For once, Charles shared Darcy's lack of enthusiasm for the evening to come. Why on earth did he suggest they all go along to that club ? He should really learn to refrain himself. Less enthusiasm, more… what was the opposite of enthusiasm ? Boredom ? He frowned. He didn't like boredom. Darcy didn't look bored, he looked something else. Serious ? Maybe he should ask him. He turned his head to the guy sitting next to him on the car. No, right now he rather looked like he would bite someone. Charles sighed. There was no escaping his fate. How could he avoid Jane, and at the same time, watch her dance with countless other dudes ? That sounded like the worst evening ever. He frowned again. This was unfair to her. She was such a wonderful girl. He had never met someone like her before. The thought of her made his heart beat faster. And he couldn't dodge her for the rest of the tour either. They were like… many weeks away from the end of the tour. How many weeks exactly ? Crap, he couldn't remember. He should really pay more attention during their meetings with Mrs Reynolds. He couldn't hold back a sigh. From the driver's seat, Richard sent him a questioning look in the rear view mirror. Charles answered with a face and Richard chuckled. No, he would just….Shit, he had no idea what he would do.
Netherfield was a very swanky night club. The boys and Caroline arrived first, and hard as she tried, Caroline couldn't find fault with the place. It was as Lizzie had described it, plus huge, clean, the decoration was classy, and the staff welcoming and polite. Good music was already booming inside as they made their entrance. They had not yet reached the large couch they were heading to in a remote corner that word of the presence of an immensely famous rock band was already spreading like a plague. As soon as they were seated, a server brought them a couple of bottles of champagne. Charles thanked her warmly. A few heads from the nearby seats started turning in their direction. Caroline pretended not to notice while hugely enjoying the attention. Darcy, on the contrary, wished he was anywhere else. Even Charles was not as cheerful as usual.
- You've got to be kidding me, Lizzie blew out, her eyes glued to her phone.
The four girls were coming out of Lucie's hotel room. The make up artist had accepted to work her magic on them for their night out in Netherfield. Jane was so nervous it did her lots of good to be pampered. She had not managed to talk to Charles, so tonight was the night.
- What is it ? Charlotte asked.
In an angry gesture, Lizzie put her phone back in her purse.
- My mom found out we were going out. Long story short, Bill Collins is picking us up in half an hour.
Jane gave her a sad look. She knew her mother's gawky matchmaking annoyed Lizzie. All because he had a good position in De Bourgh Records. A more mismatched couple had never graced the earth. Everybody could see plainly that they were ill suited.
- At least, we'll get there, the ever practical Charlotte said. Cheer up ! she added. I'll take care of him for one song ok ? she offered while patting her friend's shoulder.
Lizzie's head turned to her instantly.
- You will ? Thank you so much ! Guess I'll just have to lose him in the crowd for the rest of the evening, she giggled.
- You owe me a drink for that, Charlotte winked at her.
- Make it two, that's a small price to pay !
The car and its driver arrived at the appointed time. Jane, Charlotte and Maria managed to squeeze in the back seat. When Collins opened the front door and bowed to Elizabeth so deeply she thought he might fall over, she understood that she was being offered the place of honour beside him. Great. This way, he could ogle her bare legs during the whole ride to the club. And he did. Quite hungrily. There was no amount of pulling on her dress that could help conceal some skin. It was rather short, the night club and the summer weather called for it. It was going to make a few men happy, she supposed, starting with the one driving the car. Except for Darcy. He would surely watch her with that disapproving scowl his levelled at her all the time. Never mind, there was going to be a lot of men to dance with, at least she hoped so.
Lydia and Kitty, who drove from their nearby campus, were already in the parking lot when they arrived. They were so excited, they kept squealing and waving at strangers going inside while jumping up and down. How they could manage this achievement in such high heels, Lizzie couldn't understand. She was thrilled as well, she was not going to deny it, but her heels were firmly set on the ground. And she was not shouting her phone number at strangers, no matter how cute they looked.
For the first, and probably the only time in his life, Bill Collins was the envy of every man when he entered the club in the company of no less than six gorgeous ladies. It had been awhile since the girls last went to a club to dance, and even longer since the last time they did it all together, so they had taken extra care while preparing for the night. The hairstyles were neat and the outfits were shorts.
