delphine laughs, "Yes, you will be. In less than 24 hours, in fact."
"I can't believe this is my life right now. I've dreamt about this for so long," Cosima grins, then quickly sobers. "Oh my god, I'm racing in the Kentucky Derby tomorrow. I think I'm gonna be sick."
Delphine giggles, "Cosima, is that nervousness I see?"
"It's not funny, I'm racing live on TV in front of millions. What if I fuck up like Arkansas? Now more people will see it."
"I thought we were accepting the fucking up and moving on?"
"We are, we are, but, still, I've never raced on TV before in something as massive as this."
"I don't think you should think about any of that. Just treat it like any other race and focus on getting to the finish line. That's it. The rest is just incidental."
Cosima nods, "Yeah, totally, that's what I have to do, focus on getting to the finish line, block out the rest."
"Good," Delphine smiles as she begins to eat her dinner. "Cosima?"
"Yeah?"
"Aren't you going to eat?"
Cosima looks at her plate, then back up at Delphine, "I can't."
"Come on, you have to eat. You don't want to go to sleep on an empty stomach the night before the big race. This food is really good, too. Don't make me have to feed you again," Delphine says as she picks up Cosima's fork and gathers food on it, slowly directing it towards Cosima's mouth.
"Nope," Cosima shakes her head as the food gets closer.
"Open up," Delphine coos when the fork is inches away from Cosima's lips. "You're gonna love it."
Cosima stares at the food, the aroma wafting up her nose, and slowly opens her mouth and takes the bite. Delphine lowers the fork back to Cosima's plate and watches as she chews.
"So?" Delphine asks as Cosima swallows.
"That was actually pretty good."
"Think you can continue eating on your own?"
"I think I can manage." Cosima takes the fork and starts eating.
Delphine smiles and focuses her attention back on her own plate.
"Okay, holy shit. What the hell was that?" Felix asks as he and Krystal continue to watch the duo.
"I told you," Krystal grins smugly as she heads for the buffet before joining Cosima and Delphine at their table.
—
"Okay, Leda, no pressure or anything, but third place or better and I get a date with Delphine, so you know, give it your all. But if we don't finish at the top, that's fine, too. I won't be mad," Cosima promises the horse as they get ready for the race.
"Won't be mad about what?" Felix asks as he enters their stall.
"If we don't finish in the top three."
"No? You won't be? Are you sure?" Felix presses.
"Yes, I mean, it will be disappointing, but what can ya do?"
"You're bloody ridiculous."
"What do you mean?"
"I know about the bet."
"What bet? The betting going on here? I know my odds aren't great, but they're better than Arkansas."
"No, Cosima, the bet with Delphine. Your date bet."
"Oh, how do you know about that?"
"A certain big mouthed manicurist told me."
"Krystal? Wait, so that means Delphine told her," Cosima smiles. "She must be into it."
"Look, Cosima, I'm going to be honest with you, things did seem a little different between the two of you last night, but I still don't want you to get your heart broken if this doesn't work out."
"I appreciate that, Felix, but don't worry, I won't," she assures him.
"Although, I guess if this makes you even more determined to win, that's not such a bad thing."
"What's not such a bad thing?" Delphine asks as she enters the stall.
"Oh, um, our odds today," Cosima quickly responds. "They're not great, but they're not terrible, so Felix was just saying they weren't such a bad thing."
"Yes, that's exactly what I was saying," Felix confirms as he heads for the exit. "I'm going to go check out the competition, I'll be back later."
"I like the whole look you've got going on," Cosima admires Delphine's ensemble, "the horsey blouse, that hat." Delphine's head is topped by a massive black hat with white trim, accented by black tulle and nine white feathers.
"I know it's kind of ostentatious, but it's tradition. Wait until you see the pink spectacle Krystal has on her head."
"I can't wait. Why nine feathers?" Cosima asks as she reaches up and touches them.
"Why do you think?" Delphine glances at Cosima's arm.
