Beauty and the Brit -Chapter 5 (Patreon)

Hey everyone Chapter 5 is being released the same day as Chapter 4 because 4 is short and 5 is long but gives you some goodies! Enjoy and please leave a comment!

-Britt xoxo

CHAPTER 5: THE GALA

The time between agreeing to the volunteering and now actually having to do it passed quickly, to Paige’s mind. She soon found herself going around the grounds of the hospital with a tray of canapés and admiring the set up of the outdoor place. It was nicely, but simply, decorated with tables and lights and various centerpieces all in the hospital’s rear courtyard which was somewhat sequestered by the rows of trees and other shrubberies in lines along the far edges of the space. Willow Gardens Hospital had gotten its name in part from the lovely nature that surrounded it.

When Paige returned with her empty tray some twenty or so minutes later, they got her instead to take around a tray of drinks. And so the night went on: Paige did as she was told and when she returned was given a new task as was needed.

She found that she honestly didn’t really mind the job she was doing. Earlier, she’d been stressing that she’d hate playing ‘servant’ to rich people but in fact things ran pretty smoothly and she hadn’t really felt intimidated or demeaned at all. ‘If they give you a hard time Paige just pretend you’re in an old novel’ she thought to herself, ‘Pretend you’ll be sabotaging them later by putting non-organic fruit in their morning porridge the next morning!’

The thought made her giggle and passed a bit of her time too in role-playing in her mind a paid servant in an upper-class household.

She was so involved in her thoughts that she hadn’t really paid much mind to what the people around her were saying or doing –or for that matter what their faces even looked like. She just served humbly then moved on.

That was, until something pulled the girl back to reality rather unexpectedly whilst she was carrying around the specialty champagne about halfway into the gala.

She had just manoeuvred her way with a fresh tray of champagne towards a group of people when Paige stopped dead in her tracks. ‘Oh my sweet Lord...’ In amongst the older men; the proprietors and benefactors stood a very much younger man smiling as he spoke to one of the others. And Paige felt her heart start to thud. This guy with his dashing smile and devastatingly good looks was gorgeous. ‘Dear sweet Lord.’

She was snapped out of her thoughts as one of the men turned and she came to his attention. “Ah gentlemen let’s have a drink shall we?” He took two steps forward and claimed a glass of champagne from Paige’s tray. His companions followed in his stead and Paige looked down in embarrassment of having such intense private thoughts unbeknownst to these businessmen.

When she slowly looked up, she saw the sexy young guy was still in conversation and her heart gave a little leap.

“DeBurgh, Sampson! Champagne?” the older gentleman with the rounded belly nearest Paige called out.

The two looked over and Paige felt her breathing hitch. ‘Keep it calm. Keep it cool...’ she told herself as the men came forward and she forced herself to breathe. Paige gave a small smile as the young guy got to her and she held out the tray a little to him making sure to use two hands so she wouldn’t drop it with her untrustworthy limbs that were probably going to start shaking any second now.

He smiled back gently at her and accepted a drink. “Thank you,” he told her gratefully.

“Y-ou’re welcome,” she stammered gently.

She tried not to watch as he took a small sip. “Strawberry?” he murmured softly.

“Beg your pardon?” she asked before she had time to think that he might not even be addressing her.

“Strawberry; is this strawberry champagne?” he asked in an accent that threatened to make her swoon.

“Uh, yeah. Yeah it’s a special brand brought over from...from sponsors for this gala,” she proclaimed haltingly in explanation.

“Ah. It’s quite lovely. Thank you,” he told her again; holding up the glass in salute almost and Paige could do nothing but smile somewhat sheepishly back at him in return.

The men all went back to their conversations and Paige took a moment to breathe and look elsewhere besides at the young, hot British guy looking fine as hell in his black suit. Her heart was still beating a bit harder in her chest at having spoken to him.

“Oh goodness we’re so foolish!” a boisterous voice declared loudly which caused Paige to snap out of it and most of the businessmen to look over as Paige did at the executive who had spoken up. “We didn’t tip the girl! Here,” he declared; reaching into his pocket for his wallet.