Will spotted her almost immediately as the group entered the room. Like all the men present in the club, it seemed. He sat straighter in his chair. He didn't like that at all. Of course, all heads would turn when a bunch of attractive ladies would come in. Still. The dim lights didn't hide that gone was the huge Pemberley shirt. Replaced instead by a short glittering black dress. Had the music been less loud, people around him would have heard him suck in a breath. And stop breathing for a few moments afterwards. Everything in this dress complemented her body. The thin sleeves exposed her toned arms and this tattoo he liked very much. The flowing fabric hinted at her every curves in the most appealing way. And it was so short. His gaze lingered eagerly on her legs. He swallowed hard. A pang of panic then pierced him. It was so short. Everyone was going to see her. Why did she have to look so gorgeous ? He turned his head both sides to check if some guys were already eying her up. Obviously, there were some. Will exhaled hard and passed his hand over his mouth. How could he keep them at bay all night long ? The thought of some other men's hands on her made him physically ill. And furious.
Next to Darcy, Charles was also navigating back and forth between opposite emotions.
Jane was there. Jane was so beautiful. Charles couldn't help but smile. But quickly, his smile disappeared. What was he going to say ? She was coming their way with the rest of the group. They were going to be sitting together after a few days of deliberately never being in the same room. He could not pretend she was not there. Or that nothing happened between them. Nor could he leave every time she came. What a shitty situation he put himself in. His brow knitted. He could say something like « I'm sorry, I think we are not looking for the same thing, but we can remain friends ». That sounded like something people would say in that kind of situation. That also sounded nothing like the truth. He did not want to be friends with her. He watched her walking towards them, the definition of magnificent. He had met quite a few very attractive women, but she was different. Because it was not mere appearance, it was her perfectly sweet self that was showing on the outside, he realised. Her smile was not as serene as it used to be, though. Oh God, was it his fault ? Apologise. That's what he needed to do. His mouth was a thin line. Shit, that required balls.
Out of the crowd, a guy came and approached Jane. Because of the loud music, he spoke directly in her ear. Charles froze. It started. She was not even seated yet that men were already flying to her. He watched her listen carefully, and then smile at him. That smile again, his chest constricted. She shook her head no. The man added something to her ear, and she nodded towards Charles. And smiled. To him. Heat spread in Charles' chest, his pulse quickened. Caroline didn't miss any of this. No one could miss Charles melting at the sight of that girl. Oh no, all her hard was work was not going to crumble just as the evening was about to begin. She leaned to her brother's ear.
- She doesn't miss a chance, does she, Caroline mocked.
Her wile words only strengthened Charles' resolve. By the time Jane, Lizzie, Charlotte and Bill reached the other group, Kitty, Lydia and Maria were already dancing with three cute guys who didn't really have much of choice. They didn't seem to mind, though.
A night club was definitely not the best place to talk. One could barely hear oneself think. Jane was worrying the edge of her dress. Could she ask him to go outside ? She had never been this forward. What if he said no ? She froze. That would crush her. She sent a panic look to Lizzie who was drinking and laughing with Richard and Charlotte. Her head then turned to her even younger sisters on the dance floor. As one would expect, Maria, Kitty and Lydia were surrounded by a sea of guys. They were having so much fun. Jane sighed. Sometimes, she wished she could be a little more like the twins. She smiled to herself. Just a little bit more, though. They could pick up handfuls of men in a matter of minutes, and she couldn't even talk to the one sitting next to her. Come on, Jane, grow some backbone. She squared her shoulders, and when her gaze rested on Lizzie again, her sister was watching her steadily, waiting for her command. A silent conversation, made of raised brows and tilted heads, started between them. After a few minutes, Lizzie took a mouthful of her drink and declared that she hadn't come here to sit on sofas, even though they were extremely comfortable. She dragged Charlotte with her to the dance floor, Collins in tow behind them.