"Oh, duh, our racing position today. That's sweet," Cosima grins.
"So, how are you doing?"
"Pretty good, still a little nervous, but you were right, I'm glad I ate last night or I'd be feeling like crap right now."
"Happy I could help," Delphine smiles. "And, by the way, 16-1 odds aren't horrible."
"No, but that's also the odds they're basically putting on me winning our bet."
"Well then you'll just have to beat those odds, now won't you?"
"I guess I will or, I should say, we will. Right, Leda?" Cosima walks over to Leda and pats her mane.
Delphine walks to the other side of Leda and rubs her muzzle, "You two make an excellent team, I have no doubt, this time, you're gonna crush it."
"Well, I do have added incentive this time," Cosima winks.
Delphine smiles as an announcement plays over the P.A. system calling for the racers to line up. "Looks like it's almost time for the race, I guess I should get going."
"Yeah," Cosima takes a deep breath.
"Hey," Delphine grabs her hand and squeezes it, "focus on the finish line, that's it. You've got this."
Cosima nods and Delphine lets go of her hand, "Thank you, Delphine."
Delphine smiles and heads out to take her seat in the stands.
"Alright, girl, let's do this," Cosima kisses Leda on her muzzle before walking her out to join their competition.
Cosima is relieved to find that Rachel is in 2nd position, so they won't have to start in close proximity. Surrounding Cosima and Leda are Hector in 8th and Bobby in 10th.
Cosima notices Vic's hand is wrapped up and turns to Bobby, "What happened to him?"
"Word is his boss was none too pleased with them getting scratched from the last race and chopped off Vic's pinky in retaliation," Bobby relays.
"No way! That's insane," Cosima cringes.
"I heard the same thing," Hector adds. "There are rumors his boss is a drug kingpin."
"Damn! And people say horse racing is boring, they have no clue," Cosima laughs.
"Cosima," Hector starts as they begin trotting out onto the track, "who was that gorgeous blonde you were having dinner with last night? I wanted to come over and introduce myself, but got stuck with the race team."
"Oh, um, Delphine."
"Delphine," he repeats, "what a lovely name for such a goddess. Is she single?"
"Uh, yeah," Cosima offers hesitantly.
"Does she like men?"
"Seems so."
"Can you introduce me to her?"
"Actually, no."
"No?" Hector clutches his heart. "Do you not think I'm good enough for your lovely friend?"
"It's not that, it's just, well, I'm kind of crazy about her and I hope she's into me, too. So I wouldn't want to risk ruining what we may have by sending her into your very charming orbit."
"Okay, fair enough." He looks at her quizzically, "I must admit I'm surprised."
"About what?"
"I was certain that you were involved with the curly-haired blonde."
"Wait, hold up, Delphine is the curly-haired blonde."
"I see," Hector smiles. "Well, she is quite a beauty, but I was talking about the other blonde, the one in pink."
"Dude, thank goodness," Cosima laughs, "I was getting ready to throw down. The blonde you're referring to is Krystal."
"Krystal. Yes, that name perfectly suits that exquisite woman. I must meet her."
"Okay, man, settle down, I'll introduce you."
"Wonderful," he smiles.
Cosima scans the crowd, looking for the Cormier box, "Shit, there are a lot of people here." Cosima looks up and down the stands, hoping to get one last look at Delphine before she and Leda are loaded into the gate. There a tons of woman in wild hats, making the task even more difficult.
"9, into the gate," a race hand announces. "9?"
"Yeah, yeah, we're going," Cosima says, eyes fixed on the bleachers. Finally, just as they're about to enter the gate, she spots Delphine. She instantly raises her hand and waves before giving the thumbs up sign.
Delphine, who had been watching Cosima from the moment the horses came onto the track, smiles and shoots her a matching thumbs up.
Cosima's face breaks out into a humongous grin. "Alright, girl, we got this, we got this. Just me and you, sweetheart," Cosima tenderly coos as she rubs the horse's neck.
