Brody stopped his car by the valet station. He hurried around the car to meet Starr after the worker opened her door. "Are you ready?"
"To be out with people? I am thrilled!" Starr hugged Brody's arm. "Thank you for bringing me!"
"No problem. I hope we can have fun tonight." Brody gave Starr's hand a quick squeeze.
Starr went through the evening's plans mentally as they walked inside. After they had found an outfit for her, the three women had taken tea at Herrod's and planned how Starr could make it clear to Brody she was interested. She thought it might work if Brody didn't try to save her from herself.
"There's Gigi, Rex, Shane, and is that his date? She's adorable!"
"Adorable?"
"Yes, you can tell she spent a lot of effort trying to look perfect for Shane. Is this their first date?"
Brody was thinking Angela wasn't the only person who had spent time today trying to look perfect for the evening before he realized Starr was waiting for a response. "She's been over a few times, but this is the first 'official' date."
"How exciting! Of course, it's a double date with his parents; someone would have died if either of my parents tried to do that. I'm so happy things are working out for him here. I let Jack have it when I found out how he was treating Shane."
"It's odd, but I really think Shane is my closest friend. I hope the Rex doesn't mind too much."
"I'm sure he doesn't."
"Now I have to ask what does one do at an art show?" Brody asked.
"I've not really been to one before, but I guess mingle, look at the artwork, and tell Christian that it's great."
"I can do that. I just don't want to make such a fool out of myself that Kevin and Joey decide to fire me."
"Has that ever happened to you? Besides maybe I would hire you to be my bodyguard." Starr smiled up at him.
Brody met her eyes unsure of what to say. It sounded like she was flirting with him, didn't it? Why couldn't she have said that closer to the others so Gigi and Shane could vote? Oh wait, Shane, the actual teenager, had managed to ask out the girl he was interested in without incident. He needed to relax - maybe a drink would help. They walked over to the bar to get a drink. Brody really wanted several shots, but he knew that it wouldn't be a good idea. After ordering whatever beer was on tap, he turned to Starr to ask if she wanted a cola.
"Actually, I'd like a mojito," Starr wasn't about to give him an excuse to view her as a "kid."
"One mojito, as well." Brody placed a tip in the jar. He was proud of himself for remembering. No one had ever taught him how to navigate through these types of events back in Michigan.
The bartender soon handed over both drinks. While Starr took a dainty sip, Brody took a quick gulp before turning to survey the crowd. He nodded to where their friends were congratulating Christian, "Want to go add our congratulations?"
"Sure. I'd like to meet his new girlfriend."
They crossed to the center of the room, where Christian was holding court. Everyone turned to greet the new arrivals. Christian introduced them to Erin, the fellow professor he had been dating. She reminded Starr a lot of Jessica when Jessica was in high school. Starr couldn't help but think how Jessica had messed with Brody and Christian. She was glad Christian had found someone more stable. Hopefully soon, Brody would realize he had the same chance. Starr smiled to herself as she took another sip of her drink.
Brody glanced over at his date, "What's that look?"
"What look?"
"That look that says someone's not going to know what hit him tonight."
Starr winked at Brody and leaned to whisper in his ear, "Well, pay attention so you won't miss it. I think I'm going to go look at some of the artwork." Starr walked away conscious of Brody's eyes following her. She walked around glancing at a few pieces, wishing she knew more about art.
"If your intent was to leave him hanging, I'd say you succeeded."
Starr turned around to see Rex grinning at her. "Thanks, I guess."
"Hey, I'm here for the people watching because that just looks like someone threw paint at a canvas."
"I know. I was just thinking of taking an art class next semester," Starr sighed, "Is it really worth staying here?"
"Yes. I had to sit with him when he called to ask you out for tonight. By the way, that was all him, the crashing and burning, I had excellent suggestions that were ignored as he panicked."
"So, what does that mean?"
"Guys aren't nervous if they don't care. He cares; it's just he's afraid of being hurt. I think he's worried about getting attached to Hope again and losing her – again."
Starr rolled her eyes, "What more can I do?"
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but just be patient," Rex gave Starr's shoulders a quick squeeze.