Caroline was still glued to her brother's side, and she looked like she could stay here all night long. The only thing that could induce her to leave right now was if Darcy asked her to dance, Jane thought. The guy was nursing his glass in his usual serious manner, eying the dancing crowd, so Jane was quite sure it was not going to happen. At least, not in the immediate future. What could she do ? Should she try anyhow ? She could do that, she told herself to muster as much courage as she could. Just as she opened her mouth, a good looking man came up to them. She stilled. Oh no, she did not need that now. Without a glance in her direction, the guy went straight to Caroline, and after a few words in her ear, a smug smile appeared on her lips and she followed him to the dance floor. Relief washed over Jane. Bless that guy, who ever he was. As the thought crossed her mind, she spotted Lydia and Kitty at the bar, waving and blowing kisses to her. She waved back. Rather, bless her lovely little sisters, it seemed. Richard was laughing at something Darcy had said. She blew out the breath she was holding. Coast was clear now. She was not really ready, but this may be her only shot. When was the last time she had been this nervous ? Never, quite surely. She took a deep breath and turned to Charles. He was lost in thoughts, so she put her hand lightly on his arm and said softly in his ear.
- Hey, can we talk ?
He seemed startled. A few moments passed, he kept looking at her with round eyes, like she had just materialised out of thin air. What ? Was she invisible ? Was that the reason why he had been avoiding her for days ? She was annoyed.
- Sure, he finally said.
She sighed. How to start ? What could she say not to sound like a shrew ? Maybe she had got the wrong impression, maybe this was not as serious for him as it was for her. She was nobody after all. And she did not want to appear clingy. She was not clingy. A word from him, and she would be gone. She just wanted to know.
- Did I do something wrong ?
That's when he saw it, the sadness in her baby blue eyes. All because of him. His heart melted.
- No, of course not.
His right hand cupped her cheek. He couldn't imagine her doing anything wrong. She was pure sunlight.
- Then what is it ? she pressed, gently pushing his hand away from her face. Was it my family ? I know they can be… overwhelming, she frowned.
It was an understatement, but they were her family and she loved them dearly. And he went there fully prepared, so he had no right to react this way.
- No, he shook his head, everybody was nice, I had a good time, he responded.
Her brows were still knitted.
- I… he blew out a breath. You know… I need to be careful, with my image and…
Where did that come from ? Charles was not really sure, but hey, that wasn't a bad excuse, even though he wasn't sure where he was going with this. Not very far, it seemed, for Jane leaned to his ear before he could finish that sentence.
- Bullshit, her clear voice stated.
That was a different kind of sunlight. He was stunned, mouth shut. Now what ? How about honesty ? He took a deep breath. Let's hope those balls had grown.
- I'm sorry I avoided you these past days, that was shitty, he admitted with sad puppy eyes.
She nodded her approval.
- I was told that maybe your interest in me was self-serving, he explained. And that kind of… disheartened me.
- And you believed it ?
Her astonishment was genuine, her blue eyes were so round they could have popped out of her head. Silence was Charles' only answer. This revelation surprised her more than it upset her.
- What could you possibly have that I would want more than yourself ? she asked. My career comes along nicely. My agent is hardworking, we have all the connections we need. I don't particularly wish for fame. As for money, granted, I'm not rich, but I'm not struggling either, she listed with such a candid expression, Charles felt ashamed.
- Besides, if I was mercenary, I would have hit an other target, she added with a tilt of the head in Will's direction. Plus, he is hot, she noted, her eyes lingering on Darcy.
She turned back to Charles.
- It's you I want, she concluded.
Charles was grinning like a fool. She was so genuinely honest, his heart was about to explode. Coming from her mouth, it all made perfect sense. What a total prat. Why did he even listen to Darcy and Caroline in the first place ? He should have trusted her. Heck, he should have trusted himself. He was his own man, for God's sake ! He should have known better.
Before he could say something back, Jane stood up. Oh no, was she leaving ? Did his behaviour disgust her ? She must find him so fickle and suggestible. She deserved so much better. He must find a way to prove her he was made of sterner stuff. She approached Darcy and told him something in the ear. Will spat his drink and coughed. She patted his back and went back to sit near a positively puzzled Charles.
- What did you tell him ? he asked her.
- That you could keep the money and fame, I'm in for the penis.
