Chapter 13 - THE SECOND DANCE
Six months after the divorce, Julian invited me to a charity gala.
Not his company's gala.
A fundraiser for pediatric rehabilitation services.
I almost declined.
The last gala I'd attended had changed my life.
Then I realized that was precisely why I should go.
I chose my own dress.
Midnight blue.
Simple.
Elegant.
Comfortable.
When I arrived, Julian was waiting near the entrance.
He smiled.
“You look beautiful.”
I felt warmth rise in my cheeks.
“Thank you.”
He offered his arm.
I took it.
Inside, the ballroom glittered with chandeliers.
The orchestra played softly.
People laughed.
Glasses clinked.
For a moment, I remembered Daniel walking away with Elise.
The humiliation.
The loneliness.
The feeling of being invisible.
Julian noticed my expression.
“Are you all right?”
I nodded.
“Just remembering something.”
He didn't push.
Later, the orchestra began a waltz.
Julian turned toward me.
“Would you do me the honor?”
I smiled.
“Again?”
He laughed.
“I was hoping you'd say yes this time without looking like you might run.”
I placed my hand in his.
“Yes.”
We danced.
This time, I wasn't trying to prove anything.
I wasn't trying to hurt Daniel.
I wasn't trying to make a statement.
I was simply enjoying myself.
Julian looked at me.
“Claire.”
“Yes?”
“I've wanted to tell you something for a while.”
My heart quickened.
He continued.
“I admire you.”
I smiled.
“That's very kind.”
“No.”
He shook his head.
“I mean it.”
He looked into my eyes.
“You rebuilt your life without asking anyone to rescue you.”
My throat tightened.
“And I would very much like to be part of that life, if you'll allow it.”
I smiled through tears.
“Then ask me to dinner.”
Julian laughed.
“Claire Bennett, would you have dinner with me?”
“Yes.”
And beneath the chandeliers, I began a new chapter.
May you like
Not because a powerful man had chosen me.
Because I had finally learned to choose for myself.