After all the horses are successfully loaded into the starting gate, the bell rings and they're off. Leda gets out of the gate well, quickly moving into fifth position as they race up the first stretch. Castor sets the pace as he takes the early lead, followed by Neolution, Damn Right, and Double Down. Bubbles and Blue Barcelona are nipping at Leda's tail as they round the first turn.
Leda picks up speed into the backstretch and passes Double Down, while Neolution moves inside and catches Castor in front. "Yeah, girl, keep it up," Cosima encourages.
As they round the far turn, Neolution overtakes Castor for the lead. Leda gains on Damn Right, who seems to quickly be losing steam, and passes her on the outside. Castor is two and half lengths ahead as they enter the stretch.
"Come on," Pierre shouts from the stands as Leda continues to gain on Castor. Delphine clasps her hands together in front of her face as she starts getting nervous for Cosima.
Cosima cues the lead change and Leda switches her footing, finding that necessary gear to pass her brother, Castor, on the outside as they come into the final furlong. "Yeah, baby!" Cosima yelps. "That was perfect. Let's go, we're almost home."
"Holy shite!" Felix yelps as he can hardly believe his eyes.
Neolution is within striking distance as they reach the final 16th. Leda picks up her pace and they're able to catch them, running neck and neck with Rachel and Neolution as they approach the finish line.
Delphine holds her breath; Krystal, Pierre, Marie, and Felix cheering Leda on around her. The horses cross the finish line and it's too close to call.
The crowd goes silent.
Cosima slows Leda down, "Whoa, Leda, you did great, baby, that was unbelievable." Cosima glances at the scoreboard, which still hasn't posted the results as the officials consult the video tape. She looks over at Rachel, who has a smug look on her face, but what else is new?
Suddenly, the crowd erupts as the scoreboard lights up with the results. Cosima slowly lifts her eyes to focus in on the results. "Holy watershed!" she screams. "You did it, Leda, you just won the Kentucky Derby," she leans down and kisses the top of the horse's head. She glances over at Rachel, the smug expression wiped away as the replay runs in slo-mo on the big screen, showing Leda winning by a nose.
Over in the Cormier box, they're all hugging and screaming, except for Delphine, whose eyes are fixated on Cosima, whose smiling face is now plastered on every screen around Churchill Downs. A matching smile is etched on the blonde's face as she watches Cosima pump her fists in victory.
Reporter, and former Kentucky Derby winning jockey, Shelli Glass, gallops beside Leda to interview Cosima.
"Congratulations, Cosima! That was quite a race. This is your first time racing in the Kentucky Derby and you come away with the victory. To what do you attribute your win?"
"It was all Leda, she gave it everything she had today. I'm so, so proud of her. Honestly, I'm still in shock, but super excited to bring home this derby win to Cormier Farms."
"How do you plan to celebrate your victory?"
"Well, I'm sure there will be some pretty awesome parties here in Louisville this evening and when we get back to Virginia, well, let's just say I've got some pretty big plans for how I'm going to savor this win." Cosima looks up into the crowd at where she knows the Cormiers are and winks.
The Cormiers, along with Felix and Krystal, whoop loudly as Delphine continues to grin. Krystal nudges her side and leans into her ear, "Sounds like you've got a big date ahead of you."
"Enjoy it, that was a magnificent victory. Congratulations, again."
"Thanks, Shelli," Cosima says as she hops down off Leda and is swarmed by well-wishers.
The team makes their way to the track. "Cosima, well done, young lady, well done," Pierre gives her a big hug, followed by Marie and Krystal. "You and Leda have made us all extremely proud."
"Cosima," Felix shouts, "that was bloody brilliant." He hugs her, picks her up, and twirls her around.
"It was all Leda, I'm telling you, she found some new gear and just pushed it to the end."
