[Perhaps, if only she listened to idle chatter or read the paper more often, she might have recognized him: the ambitious protégé of a Mr. Thompson, rumored to have struck out on his own, a promising young war veteran whose innocent face hid all the makings of a bloodthirsty gangster—or so the gossip claimed. But as it is, she is ignorant of scandalous whispers, knowing only that the man wears blue rather than traditional black, his walk is skewed, and that he has found her alone during a vulnerable moment.]
Hello, there. [Her fingers curl around the hem of her skirt, craving for a cigarette of her own at the sight of his, a flare of smoldering tobacco so unlike the comforts champagne and wine had to offer, offering a polite smile and a low dip of her head. She rises to her feet, evening dew seeping into her heels, shivering lightly despite the heat. She gives him another glance, his attire and his reserved greeting making him a peculiarity already.]
You aren't enjoying the party?
[She asks, with cool manners, not wanting the silence to stretch on for terribly long. How could anyone not enjoy one of these legendary parties is beyond her, not when every entertainment under the sun is served in crystal glasses and golden trays, in a veritable buffet of forbidden pleasures and secret delights. And all of it offered without asking for anything in return, except for the invitation to come again.]
no subject
Hello, there. [Her fingers curl around the hem of her skirt, craving for a cigarette of her own at the sight of his, a flare of smoldering tobacco so unlike the comforts champagne and wine had to offer, offering a polite smile and a low dip of her head. She rises to her feet, evening dew seeping into her heels, shivering lightly despite the heat. She gives him another glance, his attire and his reserved greeting making him a peculiarity already.]
You aren't enjoying the party?
[She asks, with cool manners, not wanting the silence to stretch on for terribly long. How could anyone not enjoy one of these legendary parties is beyond her, not when every entertainment under the sun is served in crystal glasses and golden trays, in a veritable buffet of forbidden pleasures and secret delights. And all of it offered without asking for anything in return, except for the invitation to come again.]