“Oh no; no! No that’s fine really. I’m a volunteer only. Please it’s fine!” she assured with embarrassment.

“Nonsense it’s only fair to you!” the executive responded, “And besides you’ve been waiting around for us to come to our senses.”

“Oh God no!” she exhaled in a rush, “No not at all I just... I was just making sure everyone had their drink and... and wanted to be sure there was nothing else I could get you!” Paige went on quickly.

“Well you’ve done a fine job; thank you. The least we can do...” The man held out a bill.

“I can’t accept that,” Paige told him. “Really it’s fine. I’m just a volunteer helping out the hospital.”

“And no doubt you’re working hard tonight! Just accept a little gratitude; it’s okay,” the man assured.

Paige wasn’t sure what more to say. She really shouldn’t take this man’s money but he was insistent.

“Mr. Matthews I’ve got an idea,” the young Brit spoke up, moving forward, “Take this money and go place it on something in the raffle or donate it directly to the fundraiser tonight,” he suggested smoothly, “Tonight’s about this hospital and while I’ve no doubt that she appreciates your gesture,” he spoke on Paige’s behalf; casting a quick glance at her, “We should be thinking of the charities and the good causes we’re here to support. She’s volunteering her time free of charge. Let’s instead all be generous with what we can and support the cause yeah?”

Paige barely heard Mr. Matthew’s response since she was too busy feeling frozen in place by the fact that she could now see the young guy’s eyes clearly in this lighting and ‘holy shit’ were they ever the most beautiful deep cobalt blue she had ever seen in her life. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath for several seconds until he turned away a little more and with his eyes out of focus she could concentrate and gain some recovery of herself.

“There all settled then. Now, I’m sure she has to get back to work helping out more than just us fine folk,” the young guy concluded as he turned between Mr. Matthews and Paige and addressed everyone present.

Paige took a breath in subtly and smiled. “Enjoy your evening,” she breathed out before moving along feeling her heart thudding loudly in her ears as it raced.

That guy was extremely attractive and kind and she needed to recover. ‘He’s like Mr. Darcy and some sort of English Prince Charming wrapped into one or something’ Paige thought to herself as she went to refill her tray with more drinks to hand out. Paige couldn’t tell what aspect of the man attracted her so much. She figured the combination of the dark hair offsetting the colour of his smooth pale skin and deep blue eyes of his face was one thing and the fact that he was in a black suit and tie with white shirt and seemed to have a toned leaner build was quite appealing to her. Not to mention, he was the perfect height; probably around five foot nine or ten making him just a mere couple of inches taller than her stance at 5’7.

Height was another reason she disliked Hugh so much. He was well over six feet and she hated that he loomed over her and was always looking down at her when he spoke. It further made her feel trapped when she was around him.

But this Brit was just tall enough and not intimidating in the physical sense at all! Well, unless you counted the fact that he seemed to hold her captive for seconds at a time with those gosh-darn gorgeous eyes! But it was something she was sure she could get used to or find herself not really minding after awhile... Because really: being captured by a cute, attractive guy was pretty darn sweet in the grand scope of things.

Yet now was not the time to be swooning over some hot young British businessman or whatever he was...

The next quarter of an hour went by like a breeze and then it was time to tidy up a little before making rounds back out to collect glasses shortly before she’d have to help serve the slices of chocolate tuxedo mousse cake to the guests. Therefore the next ten minutes went by as though they were nothing.

“Just go out and collect glasses from tables and such and if anyone offers theirs to you,” Tracy —another volunteer— told her. Paige nodded and set out to work.

And then as she was gathering what she could, the speeches began. So it made it considerably easier with most people now standing still for Paige to maneuver herself and work with a bit more focus.

“Good evening everyone we’d all like to thank you for joining us—“ she heard the man at the podium saying and then she zoned out as she brought her tray back to ‘base’ before she set out again. She’d just gotten to a table with a considerable number of empty glasses when she caught onto the talk at the podium again:

“I’d like to now introduce to you all to someone very important who has been instrumental in supporting this cause and has been at the forefront of so many worthy causes. At his young age he’s truly set a wonderful example for us all in being a philanthropist and charitable forerunner.”