"Then we shall congratulate her, as well," Pierre states as they walk towards the horse as she's being draped in victory roses. Delphine stays behind.
"Hey," Cosima says.
"Hey," Delphine smiles as she approaches the jockey, "that really was incredible."
"Thanks," Cosima respond as Delphine gives her a hug.
"So, you have big plans for celebrating your win, huh?" Delphine smirks.
"Oh, yes, big. Huge." Cosima emphasizes by opening her arms wide.
"I'm looking forward to it," Delphine says.
"Who said you were invited to partake in my big plans?" Delphine gasps and smacks Cosima's arm. "Hey, hey, you're hitting a Kentucky Derby winning jockey."
"I'm also hitting a brat."
"Alright, alright. I'm messing with you. Yes, my big plans are with you, of course."
"Good."
"Good?"
"Yeah, I've never been on a date with a Kentucky Derby winning jockey before. I feel so honored."
"Are you mocking me, Delphine?"
"Moi?" Delphine acts hurt. "I would never deign to mock you, oh great one."
"Fine, I deserve it."
"Seriously, Cosima, I'm so happy for you."
"You know, you really did help me today."
"How so?"
"What you said about just focusing on getting to the finish line. I blocked out everything else, the other riders, all the people watching, everything except Leda and giving her the cues and encouragement to get to the finish. That's it." Cosima pauses, "Well actually that wasn't totally it."
"No?"
"No. I also thought about you and how badly I wanted to win our bet. I think Leda was motivated by that, too. She knew how important this was to me, how much I wanted this date with you."
"I'm happy to have been added incentive," Delphine grins, "but you and Leda would have done well regardless. That was truly an amazing race you both ran. I was very impressed."
"I'm glad I could impress you," Cosima flirts, "hopefully I will only continue to impress you."
"Cosima, we need you over here for photos with Leda," a race official interrupts.
"Looks like duty calls."
"Yes, go impress the press and I will see you later," Delphine promises.
Cosima smiles as she's ushered over to pose for pictures. Afterwards, she's brought to the press area where she spends a couple hours answering questions and taking more photos.
Later that night, Felix knocks on Cosima's hotel room door, "Darling, are you ready? We have a gala to attend."
"I'm almost ready, Felix. Give me one sec," Cosima shouts as she pulls off her black dress and puts on a red one instead.
About six minutes later, she opens her door. "Well, don't you look lovely," Felix observes. "You ready for the spotlight, champ?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," she responds as she takes his arm and they proceed out of the hotel and walk to the site of the gala.
As they hit the red carpet, they're barraged by photographers wanting a shot of the winning jockey, along with reporters asking more questions of her. An hour later, when they finally head into the gala, Cosima is already exhausted.
"That was intense," she says as she and Felix enter the ballroom. "Damn, is the entire state of Kentucky here?"
"The Derby is the biggest party of the year around here," he responds. "Let's grab a drink and work the room." Felix leads her towards the bar.
"Cosima, hey, I didn't have a chance to congratulate you earlier," Shay says as she approaches the pair.
"Thanks, yeah they kind of dragged me around to do press and, uh," Cosima stops talking as she catches sight of Delphine over Shay's shoulder. Her hair is pulled up into a princess braid and she's wearing a black and white sleeveless dress that hits mid-thigh. Cosima's mouth instantly goes dry at the sight.
"You okay?" Shay asks.
"Yeah, yeah, just a little parched from all the talking today."
"Here, you go," Felix hands her a glass of red wine.
"Thanks," her eyes remain fixed on Delphine, who is chatting with partygoers.
"Well, a bunch of us are still planning on going clubbing later, if you're up for it. You too, Felix," Shay extends an invite to the trainer.
"Is that hot little number, Ramon, going to be there?"
Shay laughs, "Yes, he will."
"Well, then I am always down for clubbing," Felix replies.
"What about you, Cos?"
"Um, I'm not sure, I'm kinda tired, not sure I can go all night," Cosima responds as Delphine's eyes find hers.
