Big Apple Besties

Champagne Problems

~

The three of them stood outside the doors to the party, preparing to talk to crowds for the first time in what seemed like forever. Roxy practically had to dress the two of them herself, and she did a good job. Elle was wearing a dark red mini dress that hugged her curves with black pumps and Teddy was wearing a buttoned down dress shirt and slacks. Roxy was wearing a simple black slip dress with her signature red lipstick and heels. Her hair, usually hanging loose, was tied up with a clip to make her look less "sexy".

As soon as the three of them entered inside, they were almost immediately pulled apart by different people. But, they all made small talk just the same: How's your wife? I loved your new movie. I love your shoes, what brand? Congratulations on the baby! But, what started as a stupid industry party would turn out far more important than any of the three had imagined.

~

After giving hellos to several old friends, Elle decided to take a mental break at the bar. She was still processing the events of the day when he approached her. She had just seen Dunkirk, was listening to Fine Line on repeat, and was secretly harboring a crush toward him. But, she tried to act cool, staring down at her champagne, as he walked up beside her.

"Hello there." A charming and deep British voice led her to look over at the same green eyes she had gawked over in the theater.

Blushing and with a slight smile, Elle responded: "Hello."

"I'm Harry"

"Yes I know... I mean" Elle stumbled over her words and Harry laughed a bit. This made Elle look away embarrassedly. She was so hot her face must have looked like a tomato.

"And you are?"

"Elle" They shook hands and met eyes once more. The tension could have been cut with a knife.

"Are you enjoying the party?"

"Yes I am. And you?" Elle asked politely.

"Yes, it's quite nice. Americans are nicer than I expected them to be" Harry said with a smile.

"Well, we have our virtues," Elle said and the two of them grinned at each other for a while.

What the hell am I doing? Elle thought to herself. I'm with Johnny. If I flirt with Harry right here then I'm no worse than him. Especially if Johnny is telling the truth.

Harry realized Elle was in pensive thought when neither of them said anything for a while. She felt his presence next to her strongly. She wanted to look at him, but didn't want to give off the wrong impression. He caught her eyes drifting to the stack of magazines at the end of the bar. The one on top was Vanity Fair with Johnny on the cover.

"I quite enjoyed Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" Harry remarked.

"Yes, Johnny was very good in it." Elle answered softly.

Elle was smiling at her hands and Harry was smiling at her.

"I really like your hair," Harry said. Elle was so taken aback by the bluntness of the statement that she forgot to say thank you. She would regret this omission for the rest of the night.

Suddenly, Cheek to Cheek by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald came on. Couples flocked to the dance floor as Harry and Elle looked on. Slowly, Harry's eyes drifted onto Elle. She felt his stare burning through her and immediately wanted to know what he was thinking: Whether he thought she was pretty, whether he was interested etc.

"I love this song" Harry whispered to Elle quietly.

Elle smiled and answered, "me too." Their eyes met, and Harry grabbed her hand. It was strong and soft. Elle was immediately embarrassed by the hotness of her hands. She had been so nervous.