Paige had to stop what she was doing and look up at the stage. Could it be?

“We’re so honoured tonight to have the pleasure of his company to join us in coming together to raise money for this worthwhile cause. He’s travelled a long way from his home to be here with us tonight and we’re so happy to receive him. I’d like to introduce you all now to a member of several charitable organizations and the head of The DeBurgh Charitable Trust. We’re very proud to welcome to the stage Mr. Frederick DeBurgh!”

Applause erupted and Paige watched with bated breath as the young Brit took the stage and shook the hand of the man who had introduced him. Then he took to the microphone. “Thank you all for that warm welcome! Eh, I’m very pleased to be here tonight with you all to celebrate and to bring attention to worthy causes here at Willow Gardens Hospital. I’m very flattered to be considered and for my family’s charity and I to be considered so highly by the wonderful people here at Willow Gardens as I think the work they do here is so very important and very worthy of our time and efforts and not just our donations. I’m pleased to have been invited tonight to The Benefactor’s Gala with you all and it’s been an honour to meet many new people tonight who are making a difference and also have had a difference made in their lives.

“People often ask me why it is that I am so passionate and concerning myself with so much charity work and why I’m doing so at such a young age. And my answer to that is simply that there are so many worthy things to put our time into in this world of ours and making a difference in the life of someone else on this earth is truly a honourable and worthwhile endeavour and experience. It’s one thing to reach into our wallets to make that difference but I’ve found that dealing in the currency of time and attention brings those dollars forward in such a great way and makes them go even further. I encourage and challenge you all here tonight to, if you haven’t already, join the charity or charities you’re donating to; join in Willow Gardens specifically and spend a couple of hours with the people you’re helping whether it be the volunteers, the patients, the staff, the families, anyone. Join someone for a few hours of your time and let them show you something you may not have previously known. Let them show you what your donation helped them to build or accomplish or maintained or what have you. I can promise you it will be fulfilling and rewarding to both ends.

“I’ve also found too that the gift of your time sometimes truly can go further than the gifts our wallets can provide. Something to keep in mind for you all.

“I thank you for your time and I hope you all enjoy the rest of this incredible gala. Thank you sincerely Willow Gardens Hospital on behalf of myself and for many others I’m sure for your incredible hospitality and for throwing this beautiful gala every year to thank your benefactors and supporters. I humbly thank you for this invitation.”

Paige watched as he raised his hand in thanks and farewell as the audience members began to clap and he walked away from the microphone only to be greeted by other gentlemen and a lady who all shook his hand.

Well if Paige didn’t have a crush on the guy before, she certainly did now. He had a way with words and he worked hard to run charity work? He seemed too good to be true.

With a sigh, Paige gathered the glasses from the table and resumed her work.

The night was finally winding down. Paige had been so consistently busy that she hadn’t run into Frederick DeBurgh whatsoever and in a way she was truly fine with that. There had been work to do and she would have been too shy to be around him again working while he was some young, rich, handsome philanthropist of a man.

“If you’d like to take some cake home you’re certainly welcome to,” one of the organizers told her, “The rest will be given to selected patients tomorrow at lunch...”

“Oh well then I won’t take any. But thank you,” she exclaimed.

“We can’t give cake to everyone who is a patient and we certainly have way more than enough; don’t worry about it.”

“Alright well in that case I’ll pop back over before leaving then.”

The organizer smiled and told Paige to spread the word amongst the other volunteers.

So that’s what she did –amongst trying to find Rae to see what time she planned on going home tonight...

About ten minutes later, Paige was about to give up her charade and just go sit down. She wandered off to one of the tables away from where the party was still going on mildly and came across another volunteer with his back to her.

“Hey I’ve just been told to let everybody know that if you want cake you should— “ she started but then he turned around and she was staring into the face of none other than Frederick DeBurgh.

“Oh I’m sorry,” Paige apologized quickly; suddenly alarmed as she saw who it was.

“Wot’s that about cake?” he chuckled.

“I-I’m sorry; I thought you were someone else,” she apologized. “I-I was told to tell the volunteers if they wanted cake they could...um, they could take some,” she mumbled.