"Alright, if you change your mind, let me know."
Cosima nods as her body is pulled by a magnetic force in the direction of Delphine, who, likewise, starts heading for Cosima. They meet in the center of the room. "You look stunning," Cosima marvels.
"So do you," Delphine grins. "How'd it go with the press?"
"Oh my god, it was insane. I had to come up with a hundred ways to say the same thing. Then we get here and I had to find another hundred."
"You're a big deal."
"Nah, I'm still little old me."
"Little old you with a nice entry on your Wikipedia page."
"What? Already?"
"Oui," Delphine pulls out her phone and brings up the page.
Cosima takes the phone, "Oh man, that was quick. And, I have to admit, this is amazing. As much as I wanted this, I never really expected it, you know?"
"Have you spoken to your parents yet?"
"Yeah, they called me while I was doing press. I stopped to answer my phone and they were screaming, they were so excited. I think even moreso than me."
"That's sweet."
"Yeah, then when I got back to my hotel room, my friend, Tony, called and he kept me on the phone for an hour, at least 45 minutes of it was just him saying 'holy shit.' I also received a whole bunch of texts from friends back in San Francisco congratulating me. It was nice."
"Pardon me, I'm sorry to interrupt, but can I borrow Cosima for a moment," Hector asks.
"Certainly," Delphine responds and Hector pulls her to the side.
"First, I'd like to offer my sincere congratulations. You ran a hell of a race."
"Thank you, Hector."
"And second, the magnificent Krystal has arrived," he points towards the blonde wearing a very short pink dress. "Would you please do the honors?"
"Ah, yes," Cosima smiles as Krystal makes a beeline for Delphine. "Come on."
"Cosima," Krystal shouts, "you look gorgeous. Doesn't she, Del?"
"Yes, she does," Delphine agrees.
Cosima gets lost for a moment, smiling while looking into Delphine's eyes, until the clearing of Hector's throat sways her attention. "Oh, sorry, sorry. Krystal, this is Hector Rodriguez, one of the top jockeys in the country."
"Hello, Hector," Krystal smiles.
"Krystal, it is an honor to make your acquaintance," he responds as he takes her outstretched hand and places a kiss upon it. "I hope you won't find me too forward, but would you join me for a dance?"
Krystal giggles flirtatiously, "I'd like that."
Hector leads her to the dance floor.
"Care to explain?" Delphine asks as they watch the two begin to sway.
"He saw Krystal yesterday at the pre-race party and was instantly smitten. He asked me to introduce them."
"Ah, nice. He actually seems just her type. Though a little shorter than most of the guys she's dated."
"Yeah, well, we're all vertically challenged in this business. He'd have a couple inches on her if she wasn't in those heels."
"Speaking of heels, you're taller this evening," Delphine observes.
"I was trying to reach your level, but you went and wore heels, too."
"The universe would feel out of whack if you were suddenly as tall as me."
"You just like looking down on me."
"No, but if you were taller, could I do this?" Delphine takes Cosima hand and twirls her under her arm.
"Hey, I can twirl you, too." Cosima takes Delphine's hand and attempts to spin her, but it doesn't quite work, as Cosima is not able to get her arm up high enough for Delphine to pass under. "Maybe not," Cosima pouts.
"Pauvre petit chiot," Delphine mocks the sad puppy face. She grabs Cosima's hand and starts spinning her as Cosima giggles.
"Looks like you two are having fun," Pierre says as he approaches the girls, Delphine instantly letting go of her grip on Cosima's hand when she hears his voice.
"Yeah, your daughter here was just lording her height over me."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but everyone is asking to meet you, Cosima. Consider this your official coming out party."
Cosima laughs and shoots a little wink in Delphine's direction, "I'll catch you later?"
"Definitely," Delphine responds as Pierre leads Cosima off to make the rounds.
"Your father is a very proud man tonight," Marie says as she approaches Delphine.
