Linnet

I

"Nick."

I snap out of my trance and turn towards the voice, Jordan looks at me with teasing eyes, "How many drinks have you had?" She smirks.

I sigh, "Not a one. I've been waiting for Gatsby all night and I'm beginning to think he's not even going to be at his own party."

Jordan laughs, "No. He'll be here."

I scan the room again. The crowd is slightly smaller tonight and so I can pick out individual faces. My eyes land on a girl in a dark alcove, I can barely see her at all.

She steps out and I feel my cheeks heat, she's stunning.

Blonde hair that tumbles down her back, rosy skin that flushes from time to time, pigmented like a flower, she's wearing a blue dress that hugs her and makes her look angelic, if she wasn't already.

I turn back to Jordan and she's looking at me straight-on. "I see that you've found Linnet."

"Is that her name?" I touch my cheek mindfully, it's hot.

"Yep." Jordan grabs my hand and drags me down the stairs, closer to her.

Linnet looks up as we pass, surprise flitting on her smooth features. Her eyes are even bluer in person, she's gorgeous. She brushes a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and looks at us.

Jordan walks up to her and Linnet waves softly, keeping her other hand on her drink.

"Linnet! I have someone you must meet! This is Nick Carraway. He lives right next door. He's a close friend of Jay's." Jordan's eyes light, like a fire.

Linnet smiles, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Carraway..."

Her voice is melodic and I barely even register what she's saying.

"U-um. Pleased to meet you as well, Miss-"

She raises a tender hand, "Just Linnet, please."

I quirk my eyebrow and she flushes, "It's just a precaution. I'm a model and actress, so any privacy I can get is appreciated."

I nod, I understand her. Jordan looks up and Gatsby's face lights up and he walks down, crowds parting for him.

"Old sport! Jordan Baker! And the lovely Linnet."

Linnet's eyes are bright as if she was staring at the moon, her cheeks are red and her pink lips are half-parted.

My heart drops, and I see it now.

She's in love with Gatsby.

-

Long after Gatsby is off talking to someone else and we leave Linnet to her own accords, Jordan pulls me aside, "You see it too. Good. Linnet has been to every single one of Gatsby's parties, even at the very beginning. She never talks to anyone, she just grabs a single drink and stands in that alcove, watching Gatsby. She has it bad."

I nod, somewhat heartbroken and Jordan smirks, "Hey, maybe she'll have a change of heart."

I nod, somewhat flustered, "But Gatsby's in love with Daisy..."

Jordan's eyes narrow, "I know. As much as I love Daisy, and hate that she has to put up with Tom, I don't like her any better with Gatsby. Gatsby has reached a point of obsession with Daisy and I really don't think it will end well."

I nod again, "So how do we get Gatsby to notice Linnet?"

Jordan smiles, "That's the Nick I need."

So we began plotting.

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Kind of a short first chapter but I just wanted to introduce the plot and the characters.