“Oh I see,” he smiled.

“Yeah and I just... Sorry...”

“No, no that was entirely my fault,” the Brit apologized. “I take all the credit. It’s not a problem; ehm it seems the mistake is mine. I took off my suit jacket and you mistook me. We’re in the same style of dress with the black and white... I completely understand,” he reassured with a sweep of his hand.

Paige tried to smile but she was sure she probably looked like a deer in headlights. She felt a little breathless being back in front of the young, handsome Frederick DeBurgh like this; it left her heart fluttering.

“Thank you, by the way,” he began a short time later when she didn’t speak.

“For what?” she asked gently; incredulous.

“For everything you’ve done tonight; for volunteering,” he responded. “The hospital can’t put on a gala like this without people like you helping them out,” Frederick went on, “They need volunteers otherwise the money used to pay people to work something like this would be better spent towards their foundations. And you’ve worked hard tonight; I could see that so...thank you,” he repeated.

“Oh. Well...” She could feel herself blushing in humbleness. “It was...nothing really... No problem at all.” She managed to look back up at him and found him smiling gently at her.

“All the same; it’s appreciated,” he told Paige.

“You’re welcome...Mr. DeBurgh,” she replied.

He scoffed.

“Have I... Have I offended you?” she asked with trepidation; worried she’d said or done something inappropriate.

“Oh gosh no but ehm... Please just call me Derick! Mr. DeBurgh is my father’s name,” he chuckled nervously.

“Oh!” she exclaimed in realization with a bit of a laugh along with him. She gave a nod of her head. “Derick.” And then her face slowly grew confused a little.

“You’re wondering how you get Derick from Fred-rick aren’t you?” he mused, pronouncing the name with two syllables. Paige gave a gentle gesture of affirmation. “It’s a fair question. See I was born in England and raised both here in North America and back there as well. I find most Americans pronounce it Fred-rick which is fine; I don’t mind. But, my parents named me Frederick Arthur James DeBurgh —which in itself is a mouthful to say entirely— but honestly I much prefer just ‘Derick’,” he stressed with a kind smile. “Frederick just sounds...so old fashioned. Or something,” he laughed softly. “Maybe when I’m older or something...”

This brought a smile to Paige’s face as she chuckled softly. “You’re entitled to be called whatever you wish,” she assured lightly, “It’s your name.”

“Indeed it is,” he nodded and smiled at her. “And, yours?”

“Mine? My what?” she asked anxiously; trying not to be alarmed.

“Your name,” he clarified.

“Oh! It’s Paige. Paige Wilkinson.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Paige Wilkinson,” Derick exclaimed happily.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you D-Derick,” she stammered; hoping she wasn’t blushing. His eyes seemed to sparkle back at her with mirth.

“And I suppose I should also apologize again for earlier. The, ehm, incident with Mr. Matthews. He means well; honestly. But he’s used to his daily life outside his charitable commitments. So it’s standard practice to tip people for service and such. I... I hope it didn’t make you uncomfortable and I hope that it was okay that I jumped in like that and...” Derick trailed off.

“It was fine,” she reassured. “Thank you. I should thank you for that.”

“Well, you’re welcome,” he answered. “It was no problem at all.” He had repeated her words and she smiled just a bit wider once she realized he’d done it on purpose judging by the mirth in his eyes.

“I, um, I suppose I should let you get back to what you were doing,” he stated a moment later. “Telling volunteers about cake and all...”

“Oh no it’s fine; I was actually done I just wanted to come sit down.”

“Ah. Long night for you?”

“It wasn’t too bad actually,” she told him. “This is the first time I’ve done ‘The Gala’ and I enjoyed it!”

“That’s good,” he grinned. “If you’re giving your time I think it’s important that you get something out of it in return.”

“I definitely did,” she murmured.

“Here,” he muttered; reaching over and plucking the rose from the vase of the centerpiece on the table. He held it out towards her.

“Wh—“ She was confused.

“Just because you don’t get paid in wages or tips doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be rewarded for a job well done. And, I think the token of a small rose is a subtle enough gesture of appreciation for all you’ve done.”