"Hey, do I need to be jealous?" Gigi smiled as she walked up with Joey.
"Not at all. I was just about to come find you. Do you want to dance?" Rex asked his wife.
Joey looked at Starr, "Since my wife is still cross examining Erin, would you like to dance?"
"Sounds good," Starr followed him out to the makeshift dance floor.
"How are you enjoying London?"
"I like it much better than Ireland! Are you sure you don't mind me staying at your house?"
"You're my cousin; you're Kelly's cousin, we don't send family to a hotel when we have an extra seven or eight bedrooms."
"If you are sure…"
"My mother would never let Kevin or I forget it if we kicked you out."
"Then I'll say thank you until I can figure out what I'm going to do next."
Starr danced with Joey and Shane, when Rex cut in so that Gigi could dance with her son. He made her laugh as he demonstrated all the moves he had picked up at Ultraviolet. She saw Brody a second before he tapped Rex on the shoulder.
"Can I steal my date back?" Brody cut in.
"She's all yours!" Rex squeezed Starr's hand and grinned at the both of them as he walked away.
"Hi," Brody placed his hands in the appropriate positions.
"Hi," Starr placed her hand almost behind his neck and moved closer. "How are you enjoying the party?"
"I'm enjoying myself. I really like a couple of the paintings, though I have no clue about the others."
"I was just talking to Rex about the same thing! I think I'm going to sign up for a class next term in art appreciation."
"You are sure you are going to take classes in London next term?"
"I am. There's nothing in Llandview that's calling me, and I'm having a great time here!" Starr moved a little bit closer to Brody.
Brody's arm stiffened slightly and he cleared his throat, "Glad you're enjoying yourself."
"I have an idea! You should take the class with me!"
"I've never taken a college class before, and I work all day."
"I'm sure there are evening classes. You can just audit the class so that you don't have to get a grade."
"I don't know," Brody wasn't sure he wanted to be in a class where he had the pleasure of watching several 20 year old Christian Vega's fight for Starr's attention. After all, Jessica had found her memory of Christian more interesting than himself.
"It will be fun! I don't know anyone at the school, so you can save me from being all by myself. Please!" Starr leaned into Brody and tried to her most flirtatious pout. Langston used it to great success, but Starr always thought she looked dumb when she tried it.
Brody sighed as his arms stiffened slightly. There was a pause as they DJ changed songs. The intro to Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" came from the speakers. Brody sighed this wasn't helping to keep his distance from his young date.
"I love this song," Starr said while moving even closer and crossed her wrists behind his neck.
Brody wasn't sure it was possible to be even closer. For lack of a better place, he found his hands on her waist. They moved together listening to the words of the song. Brody gave up and pulled Starr closer to him and placed his chin on top of her head. Starr smiled softly enjoying how strong he felt against her. One hand moved from behind his neck to stroke over his shoulder and came to rest just under the lapel of his jacket. Brody reached one hand to tip Starr's face up to his for a kiss. Their lips met and clung. The kiss deepened though neither could have said who was first. Thoughts about if they could find a secluded corner drifted into Brody's mind as he felt his hand slip down from Starr's waist. Wait, what was he doing? They couldn't do this here! He broke the kiss. "We can't do this. I need to go." He hurried away , deciding it was time for a cold drink.
Starr stared after him, shock giving way to fury. Really? He was just going to leave her standing here? She was so done with whatever this was. He had to give a little bit. She was outta here. She'd rather spend the evening with her daughter than continue to be rejected. She spun on her hill and walked over to Rex and Gigi.
"Give me your car keys; I'm going back to the house." Starr demanded. "I'm not going to be left standing in the middle of the dance floor!"
Gigi opened her mouth to argue, but Rex cut her off. "Here are my keys. Go home and take a dip in the Jacuzzi or something. I promise you it will be better in the morning."
Starr shrugged, but took the keys, "We'll see."
Author's Note: So the next chapter is the last and will be up this weekend. I have loved everyone's reviews! I have a 45 minute commute twice a day so I spend time spinning stories in my mind, but seldom find the time to get them written out. This is the longest story I have done, and not going to lie, pretty proud of myself for finishing it.