Eclipse (Born at Dusk - Book 1)

17

December, 31st 1959

"Kate, I swear if you make me late for my date you're losing guardianship over the East Wing."

Kate frantically buttoned her heels and rushed to the door, swinging it open to find her friend all dressed up. "Well don't you look nice." She said breathlessly, taking his outstretched arm.

"Are the shoes too much?" Howard asked nervously, even though his confident stride contradicted his words.

Kate glanced down, approving of the black dress shoes immediately. "Definitely not, I think she'll like them."

Howard rolls his eyes as they stepped into the elevator, "she likes everything I wear."

"I wonder why." Kate hummed, checking her hair in the gold reflection of the elevator walls. After a minute, the doors pinged and slid open, welcoming a burst of cold wind coming in from the open front door.

Kate stuck by Howard's side as they made it outside and into a cab. "I hope your tie at least matches her dress." Kate wondered, looking at him skeptically.

"It does." Howard's grin was lopsided as he thought of his wife and how she'd pleaded that he would wear something fashionable for once. If Kate hadn't gotten to Maria first, she wouldn't be having the monstrous idea to get a custom tie for Howard to wear.

"Knock it off Stark, you're grossing me out." Kate huffed, wrapping her black fur coat around her body.

She was never one to dress up either, much less had the money to afford it. But tonight was a celebration, ready to welcome a new decade, and both Kate's and Howard's partners agreed with them to do extra.

So, Kate wore a cream floor length dress that was covered in jewels. Wispy straps across the top next to a hanging heart pendant from Roman. The backless dress was easily suitable with the weather, having bought a new coat, her matching cream heels however provided nothing short of pain.

They'd agreed to have Maria and Roman meet at the expo earlier, a bit of organizing on their behalf, while Howard and Kate arrived fashionably late as always.

Kate caught sight of the slight isolation Howard was doing and decided to reel him back in. "Don't drink too much tonight, you still have to get home in one piece."

Howard pulled out of focus and chuckled, "I'm not in my twenties anymore Kate."

Kate leaned back, "your right, you've been getting old," then after a moment, "but I am, and I fully plan to absolutely destroy a bartenders night."

Howard covered his face with his hands, "just wait until midnight please."

Kate chuckled as they arrived at their venue. Like the gentleman he was, Howard stepped out first and held out his hand for Kate.

A warm hue of yellow lights danced along the stones of the sidewalk, constantly shifting from the people inside. Somewhere inside, Kate knew there were fresh pastries that were calling her name. Stepping through the foyer, Kate promised she'd give them a go once she had a moment behind Roman.

Howard helped her get her coat off, handing his own to the doorman before they both walked inside.

The party was in full swing, a combination between an engineering expo and a ballroom party.

Machines and ornaments decorated the space, adding to the colors and lights they swayed around the room. Everyone present was dressed for the occasion, men in classic but undeniably attractive suits, and women in their best dresses.