“Are you sure we can take those? I mean...”

“I saw people taking them earlier on their way home. We were reassured that anything off the centerpiece we were welcome to. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. I overheard an organizer telling a few tables they were welcome to take the roses home if they wished since she’d heard one patron comment on the rose at their table. So, by extension I’m given the same courtesy and I’m giving my rose to you. And if I find out there was some other purposes for these roses, I will certainly sort out getting a dozen more in place of the gift I extended you. So, this rose is completely and utterly given to you with all reassurances that you needn’t worry about it!” he concluded with a soft laughter and a warm smile at her.

“Well... I guess if you put it all that way then...” She reached forward hesitantly. “Thank you. This is... It’s lovely. It’s very kind of you...”

“Don’t mention it. As I said before: thank you for volunteering.”

Paige gently breathed in the scent of the rose as she looked back at Derick’s smile. Goodness he was attractive... 

“Oh gee where are my manners? You said you wanted to sit down,” Derick stammered in embarrassment seconds later. He pulled out a chair and gestured at it.

This made Paige laugh softly in surprise. “Don’t worry about it,” she dismissed easily. “But... thank you.” She took the seat he’d offered and soon let out a sigh of contentment.

“Better?”

“Um, yeah. Thanks. My feet weren’t hurting or anything but it is nice to sit down...”

“That’s good to hear. So, are you all done for the night then?”

“Yeah. I went to go find my friend so we could go home since she’s my ride but I couldn’t find her at first and then found out she is still busy so I decided I’d just come sit and relax instead.”

“Sounds like a lovely plan. I shall get out of your way then,” Derick announced.

“Oh no! No you don’t have to do that!” Paige exclaimed, “No please I... I really don’t mind the company unless you have something you need to go do or someone else to talk to or something.”

“Well, no...” he admitted, “I just don’t want to impose on your time.”

“You’re not at all,” she swore.

“Very well then. I’ll...take a seat.” Derick pulled out the chair nearest him and sat down facing her. 

“So, ehm... You’re here with a friend?”

“Yeah. A customer of my shop who works at the hospital as a nurse asked if Rae and I would be willing to help out for ‘The Gala’ tonight so we said sure. And it’s been fun.”

“That’s good,” Derick agreed with a smile.

“Yeah.”

“So what is it that you do then?”

“What I do? For my job you mean?” He nodded his head in response. “Oh. Actually I’m... I’m co-owner and co-manager of a bookstore here in town.”

“No kidding!” he exclaimed in surprise. “Co-owner and co-manager?” he murmured slowly. She gave a nod of shy acknowledgement. “Wait goodness how old are you? No-no offense meant...”

“None taken! It’s fine actually um... I’m twenty-two,” she admitted.

“I’m interested to know the story on how you came into this! That’s great!” he grinned.

It made Paige feel a little shy but his excitement weaned off her nervousness of talking to him. “Well, I... I started out interning for the library here in town and got the job at the bookstore part time to have some income and then... I dunno Quiet Village was the better fit in the end. The manager and I there really hit it off and I just kept getting easy promotions until we had talks and decided that she’d like to leave it in my hands once she retires so we set up a plan for me to slowly buy out the business.”

“That’s incredible! Congratulations!”

“Thanks,” she exhaled; smiling. “And...what about you? What got you started in charity work?”

“Obligation,” Derick replied. “It was my family’s organization; their foundation. I had to take over for my parents... Ehm, but anyway I had been to several things over the years and I really grew to like it and admire what sorts of things were done and being done and eventually I began to think of what could be done so it’s been a bit of a...privilege to have an easy way into starting to take on those responsibilities.”

“Wow that’s amazing!”

“Yeah it’s been a great journey. When you have the resources you need to at minimum at least get you started it’s a great blessing. I’ve been very fortunate.”

“So, you run the foundation yourself full-time then?” Paige inquired.

“Eh, yes. Well I also have DeBurgh Industries but I have a lot of people in place working for us so that my contribution there is a bit less seeing as I’m not a businessman in that sense. I find it easier to give away money than to figure out how to earn it and make profits rise...”

