Juliette

I could hardly contain myself as I put on my mascara. After work today I had practically run home to start preparing for my outing later with Alastor.

This giddy feeling in my chest wouldn't subside, and my cheeks hurt from smiling but I didn't care.

There was a knock on my door and my mother entered a moment later holding a freshly pressed dancing dress for me.

"Here you go, my darling... it's one of mine, but I haven't worn it too much. It should fit you just fine."

I got up and went over to her, skipping like a carefree child.

"Oh mama! It's perfect, thank you!"

I hugged her and slipped the dress on, turning around so she could zip me. I could see myself in my vanity mirror, and the dress fit perfectly.

My mother smiled at me, the fine lines on her face bringing out the warmth in her eyes.

"You are so beautiful... let's get these rollers out before your gentleman arrives."

She took my rollers down one by one and helped me pin back my hair and style it. Then I was finally ready to head downstairs and see daddy.

Mama followed me down to the living room and presented me to him.

"Benjamin, doesn't your daughter look lovely?"

His eyes seemed to observe me and he looked almost emotional. Almost.

He sighed.

"Maybe a little too much... is all the makeup necessary, and perhaps a longer dress, or a shawl—"

"Benjamin."

My mothers stern voice cut off my fathers worried rambling and he huffed and stood up, walking over to us.

He touched my face gently and smiled.

"You look just fine, my flower. Tell him to return you to me the way you left or he will be going home in a box."

"Daddy!"

Mama sniggered and I stepped away from them and towards the door. He should be here any minute.

"I will be fine. Alastor's a good man, daddy, I promise. He'll take care of me. Now, he should be here any second in his automobile to drive us to the dance club!"

My mother's eyes widened and she smiled at my father, mumbling to him.

"An automobile, oh my goodness..."

Just then there was a knock at the door, and I couldn't open it fast enough. Alastor was there on the other side, not a second late, and looking even more dashing than usual.

"Good evening, sweetheart. You look very lovely."

"And you look handsome as always."

I couldn't keep from smiling, and took his arm when he offered it, waving to my parents who walked over to see us off.

"Bring her home safely."

Those were my father's parting words before we got into the car.

Then we were off.

~*~

During the ride, I was practically bouncing with joy in my seat, a smile on my face that could've crossed the oceans.

Hearing a chuckle, I turned my eyes away from the scenery out the window and towards my companion...date? Well, whatever this is.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, my dear, you just seem very excited is all."

I beamed at him and looked back out the window.

"I've never been in an automobile before, or dancing at a club!"

Alastor hummed like he was thinking.

"Never? You've never been dancing, my dear, how old are you?"

I turned towards him again with a huff and crossed my arms.

"27, but I don't see how that's got anything to do with this."

He was trying to hide the amusement in his voice, and failing miserably as it just sounded like he was holding back more laughter.

"27 years on this earth and not one soul has ever asked you to dance? False, I don't believe it. You're too pretty for that to be true."

My mouth opened up to say something smart to him before I realized what he said and any words just completely left my mind. Heat gathered in my cheeks and I blinked at him.

"You really think so...?"

The vehicle slowed to a stop and he turned to me with a warmer than usual smile, probably the most authentic one I've ever seen on him.

"Well I'm looking at you right now, and I'm telling you that it's true. Now come, you've been missing out!"

He walked over and opened my door for me, helping me step down. My eyes were wide as I looked around at all the lights and the people.

Everyone was dressed so nicely, and the sound of upbeat jazz music could be heard from inside the building we were walking towards.

Several pairs of eyes looked our way and some women glared at me. I stuck close to Alastor, ignoring the eyes that watched us and trying to focus on the scenery.

"It's so lively..."

"That it is, my dear!"

Yea, this was the perfect environment for Alastor. Myself, I'm not so sure. I'll have a grand time with Alastor, I'm sure, but if I were to come on my own I'd be anxious up to the gills.

When we finally made it into the club, the music was loud and everyone was dancing with lots of enthusiasm.

Alastor took me straight into the crowd and barely gave me a second to settle on my feet before we became a part of the dancing crowd.

~*~

After several dances and lots of laughter, I needed a break to rest my poor feet.

Alastor took me over to the bar and helped me into a stool before taking his place next to me.

He looked at the bar tender and knocked his knuckles against the wooden counter top.

"Whiskey for me, and..."

He looked at me and I stared at him wide eyed.

"Uh...just water, thank you."

I smiled at the bar tender and then looked back at alastor.

"A whiskey? Alastor, that's illegal!"

Alcohol was prohibited and any place that got caught selling was shut down!

He simply chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.

"Oh, lighten up, Juliette! Relax, I've been frequenting this bar for years, and those pesky cops have never once been here."

I gave him a wary look, but ultimately I did trust his word and sighed.

"Oh, alright, but don't go—"

"Alasta!"

I perked up at the sound of a loud nasally voice behind me, and turned to see a little plump woman walking over to us. She was wearing a flapper's getup and barely even glanced at me before going straight to Alastor.

"I didn't know you was comin' in tonight, it's so wonderful ta see you, doll face!"

She leaned up against his chair and I felt something tighten in my chest slightly. The bar tender set our drinks down and I quickly took a drink of water.

"It's good to see you too, Mimzy. Have you met Juliette?"

Alastor mentioned me and I gave her a friendly smile despite my itching nerves.

"No, I can't say I have, it's just lovely to meet ya, sweetie pie."

Mimzy smiled and laughed before she nudged Alastor's shoulder.

"Well, I gotta get my behind up on stage and sing, see ya!"

With that she walked away and disappeared into the crowd and my body relaxed slightly. Was I really jealous of someone who obviously knows him? Ugh, get it together Juliette.

Suddenly Alastor slammed back his whiskey and drank it all in one go before he offered his hand to me.

"Ready to get back out of the floor?"

I smiled and took his hand and giggled when he whisked me out of my seat.

By the time we'd gotten out into the mix, a new song started up and a smooth, feminine voice started to sing.

The song had a slower tempo, and the lyrics were a little more intimate than I was anticipating. By the look on Alastor's face, he felt the same way.

All the couples around us started to sway, all snuggled up against each other and a few were even kissing.

To say my face was on fire was an understatement.

Before I could suggest we sit this song out, I felt a hand on my waist and I was pulled up against the man in front of me, making my heart nearly stop.

He was looking down at me and I could feel a soft vibration in his chest as he hummed along to the slow love song.

I didn't know what to do. Every fiber of my being wanted to melt into him and let him do whatever he pleased, but then there was a small pocket of guilt in the back of my mind.

My late husband's face haunts me whenever I think of Alastor as anything more than a friend... does it make me a bad widow to move on? Am I a bad woman?

Warmth against my cheek snapped me out of my racing thoughts and I blinked and looked up at him, his hand brushing over my skin and down my neck, making the entire world around us disappear.

Then, he started to sing to me.

His smooth voice seemed to drown out every single other noise... and if my heart beat any faster it might just leave my chest altogether.

Finally, I let go of my guilt and just lived in this moment. For just a moment, I can pretend like everything is alright.

In this moment, everything just might be alright...