DISCLAIMER can be found on the Introduction page.
Lyrics courtesy of Vince Gill.
Italics denotes thoughts
Betty was stunning. Scott couldn't take his eyes off her. Her long, white, off-the-shoulder dress shimmered in the candlelight. Her upswept hair emphasized her swanlike neck. Delicate diamonds twinkled at her ears. Betty took Scott's outstretched arm as they followed the Taylor's into the Starlight Room. Betty glanced at him in his black tux. She didn't think he had ever looked so handsome. And he was so charming to Mrs. Taylor in the limousine. The love Betty felt for this man at that moment made her want to burst.
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Betty couldn't remember when she had experienced a more enjoyable dinner. The Taylors were a great couple. The four of them had hit it off immediately. Jokes and stories flew fast and furious. Scott and Thaddeus seemed to be kindred spirits. Each kept trying to good-naturedly top the other with their most outrageous adventures.
And Betty adored Camille Taylor. Any timidity she felt at being with someone so rich and socially powerful evaporated within 10 seconds of meeting her. She immediately felt like she had known her all her life. But most of all, Betty enjoyed being in Scott's company. She could watch him all she wanted without feeling self-conscious.
After dinner, Betty and Camille retired to the Ladies Lounge to touch up their make-up. As Betty was digging in her beaded purse for her lipstick, Camille, with the wisdom that comes with age and experience, asked, "So, Betty dear, how long have you loved Scott?"
She looked at Camille with surprise. "What? I don't..."
"My dear, don't bother to deny it. You love him, don't you?"
It was interesting how Betty didn't even feel embarrassed with Camille. "Hopelessly."
"Oh, I do love watching two people so in love."
Betty looked down at her hands. "Oh, Camille, I'm so frustrated."
Camille led her over to the couch and they sat down. "I can't believe I'm telling you this, but…" Betty proceeded to spill everything that had happened and what she was feeling. Camille got out her handkerchief and wiped away the single tear that had fallen down Betty's cheek when she admitted how, because of her stubbornness, Scott no longer loved her.
"My dear, If I'm any judge of character, I don't think you have anything to worry about."
Before Betty could ask her what she meant, Camille ushered her out the door. "We'd better get back. The men will be wondering where in the world we are."
When Betty and Camille reached the table, Thaddeus boomed, "Where have you two gals been? The dancing has started."
"Oh, Thaddeus, what an indelicate question! I think you should make it up to Betty by dancing with her."
"What a splendid idea. Betty, would you care to dance? I promise I won't step on your delicate toes."
Camille confirmed this. "Don't worry, Betty. He really is a very good dancer."
"Then I would be delighted."
Scott watched them dance for a moment, then stood up and turned to Camille. "Camille, may I have the pleasure?"
Her eyes twinkled. "On one condition."
Scott escorted Camille over to the band as she requested. She handed the bandleader a piece of paper. Must be a special song request, he thought.
When the music to the first dance stopped, the four of them found they were near each other. The lights dimmed and the band started playing a slow romantic song. The meaningful words wafted over the crowd. If you ever have forever in mind, I'll be here and easy to find. Camille turned to Scott. "Scott, would you mind if we change partners? There's something I simply must discuss with Thaddeus." Politely, he acquiesced. The older couple danced off.
Scott turned to Betty and inquired. "Shall we?" Inside he was telling himself, "You can do this. Just keep it nice and polite and unemotional."
She nodded and came to him. Scott tried to keep her at arm's length but an over-rambunctious couple bumped into him pushing him against Betty. Her nearness melted Scott's resolve.
"Oh, what the hell." Scott slid his right arm around Betty's back and kept her close. He brought their intertwined hands in close to their bodies. He felt the softness of her cheek and smelled the elusive fragrance of lavender. Neither spoke, but just held on tightly to each other. Time seemed to stand still. Both were lost in their own strikingly similar thoughts – thoughts that echoed the words to the song. When your heart is ready for mine, I'll be here and easy to find.
Camille glanced over at Betty and Scott and sighed. "I wonder if we will be invited to the wedding."
"Who are you talking about my dear?" He followed her gaze. "Oh. I see."
The music stopped and, with reluctance, Betty and Scott pulled slightly apart. Betty looked up at Scott. He was looking at her with the strangest expression. "Betty, you..."
"SCOTT SHERWOOD! You ol' piker. What are you doing at a fancy place like this?" With a slap on the back and an intrusive handshake, Jack Hughes, a former business associate of Scott's, shattered the spell.
The rude interruption made Betty heartsick. She desperately wanted to know what Scott had been going to say. Scott, on the other hand, was relieved that he had been saved from making a fool of himself once again.
Betty's Journey of Discovery Series
Go to Betty's Journey of Discovery#15 - Goodbye Aunt Agatha!
Go Back to Betty's Journey of Discovery#13 - Wooing Thaddeus Taylor!
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