That was definitely interesting... So he was rich but he was totally humble and down to earth and preferred charity work to anything else? Who was this guy!? Seriously. Something told Paige he was a rare breed.

“Well I hope you can continue doing what you love and what you’re good at,” she bade him.

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you,” Derick exclaimed softly –feeling flattered.

“Well it’s very kind of you for doing what you do for the world –and specifically this hospital,” she retorted gently.

“I’m glad you think so. And I for one think it’s very lovely and honourable of a girl who runs a bookstore for a living. It keeps literacy alive and that’s rather important too I’d humbly say.”

“I appreciate that you think so thanks,” Paige murmured as she blushed just a little and hid her smile inside the rose which she’d again pressed to her nose.

“Anyway enough about work. It’s not the best small talk topic is it now? People either want to know how work or your love life are going otherwise they just comment on the weather. Rather dull don’t you think? I wish it were more common to discuss more...exciting things!” he proclaimed.

“And what might you consider exciting then?” Paige wondered aloud with a look of curiosity.

“I’ve actually no clue!” he laughed. She laughed along with him. “Actually how about this? Do you have a favourite book?”

Paige had to take a moment to think especially because the question had caught her off-guard. “Well... that’s actually a bit of an unfair question isn’t it?” she put forward, “If I choose one I feel like I’m being judged based on that one pick and that I’m betraying all of the other good literature out there in the world. Way to ask the tough questions Derick!” she teased.

He laughed sheepishly. “I didn’t think the question was so heavily weighted but now with your explanation I can see clearly how and why it is so.”

“Well do you have a favourite book?”

“Actually yes I do,” Derick answered easily.

“C’mon let’s hear it!” she prodded only to make him throw his hands up in submission and laugh at her eagerness.

“Well actually I wanted to make a joke and say that my chequebook is my favourite,” he began.

That made Paige giggle and she instantly regretted doing so –feeling like a little girl making that sort of childish sound in front of this suave and attractive gentleman.

Yet she found his grin to only widen and not in a way where it seemed as though he were laughing at her for it. He looked amused in a different way. “I’m glad you liked that answer!” Derick exclaimed, “I regretted saying it the moment it came out of my mouth!”

Seriously? He regretted his joke? Perhaps she was not the only one trying to make the best impression possible and instead of this realization making her more anxious she felt calmed by it. She wasn’t alone; that was a relaxing thought.

“I think it’s a rather good answer! If it were your bankbook it would reveal something different but a chequebook fits into the schema of what you’ve already told me about yourself and that’s good!”

“Good?” he hoped.

“Yes; good,” she repeated with a smile, “Shows you weren’t being dishonest before –not that I ever thought you were of course,” she retracted.

“I make it my duty to try not to be dishonest,” he admitted with a hand over his heart.

“Good,” Paige responded.

“Good?”

“Good!” she laughed and he laughed along with her.

Their laughter faded away into the night and Paige found her heart pounding as she realized with some clarity again that she was here seated alone with the most handsome guy she’d ever laid eyes on! Why on earth was he sitting here talking to her!?

“Shouldn’t you be mingling with the other guests?” Paige asked.

“Ah what for? They’re not as pretty and interesting as the wait staff and not nearly as well paid!”

This made Paige burst into laughter. He’d been bold. And suddenly, she felt bold too: “Are you always this charming and handsome?”

“No just wait ‘til midnight when the spell wears off or is broken!”

She looked to her watch. “I’ll keep my eye out then. But you’ve got another couple hours or close to anyhow.”

“Good that’ll give me some time to get gone.” Derick seemed to realize what he’d said. “Oh I just mean before you see my bad side. I-I really don’t mean that I wish to go or anything.”

She issued a small smile, fond. “I believe you. But I have to admit that now you’ve made me curious about this ‘bad side’ you speak of. It can’t be that terrible can it?”

“Ah, well, I tend to make a fool of myself sometimes when you get me talking awhile comfortably and I fear there is no coming back from it for me once I do.”

“You’re too hard on yourself Derick,” she exclaimed. “Everybody says stupid stuff now and again. It’s nothing to beat yourself up over. Besides if that’s your bad side then jeeze you’re even more perfect than I thought.”

