A Night Like This

“Ms. Audley, forgive my bluntness, but you have been unusually withdrawn this evening. Are you not one for celebrations?” Henry inquired as he led her to the beverage table. He still stood with her hand in the crook of his right arm, the other holding a glass of champagne. It was clear that Jane was at a loss for words. She was watching him nurse his drink while she tried to think of a response that would be suitable. 

Henry showed no impatience with her, he simply looked down at the fizzling liquid he so gently churned in his glass. Jane had an odd feeling, standing there with him. But the space he was giving her to answer eased her worry. Without his eyes looking at her, it felt safer somehow, to admit that she hadn’t been feeling too greatly, and that her thoughts had been weighing heavily on her. Henry didn’t give any reaction, he only hummed and sipped. Avoiding turning her head towards him, she dared to glance over at his face. He seemed deep in thought, like he wasn’t sure how to answer her. A tinge of worry crept up her spine at his lack of interest, of course she shouldn’t have been so honest with him. But before her thoughts could spiral any more he turned to her with, oddly enough, a smile. “I understand what that is like. My mind is often not my friend either”. He raised his finger and tapped twice against his head in a comedic gesture. That was the first time Jane had directly smiled at him. 

Henry and Jane sat together as the night sky grew darker. They were both surprised at how easy it was to talk to each other. Jane had at first felt shame for being so talkative after months of being the exact opposite, but Henry never mentioned it once and made the mood pleasant for her. They even managed to joke about their work together. Jane couldn’t keep the smile off her face, and Henry, for once, looked completely unserious and at ease. By the end of the night they each had at least four champagne glasses lined up in front of them. That alone was enough to make them laugh together. Whatever confusion or worry Jane had about his intentions and niceties had fizzled away with the last drop of alcohol. 

It was a night like none she ever had before, and she wanted more nights just like it. Henry had told her many fascinating stories from throughout his career. Ones about adventurous roles involving stunts, and about places he’s been to and the people he’s met. Jane couldn’t believe how fascinated she was by him. She so much wished to compare. 

Here and there she’d mention things about herself – never any of the unpleasant things though. She couldn’t add much but still Henry looked interested. Her experiences in Europe were still some of her absolute favorites, and unlike with her parents, Henry’s interest didn’t seem backhanded. She knew even back then that they only asked because they thought they could somehow benefit from it. But they weren’t here, and Jane could for once pour her heart out.