So Much More

The Break-Up

As far as the eyes could see, the women wore long gowns and the men in velvet tuxes. The gowns mostly resembled Dakota's, in an assortment of colors from dark purple velvets to soft pastels hues. The men however wore breeches, waistcoats and a long coat in rich velvet fabrics. It was as if she had stepped into a different era the moment she entered the venue, some had even arrived in horse-drawn carriage which she had seen outside the ballroom.

Dakota tried to spot her mother or her other family member but could not spot anyone so she mingled with the familiar faces while subtly kept moving to get a better vantage point. In the end, she had perched herself on a balcony where she could enjoy the lively music while keeping watch in case she could spot her family. The ballroom had been divided into two sections; one area which they were currently in was the actual ballroom where guests were encourage to partake in dances and conversations whereas the area through the entryway to her left was the room they had transformed into a majestic dinning area.

People below her was enjoying themselves to the fullest, as laughter and smiles was given freely around the room. She however was not in a partying mood as the conversation she had on earlier with Pati, Mark and Kate was on her mind.

Was she holding on to something that she should let go? She had to admit that whatever she and Jason used to have had changed overtime. But did that really mean it was over?

"You do realize there's a party going on downstairs right?" came a voice from the door of the balcony.

It took her a while to turn around courtesy of her voluminous skirt but when she did her eyes widened. "Jamie."

"What are you doing here?"

He leaned against the doorway. "I could ask you the same thing."

"I didn't realize you knew the Channings."

Jamie's shrug was nearly imperceptible but she saw it anyway. "A friend of mine introduced me to Sam a few years back."

"That's it?"

"What's with the interrogation?"

She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it." He came closer and stood next to her on the balcony's railing, looking down at the view below them. "Now that's a sight."

Dakota's followed his line of sight before she turned back to watch him. "How did you know I was here?"

He shrugged once again. "Saw you from down below, thought you might want some company."

She laughed despite herself. "What if I already had company?"

He glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "Then you wouldn't be here."

"Your different tonight."

"How come?"

It was her turn to shrug. "I don't know," she said honestly. "But I feel like you're a lot more settled."

"Huh," was his only reply.

They stayed in silent watching the crowd down below. They were starting a waltz and she smiled at an old Hollywood couple who seemed to dominate the dance floor.

"I was introduced to Sam at a golf tournament once. Then we would see him and his wife at various dinners and award shows. Once we get to talking and he told me all about his foundation, I thought it was a noble cause that they were fighting for," he said suddenly.

She turned to him fully. "But I've never seen you at any of the previous luncheons or galas."

"That's because I've never actually gone to one. Somehow the dates would always be where I already have something else scheduled. I always send a check but you know that's never enough."