The air was silent a moment and Paige suddenly wanted to die.

“Perfect?”

So not only had he heard clearly but had understood and was curious about it. Wonderful. “Yeah,” she forced herself to admit, “You’re young, kind, your day job is charity work giving away your family’s money instead of spending it on yourself and parties or something. You’re... out of the ordinary.”

“I, uh, I’m not sure what to really say,” he mused shyly, “I hear ‘out of the ordinary’ can sometimes be a kind way of saying someone’s... weird or eccentric.”

“I would never!” Paige assured in a dramatic gasp.

This made Derick laugh. “Out of the ordinary. I’ll put that on my business card then.”

“You should,” she advised rather seriously then broke out into a smile.

“Well I suppose you’re someone who is out of the ordinary too yourself.” Derick then went on to explain: “See you’re only twenty two is it yes and you’re already on the way to becoming a successful business owner in what—a year? Two? You’d not have hit a quarter century and already sorted yourself all out –at least in the occupation department. After that, the world’s yours and what you make it. You’re set.”

“You really think it’s as simple as that?”

“And why shouldn’t it be? The way I’ve seen it a good majority of young people have no clue what to do with their lives. You and I are lucky.”

“Hm. I suppose you’re right.”

It was then that Paige caught sight of Rae across the courtyard. She was waving at someone else that Paige couldn’t make out but she had to assume it was Jude, her newest friend from the art gallery.

Paige turned her attentions back to Derick who was staring at the rose she’d put on the table as though it was giving him advice or something on what to say next. He looked up and his mouth opened to speak but after a short stammer he stopped himself and laughed.

“What? What is it?” she chuckled –trying not to feel nervous from the sudden occurrence and the fact that she found his laughter to be lovely to listen to...

“Well I was about to offer you a ride home but I just realized you’d said you were going with your friend so I was then going to offer you all a ride but then I remembered what you’d said before and they were your ride. So all of my attempted internal chivalry is pointless...”

She hoped she wasn’t blushing too badly as she went to reply to this kind gesture, “Well just because it didn’t happen doesn’t mean chivalry is dead. It’s just...” She fought quickly for the right word. “It’s just withheld on account of opportunity. Eh, postponed for another occasion to arise that you can bring your chivalry out again to... God I do not even know what I’m saying or where I’m going with this!” she exclaimed now fully embarrassed and no doubt flushing.

“I think somehow I get what you’re saying there Paige!” he chuckled with her. “Thank you. For being so understanding of this moment...”

“My...my pleasure.” She paused a beat.

“Well, uh, I hate to...to say goodbye already but I can see Rae starting to look for me and no doubt she’ll want to get off her feet as soon as possible so I better save her the trouble of finding me by walking around and just go to Rae myself instead.”

“Oh no problem!” Derick responded lightly as he stood and she followed, “I completely understand! Tell her I also send my thanks and appreciation. Tell her it’s official considering I’m a benefactor and this is a benefactor’s gala and all...” he grinned warmly.

“I most definitely will,” she replied trying not to stare into his perfect smiling face too long again or she knew she’d get lost in those eyes. “Uh it was really nice to meet you Derick. I uh... I hope you had a great night and um that the rest will be good too.”

“I hope the same. And I did, I had a wonderful evening thank you. I hope you can get some decent rest after all this. You don’t work tomorrow do you?”

“Actually I do,” she admitted, “But it’ll be alright I think. Sundays are usually pretty easy. We’ll see about Monday!” she mused.

“Well best of luck. And I’m holding you up now I’m sorry. Go now to your friends and...goodnight and take care,” he bid her.

“Thanks, same to you! Safe trip home as well,” she added after taking one step away from him and hesitating in order to give that last part.

“Thank you. Goodnight, Paige...”

Well if that last sentence didn’t repeat over and over in her head making her blush as she walked to her friend thinking he sounded like a proper, lovely gentleman from the old novels and now she the demure heroine... She couldn’t complete the thought as an enthusiastic: “There you are!” was uttered.

It was time to go home.