Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 28

     Heat from the sun immediately warms my skin the moment I step outside. This year, the Miss Belle Pageant has upped their game. From the waiters, floral arrangements, live music, and open bar, this event is a lot more lively than my own. While the other mentors and mentees are introduced inside, the waiting group outside is offered baby beer in glass champagne flutes. As more mentors and mentees step outside, joining together to chit chat, Roman and I step aside. 

     "I knew you would make this dress stunning." He said, even though his eyes aren't on the dress. His eyes are on mine, bathing me in the warmth of his brown eyes. It's as if he's forgotten that we're surrounded by nosy Maywood townies, because without another thought, his fingers are in my hair, brushing the flowers intertwined in my braid. "It was made for you." 

     "Roman..." The crowd, including Mrs. Higgs, meet us outside after introducing all the girls, interrupting me. As choreographed, the mentors join in the center of the wooden dance floor while the mentees stand off on the side with their dates. 

     "Ladies and gentlemen, crowned Miss Belles." Mrs. Higgs announces. Wildest dreams by Taylor Swift is playing from the violins, signaling the beginning of the dance. 

     "May I have this dance?" With a dramatic bow, Roman holds his out to mine, waiting for my acceptance. No matter how hard I try, it's impossible to stop him from wiggling his way to my heart. Taking his hand, we take our positions among everyone else. I guide his hand to my hip while the other rests in my hand. Strangely enough, three years after my own belle pageant, I remember the choreography as if it was only yesterday I was performing it. 

     "You're a natural." I whisper, trying my best not to draw any more attention from the onlookers. We glide across the dance floor like a couple professionals, allowing the music to fill our veins. 

     "I have a good teacher." He whispers in my ear before lowering me into a dip. Slowly my chest returns to his as we move in and out between the other couples. Without realizing it, i'm smiling bigger and brighter than I have in a long time. Slowly the music begins to fade away, so does the expectant gaze of the crowd, and we're left as the only two people in the world. How does he expect me not to fall in love with him? After the final twirl, the moment before we go our separate ways, when he's holding me close and we're mere inches away from kissing, I realize I do love him. I love Roman Berkshire. The song comes to an end, erupting a round of applause from everyone. Reluctantly, I withdraw from him and face the crowd. Following the lead of the other mentors, I hold my hand out to the mentees, offering my spot on the dance floor. 

     As they make their way towards us, I take a step back until I reach the lawn with the other mentors. We wait while the girls perform the same dance to Girls Like You on the violin. Each of us stand by in pairs, admiring the girls, and silently wondering who will be crowned Miss Belle. My knuckles brush the back of Roman's hands, wishing that I have the nerve to make a move. One of us does have the nerve though, because a second later, he's taken my hand in his as if that's where it's always belonged. 

     It isn't long before their dance has ended, a round of applause following soon after. Like the mentors, the mentees take a step back, introducing the dance floor to the mentors once again. However, this time the two groups would dance together in unison. The song was a lot quicker this time, a violin version of Thank U, Next. Following my lead, Roman and I spin, moving around the mentors and mentees with grace. 

     By the end of our dance, I'm parched and desperate for a cold glass of water. The heat doesn't exactly let up for those wearing a pound of makeup and tight, uncomfortable dresses. Applause breaks out, erupting light laughter from the exhausted girls.