Accomplice

Accomplice Part 3

Jim was a little nervous as he reached the gates of Jane Manor. He didn't tell Ella he was going to be Andria's escort - she had broken up with him two days after Andria asked him. Jim just assumed she had gotten bored with him and didn't fight it. When he spotted her at the party she glared at him before stomping off. Word had undoubtedly gotten back to her. Maybe it was for the best, Jim realized he barely thought of her. He had said yes to Andria right away. Now Ella was waltzing around with Dan - who was glaring at him too.

"Tough room." Jim said as he absently plucked a flower from a nearby plant. He was led away to a private parlor where the event coordinator told him where to stand for Andria's entrance. They'd dance and then it was his job to escort her around the party and collect what ever tokens or gifts the guests had for her. He was allowed to speak but was told to keep it short and let her 'shine'. He wasn't thrilled about being Andria's prop but his ability to be quiet is probably why she chose him. She probably thought because he was in a relationship with Ella he'd keep his hands and leering to himself. He didn't have any feelings for her - or so he thought.

Jim was in place when Andria's presence was announced. He looked up the grand staircase and almost didn't recognize her. Her hair was down, she was wearing fuchsia lip color. Her gold dress made her glow - the intricate bead work sparkling against her dark skin. Her red gunnery patch was pined to her sleeve. It was temporary. After the party it would be added to her dress uniform. Jim was awestruck as she descended the stairs. Was this the same girl who had been teaching him? In the moment he felt like he knew nothing. He certainly didn't know how he felt about her. Had Ella seen it? Was that why she dumped him? Because he was too stupid to realize who he really wanted.

"Jim?" Andria called his name.

"I got you this." He said as he held up the flower he had plucked earlier. She chuckled and her smile nearly blinded him. She took the little flower and pinned it behind her ear. "You look amazing." The compliment clearly took her by surprise.

"Thanks. It's time for the dance." She reminded him.

"Right!" He said as if he was suddenly waking up. He took her hand and led her out to the middle of the crowd of guests. The music started and he spun her around. Out away from him at first before twirling her back. The move surprised everyone. As they started to sway he put his hand in the small of her back and guided her through steps.

"You're just full of surprises. Where'd you learn to dance?" She asked.

"My mother taught me right before Captain Amelia's wedding." He answered. He looked down when she rested her hand on his bicep. Her other hand was clasped in his. "Don't tell her but I like dancing with you better."

"Definitely less awkward."

"Totally." Jim agreed and they both chuckled.

"You clean up nice." Andria pointed out.

"Thank you. I even shaved those three whiskers that grow on the left side of my chin." Jim said.

"You don't smell at all like 'Ella'." She lowered her voice, not that anyone could hear them over the music. "But then again I heard what happened."

"Can I ask why?"

"Why what?"

"I thought she was your friend. You knew I was seeing her. Why ask me to be your escort - you had to have known that would make her angry." Jim said.

"She knows what she did." Andria said. Jim felt a chill go down his spine at her tone.

"What—"

"If you want to know you should ask her." Andria said. She smiled and waved to her grandfather. Jim made sure not to let the worry show on his face as their conversation took a turn. He tightened his grip on Andria to get her attention.