Nathan stood at the bottom of the stairs. He had loaded the suitcases into his car several hours ago and now he was just waiting for Allison so that they could go to the Valentine's Day dance. She was in the kitchen giving the sitter final instructions concerning her son. Allison stepped into the foyer and smiled at Nathan, he returned it with all the warmth he could muster but he couldn't help himself and asked Allison one last time. "Are you sure about this Allison? We've only given us four months just a couple more and you will see that…' However, Nathan stopped when Allison stepped away from him and put her resolve face on to answer him, "Nathan we have discussed this and it is for the best. We should end this relationship before all we have left is bitterness. I will always care for you Nathan but I don't love you anymore and it is time you accept that." Allison then moved forward to open the door for him so that they could go to the Valentine's Day dance together. She was dressed like the Queen of Diamonds, a suggestion she had gotten from watching Gone with the Wind the other day and Nathan had simply opted for a black tuxedo. They would go to the dance together but she had made it clear to him in their recent conversations that he was to sidestep any questions concerning their relationship. Eureka would eventually figure out what happened between them she just didn't want for it to be tonight.
Jack had arrived just as the party was in full swing. He had seen Zoë on the dance floor with her newest boyfriend, a boy he actually did mind for his little girl to date. The only problem he had with him was his parents but it wasn't as if Zoë was going to marry that boy anytime soon she he just moved towards the punch. "Hey Joe anything interesting happen so far?" Joe just shook her head no since she had a mouth full of cake at the time. Jack just smiled at her and began to walk away when the main exit was blocked by Allison and Nathan's entrance. Jack stepped off to the side so that he could see Allison with out being caught and exit as soon as they moved further into the room. He couldn't help but linger near the entrance for a few moments as he watched Allison step away from Nathan and go talk to Joe. The dress she was wearing left little to the imagination and the light reflecting of the dress made her shine with every step. Jack had to get out of there before he got himself into trouble, "Dad!" to late.
Zoë had called out for her father and waived for him to join her on the dance floor. The music had stopped and Jack saw no threat, "Zoë, everything alright?" Zoë nodded and pointed towards the stage and the announcer as the lights were brought to a full glow for the announcement part of the evening. "Welcome everyone and thank you for making this ball a success. If I can direct your attention to the left wall, we will begin displaying special messages some of you have recorded for your loved ones. Also, dinner will be served in about thirty minutes so if everyone can begin walking to the tables we can begin that part of the evening. As an added bonus, we have decided to crown a king and queen for the evening and as such, nomination ballots have been placed in each of your chairs. Again thank you for making this evening a success." The announcer stepped away as classical music began to play through the speakers. "Dad stay for just a bit longer and sit with us besides I placed a message for you that I want you to see, ok." Jack was touched, his and Zoë's relationship had changed for the better in that last months and he hoped it would remain forever.
Jack, Zoe and her date had decided to sit at a far corner so that Jack could exist without being an intrusion to the other partygoers and he held Zoë tight when he saw her message flash on the screen. He decided to stay for the salad portion of the dinner since Café Diem was closed for the evening and he didn't feel like driving home to have SARAH prepare something for him. He hugged Zoë goodnight and stepped out for the evening. He would be back in a couple of hours at which time the dance would be over just to make sure that no one would be foolish enough to drive while under the influence.
Allison decided to sit with Joe for the evening feeling a bit awkward since Nathan had decided to leave moments after arriving. Joe assured her that she would be happy to take her home after dinner and Allison smiled her thanks. From her seat, she had an undisturbed view of Carter and Zoë; she envied him and his ability to bring her daughter. She on the other hand couldn't bring her son out into the public too much due to the stress it but on his nervous system. Well enough of brooding she turned her chair to see the messages on the screen as she waited for her salad to be served.