The evening of the dance had arrived. The past week Chloe and her father had fought furiously as to what college she would attend. Earlier this evening their battle of whits had come full force. She had hastily entered his study and shoved the bill to George Mason on his desk while he rudely flung it back. Her temper in check she had responded coolly, “It is due the 15th of next month.” Without interrupting his work he sneered, “Well then I suggest you find a way to pay for it. I am not giving you a penny.” “But father—“ she had protested but was shot down quickly by the cold look her father gave.

Now she stood in her room, putting the finishing touches on her attire, revenge seething through her. ‘How dare he try to control my life like he has been doing since the day that miserable woman left.’ She closed her lipstick and put it in her dainty black purse. Her brown hair, lightened slightly by the sun, was pulled off her face in an elegant twist, which would come undone at a single touch. Two strands of hair hung in loose curls and curved at her cheekbone. Her midnight blue dress hung loosely below the waist yet hugged her exquisite curves and tightened around her chest. Its generous cut hung daringly low and the small straps exposed her almost bare shoulders. She smiled triumphantly as she walked toward her car.

“What are you wearing?” her father’s voice boomed behind her causing Chloe to jump slightly then turn in amusement.

“A dress.” She replied blandly and quickly added, “I have no curfew tonight father and I will wear whatever I want—I am a grown woman.” Chloe turned around and left the mansion.

*~*

“Chloe I am so glad you came,” Jason greeted her at the entrance to the club and led her toward the rest of the awaiting group. There, Chloe conversed quietly with Annie, Jason and few of their friends who before had never bothered to acknowledge her. Thoughts of her father floated through her mind as she saw him enter the room, scanning his eyes to find his daughter, and then turning abruptly. Her heart sank when he brushed her off. She did love him, she just wanted her freedom, something he seemed so unwilling to give. Chloe wished Nella could have been here to talk with but she had been accepted to a summer school in Europe, an opportunity she could not pass up.

“What do you think Chloe?” She was awakened from her thoughts by four faces staring at her with anticipation. Chloe grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing tray, “I’m sorry what were you saying?” Amused chuckles spread though the group as Jason pointed toward the entrance, “What do you think, Josh actually did it.” Chloe, still lost in confusion replied, “Did what?” Her eyes followed the groups and she heard herself gasp as she saw Josh. He was standing at the door, clad in a tailor-made tuxedo, with a grin a mile wide. Next to him was a ruggedly handsome man, who stood inches above Josh, his hands shoved into his pockets looking clearly uncomfortable. She studied him further. His tuxedo was clearly not tailor-made for it did not fit his broad shoulders or muscular physique. His blond hair was untamed, and it appeared soft, not slicked back like the other men in attendance. She tore her eyes away from this stranger to look at the other women in the group, their eyes fixated on him as well. Annie whispered breathlessly, “He is the most handsome man I have ever seen.” Chloe rolled her eyes at the speechlessness of the normally prim and proper girls as she took a sip of her champagne. There was no denying there was an aura he gave off but he was far from her type. She did not prefer men who looked as if they had spent their lives working with their hands rather than using their minds.

Slowly Josh led the man toward the group as the woman subconsciously fixed their hair and dresses. “Ladies—Jason,” Josh greeted a stunned group.

“Josh,” Jason mocked quietly,”I see you brought company.”

Josh’s eyes lit up, “I did indeed.” He motioned toward the man who stood out like a sore thumb, “I would like to introduce you to Brady Black, he is the man my father hired to drill oil in South America.” Josh finished in a carefully hidden mocking tone.

Brady lifted his gaze from the floor for the first time that evening, his eyes filled with uncertainty of his surrounding. Chloe’s heart went out to him for he seemed so lonely and uncomfortable. Her gaze shifted to Annie and Jason who, with mocking politeness, were insulting Brady with their lack of actions. Blood began to boil as she remembered the times she had felt like an outcast amongst her peers. She smiled graciously and extended her hand, “It’s nice to meet you Brady.”

His eyes immediately softened at her eager acceptance and his hand met hers. “Chloe would you like to go to the dance floor now?” Annie peered into her friend’s warning eyes but Chloe shook her head no. “I want another drink,” she turned toward Brady, “Would you care to join me?” He nodded graciously as the remaining members of the group exited toward the dance, glad to be relieved of being seen with Brady Black.

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