"Yes, well, he deserves it. This was the one race victory that eluded him and Cosima did an excellent job today." Delphine scans the room, "I notice Rachel hasn't made an appearance yet tonight, she can't be too happy, being that close to victory and having it snatched from her."
"No, I imagine not," Marie agrees. "Ah, well, she gave up on us, deemed Leda unfit to be ridden by her."
"I'm glad that all happened," Delphine states, "I think Cosima and Leda are the perfect partnership. I'm not so sure the outcome with Rachel riding her would have been the same."
"Perhaps not." Marie notices Delphine watching Pierre introduce Cosima around, "You're very fond of that girl, aren't you?"
Delphine quickly turns her head to look at her mother, "Yeah, Cosima's great. She's a lot of fun."
"I know your father is pleased you two have become such good friends. And so am I. You're different."
"Different? How so?"
"We were worried about you after that blow up at dinner, but you seem much happier since then, more relaxed and at ease. We were delighted you returned to the drums, that set went neglected for far too long. I think Cosima has a lot to do with this change in you, having someone around that you've connected with."
"I guess I do feel lighter, happier.
"Good, that's all I want for you," Marie kisses her cheek. "I see Marion, I better go say hello."
Marie leaves and Delphine continues to observe Cosima work the room, leaving a trail of smiles on the faces of everyone she meets. Occasionally, Cosima glances back at her, offering her a wave, smile, or gunshot to the head to indicate boredom. Delphine ends up making small talk with old family friends until Krystal approaches her.
"Hey, Del."
"Hi. Looks like you and Hector have been getting along well."
"Yeah, he's a really nice guy. He was telling me all about his home in Tampa Bay on the water. It sounds beautiful down there. He invited me to come visit anytime."
"That's great." Delphine looks towards Cosima, then turns back to her friend, "Krystal?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't think I should go on this date with Cosima."
"What? You had a bet, she won, you can't reneg on it now. What's the problem?"
"I think I like her."
Krystal laughs, "I know you do. That doesn't exactly sound like a problem."
"It is if we go on this date and I end up liking her even more."
"Del, you'd be hanging out with her no matter what. If you're going to develop deeper feelings for her, it wouldn't matter if you went on an official date or not. Just stop fighting it, let whatever is meant to happen, happen."
Delphine nods, "You're right, you're right."
As the gala wraps up, Cosima finds Delphine, "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to abandon you for that long."
"No worries, I understand."
Felix and Krystal approach the pair, accompanied by Hector and Shay. "We are on our way to hit the clubs, you in?" Felix asks them.
Cosima looks up at Delphine, "Is that something you want to do?"
"I'll go if you want to."
"I am kind of tired."
"Oh come on, you can't let the celebration end yet," Krystal insists.
"Okay, maybe one club," Cosima relents
"Great!" Shay exclaims as she leads them all out of the gala and to a club a few blocks away.
The dance floor is already crowded and Felix heads straight for Ramon.
"You want to dance?" Cosima asks Delphine.
"Maybe later."
"Let's dance," Shay drags Cosima to the dance floor as she shoots Delphine an apologetic look.
Krystal watches the two jockeys dancing. "You know, Del, I probably wouldn't let that one get so close to my girl if I were you," she says before taking Hector's outstretched hand and joining the group.
Delphine heads for the bar, sits down, and orders a glass of red wine. As she's drinking, she observes the action on the dance floor. A little while later, a young man with a scar sits down beside her.
"Bonsoir! You're Delphine Cormier, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"I'm Rudy, Castor's jockey."
"Ah, yes, of course. Nice to meet you. Congratulations on your third place showing today."
"Thank you. I was just wondering if you'd like to join me and my brother for a spin on the dance floor," he points towards a mustached version of himself, who shoots her finger guns.
"Um," Delphine spots Shay put her hands on Cosima's hips, "I'm actually here with someone." She puts down her glass and walks with determination to the dance floor, shimmying her way in-between Shay and Cosima.
