Freakshow

Chapter 9

The driver pulled up to the front of the building. It was spectacular, made of marble with ornate pillars supporting a small overhang that went around the front of the building. In big, lit up letters a sign read Loui's. I gapped at the huge trees covered in little blinking lights. Two lines of spot lights installed in the ground lit up a walk way straight to the doors where a gentleman in a suit waited to open the doors for us. The guys got out first and Beau waited behind to help me out of the car. He then linked his arm in mine and walked me to the doors. I thought I saw Ian shoot a hateful stare in Beau's direction but I wasn't sure. Butterflies formed in my stomach at the thought that someone was jealous over me.

Inside the restaurant was even more breathtaking than the outside. Red velvet curtains framed the windows and candles flickered on the tables. In the center of the restaurant was a wood dance floor where adults waltzed to the music. I suddenly felt out of place and my grip tightened on Beau's arm. He looked down at me with concern, "don't worry, I'm here," he said quietly, I relaxed, but not much. We were seated at a long table next to the dance floor. I saw Laura flirting with one of the guys, Jasper, on the way in and sure enough they sat down right beside each other. Beau pulled my chair out for me and another guy did the same for Autumn who sat to my left and Beau sat down to my right. I learned over to Autumn and lowered my voice, "who's that?" I asked, "that's Chandler, isn't he hot?" she said. I laughed quietly and nodded, I barely knew her, but Autumn and I were good friends already.

A waiter came to get our drinks, but since we were underage and could not have wine, he brought our soda in wine glasses. Once our drinks had come, Mrs. Metz stood from the head of the table, "I would like to toast to Rose's new skills, and new friends," she looked between Beau and I. I felt my ears heat up and looked over at Beau, he was grinning like an idiot. Our waiter came to take our orders and I decided to get the grilled salmon. It came faster than I excpected and it was delicious. All while I was eating I thought I saw Ian glance over at me multiple times, finally when I noticed him looking I me, I met his gaze. I looked at him for a few seconds then fixed him with one of my death glares, to tell him to leave me alone. Hurt registered in his eyes, a deep hurt. I went back to fiddling with the scraps on my plate, ashamed for hurting him like that.

Beau looked over at me, "would the lovely lady like to dance?" he asked, holding out his hand. I set my hand on top of his, "she would be delighted to," I said, smiling. He helped my rise from my seat and lead me out onto the dance floor. He set it hand on my waist and sent shivers through my body. Electricity seemed to dance along my skin, emiting from where he held my hand. I prayed the lighting was dim enough that he couldn't see my blushing. We swayed to the music for a while in silence before Beau said, "you look beautiful tonight." I looked away, embarrassed. "I mean it," he said putting a finger under my chin and turning my head to look at him, "you're gorgeous." I quietly chuckled, "thank you," I said. The song ended and Beau led me back to our table, Autumn sat down next to me. I had been so tranfixed with Beau, I hadn't even noticed her and Chandler get up and dance. "I think we will be leaving now," Mrs. Metz said. Everyone looked a little sad to go, but everyone piled into the limo and we drove back to the institute. I got back to my room, slipped out of my dress and flopped onto my bed. I smiled into the pillow, he thinks I'm beautiful.