Across the Sea

four

Danny lead me towards the band and I held onto his arm like I'd seen my sisters do. He smelled like caster oil and mint.

He set up in front of me and just by the way he stood I knew he didn't have awful rhythm. He could be worse and I was pleasantly surprised he knew simple steps here and there. Over the music and the chatter, he leaned in and asked, "So, do you know how to dance?"

The truth of the matter was I was classically trained. I didn't like admitting things like that to people. I didn't like telling people the way I grew up was so out of touch with the rest of the country. I knew ballet, tap, and jazz. I could play the harp and speak three languages. While people were starving in America, I was being taught how to sing and entertain house guests. In front of Danny all I volunteered was, "A little."

I was glad the music slowed moments later. Danny offered, "We don't have to, you know? I wouldn't want to get grease all over your pretty dress..."

I found myself smiling at how simple, yet endearing that was. I found a comfort and confidence in that, and I leant forward and slung my arms around his neck. "It's alright. This dress isn't that nice anyhow."

He seemed a little surprised, but he welcomed the gesture and followed suit. We slow danced together, swaying lightly to the music while couples around us did the same.

"So, what brought you to Brooklyn anyhow, Miss Darlene?"

I smiled at the honorific and wondered where on Earth he got all of these manners. "I'm supposed to be doing an errand for my father, but truthfully I just wanted to get away."

"I thought Los Angeles was full of sunshine and picture stars."

"Oh, it's everything you've heard about it," I laughed, "But even sunshine burns when you've had too much. Besides, no one ever tells you anything real there. They'd sell you the clothes on your back if you let them."

Danny seemed to be amused by that. "New York is brutally honest, sweetheart. I don't know that anyone really wants to know anything that real."

"What?" I questioned. "You think I can't handle it? Lay it on me, Mr. Halsey. I'd like to hear what you're thinking right now."

Danny broke out into a chuckle and narrowed his eyes while he thought of something. I waited patiently and furrowed my brows at him.

He smirked, "Alright, well, you've got quite the tough act for someone who grew up with drivers and maids and butlers, by my guess. Why don't you just enjoy the life your daddy earned for you?"

I smiled at how simple he made my life seem. Pleasing my father was a fool's errand and I learned long ago not to get in the way of Lon Bradley's almighty plan for my family. "Oh, you think it's so easy? No one listens to you when you're me. I don't get to choose how my life plays out."

"Pardon my French, but I call bullshit," Danny muttered smartly. He had a smart mouth that I was suddenly beginning to have a problem with. I lifted a slender brow in question and his lips pulled up in a challenge. "Look at you. I can bet you're daddy's favorite and I can bet it only takes a good solid tear for you to get your way. You came out to New York because you're bored. Let's not kid ourselves."

I wasn't insulted by that, but I had asked for his opinion on a subject he didn't know anything about.

Instead, I laughed and he seemed surprised by that. "Well, I'm not daddy's favorite, that's for sure...Why are you surprised? Didn't think I could take it? Maybe you're not as tough as you think, flyboy."

He eyed me like I was from the moon and yet, he looked happily surprised by that. "Could I walk you home?"

***