The loud music wasn't enough to cover Charles' hysterical laughter to those sitting around. Richard, whom Darcy must have enlightened, was wiping tears from his eyes. Will turned to Jane and raised his glass to her, the corner of his mouth coming up. Point taken. Her eyes were smiling more brightly than her lips, in a mischievous and determined way that was not unlike her sister's.
When his sides stoped hurting, Charles leaned to Jane and kissed her on her cheek, softly.
- I love you, he declared, his lips still caressing her face.
Her head turned in his direction instantly. His wide smile was warming her heart as much as his words. Love was overflowing from his green eyes.
- That's the first time you've told me this, she whispered.
Pleasure coloured her cheeks becomingly. He cupped her face with both his hands and kissed her. Well, that conversation went better than expected.
As the song ended, Caroline went back to the sofa, only to find her brother and Jane kissing and cooing. Revolting. She went directly to the bathroom. At least, she would be in the right place if their public display of inappropriate affection made her want to puke. She couldn't leave him for more than a few minutes, it seemed. He was incorrigible. Well, if he wanted to make the biggest mistake of his life, then he just needed to go on. It was not like she had not warned him. And when he would finally realise she was right, she would be there to scream « I TOLD YOU SO » until her throat was on fire. That's what sisters were for after all. She gazed in the mirror to check if she was still perfect, of course she was, when she noticed Lizzie coming in. That girl was more irritating than Jane. Caroline was not exactly sure why, but something marked her as an enemy. Charles' words about her and Darcy were always on her mind. There was something between them, but she couldn't tell what, on this point, she agreed with her brother.
- How was your dance with Bill, Lizzie ? she smirked.
There was a justice somewhere. Caroline had been dancing with a hot guy, and hopefully, Darcy was feeling the pangs of jealousy. He did look rather serious for someone in a night club. Lizzie had been paired with Bill Collins, who didn't display any hidden talent for moving his body with the music. Things were as they should be.
- Captivating, really. Nothing like you've ever experiment before. It borders on life-changing. You should try it, she answered with a fake serious mien.
Caroline narrowed her eyes. With that chit, she was never sure whether she had been insulted or not. But it didn't sound friendly. God, she hated her. She turned her gaze back to the mirror.
- How long more will we have the pleasure of your company ? Lizzie asked while eyeing her own reflection and pretending to fix Lucie's faultless work. You can't stay away too long, your bosses must be dying to have you back at work, you can't be anything less than a cornerstone of the company.
Caroline threw her a cat-ready-to-attack look.
- Actually, I've been able to work from here, she answered after putting some more blush on her cheeks. So, I'll be able to stay a little longer.
Her smile was the fakest Lizzie had ever seen. It was quite impressive. Lizzie didn't work in the fashion world, so she had no particular opinion on make up, but she was not sure Caroline needed more products on her face. That is, if she wanted to be able to remove it without a hammer and a chisel.
- Lucky us, she tried to rival her deceitful smile but failed.
Not enough experience.
- I'm so looking forward to Charles' next break. He will have some time to fly to New York, she went on, putting some more mascara.
How could she still bat her eyes ? That required some very muscular eye lids.
- He got on really well with some of my model friends there, her mouth formed a duck pout. One in particular will be especially happy to see him again.
A viper, that's what she looked like with that nasty smile stretching her lips. A duck would never utter such filthy words. She even bet her tongue was split.
- Oh, hi Jane ! Great evening, isn't it ? Caroline exclaimed as she exited the bathroom.
Lizzie turned around to face her sister. Did she hear Caroline's foul speech ? How could she have missed a word, she was standing just behind her. Oh no. Lizzie reached out for Jane's hand.
- Don't believe a single word that bitch said, she ordered in one breath.
As an answer, Jane lightly squeezed her hand and gave her a dreamy smile. That was not what Lizzie expected.
- I don't. Charles and I spoke. We're good.
In the bathroom's brighter light, she noticed Jane's pink cheeks and swollen lips. Pink clouds were surrounding Jane's head, and if she listened carefully, Lizzie was quite sure she could hear cherubs singing. Relief relaxed her grip on Jane's hand.
- Good ugh ? she smirked.