Shay is none-too-pleased with the intrusion, but, after getting a look at the huge grin on Cosima's face, resigns herself to the obvious and moves on to dance with Bobby and Sherry.
"I'm glad you decided to dance," Cosima says.
"Yeah, well, I couldn't let Shay have you all to herself, you know how jealous I get," Delphine jokes.
Cosima laughs, though she's not so sure it's actually a joke anymore.
The girls dance for a while, making up their own steps while giggling and just genuinely having a good time.
"They're playing our song," Ramon suddenly shouts as the DJ changes the track.
"Some of us danced to this during a break in practice yesterday," Cosima tells a bewildered Delphine as several of the jockeys line up on the dance floor. Cosima hops into the formation and Delphine joins Krystal and Felix on the edge of the dance floor to watch.
Now watch me whip
Now watch me nae nae
Now watch me whip whip
Watch me nae nae
"I don't think those nae naes mean what you jockeys think it does," Felix yells with delight at the spectacle.
Now watch me whip
Now watch me nae nae
Now watch me whip whip
Watch me nae nae
Now watch me
Ooh watch me, watch me
Ooh watch me, watch me
Ooh watch me, watch me
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
The group does the choreography with varying degree of finesse, Scott, for instance, having no rhythm whatsoever, but there's no doubt as to Cosima's level of skill as she effortlessly grooves to the beat, hitting every step perfectly.
"Oh my god, look at them," Krystal remarks. "Aren't they, like, totally adorable?"
Delphine, whose eyes are focused solely on Cosima's writhing body, nods her agreement, "Yes, très adorable."
"Except for those two," Krystal gestures towards Rudy and Seth. "Twins are soooo creepy."
Cosima exits the dance floor winded and Delphine hands her a bottle of water, "You were great out there."
"Thanks," Cosima yawns.
"Tired?"
"Kinda."
"Your eyes are closing. Come on, you've had a big day, let's get you back to the hotel." Delphine stands up and offers Cosima her hand. They begin walking towards the exit when Delphine spots Krystal. "Cosima's tired, will you let Felix know I took her back to hotel?"
"Sure thing. Night, Del," she kisses her friend on the cheek. "Night, Cosima."
They head outside and Delphine flags down a cab. On the way to the hotel, Cosima's head starts lolling to the side, clonking, at one point, against the window. Delphine laughs and shakes her a little to wake her up, "We need to get you to your room first. I don't think this man wants you sleeping in his cab all night, you're liable to drool all over it."
"Very funny. I'm up," Cosima swears, though her droopy eyes suggest otherwise.
"Where'd you learn to dance like that?"
"San Francisco club scene, mostly."
"You were a club kid?"
"Don't act so surprised, there's a lot about me you don't know."
"I see that," Delphine says as they pull up to the hotel. Delphine pays the driver and they exit the cab. Cosima is a bit wobbily so Delphine wraps her arm around the jockey's waist to steady her as they walk. "When you're tired, you really don't function well, do you?"
They reach Cosima's room and Delphine takes her clutch, rummaging for the key card. Once inside, she walks Cosima to the bed. The ukulele is on the bed, so Delphine moves that to the side table before lowering Cosima, who instantly lays down, sinking her head into the pillow.
"Wait, don't you want to change into more appropriate sleeping attire than that dress?"
"It's fine," Cosima murmurs sleepily.
Delphine shakes her head and covers her with a blanket, then kneels down beside the bed. Cosima eyes are closed and Delphine gently removes her glasses and places them on the bedside table. "Cosima?"
"Mmmhmm?"
"I really am excited about our date."
A smile forms on Cosima's lips, "Me too."
Quickly, Cosima is sound asleep and snoring lightly. Delphine smiles at the sleepy form and can't stop herself from leaning down and giving her forehead a soft kiss. "Goodnight," she whispers, before shutting the lights and exiting the room.