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Lucy groaned as she opened her eyes. She’d decided to take a nap before the gala Lockwood had agreed to attend. He hadn’t even given Lucy or George a chance to protest, simply informing them that they’d be attending and to make sure to clean up. That latter comment was directed towards George more than herself, but Lucy knew some of it was directed to her.
She had asked Holly to help her find an outfit that would be suitable. It was mainly because of Lockwood’s scandalised face when she said she’d just wear something that she’d worn previously. Apparently it was a faux pas to wear the same dress again, Lockwood claimed. Lucy suspected there was more behind it, but she let it go. The faster she could find a dress, the more she could relax.
So, she’d gone dress shopping with Holly. They visited several fancy boutiques and some more modern looking stores– in search of the “perfect” dress. Lucy didn’t even know what that meant ; a dress was a dress, an article of clothing that one wore. It didn’t need to be perfect, it just had to be suitable. And she told Holly as much only to receive a polite lecture on fashion and galas.
Internally, as soon as she’d stepped out of Portland Row, she’d given up. Lucy knew better than to get in Holly’s way when her mind was set– Holly could be extremely stubborn– so she’d handed the reins over to Holly and let her lead.
Finally, Lucy pulled herself from her bed, the springs in the mattress groaning as she moved. She should probably talk to Lockwood about getting a new mattress. A moment later, she pulled the dress out of her wardrobe, where Holly had placed it after they arrived back from the shops. Holly had refused to let Lockwood or George see the dress and immediately gone to put it away. Lucy had let her, deciding that she’d rather spend her time training.
The dress was an off the shoulder dress. It had long sleeves that flared out at the end and it came down to right above her knees. It wasn’t tight, the bottom also flared out. She studied herself in the mirror. When she had tried it on, Holly had said she looked amazing, but now Lucy was having second thoughts. A knock at the door and Holly’s head poked in. Lucy turned and gave her a tight smile.
“You look gorgeous,” Holly said as she joined Lucy in front of the mirror.
“Really? Isn’t it a bit too much?” Lucy pulled at the end of the dress and Holly whacked her hand away.
“No. You look pretty, Lucy. Just let your worries go.” A pause. “Lockwood’s gonna panic.”
Lucy frowned. “He doesn’t like me like that, Holly. We both know that.”
Holly stared at her for a moment before shaking her head. “Whatever you say, Lucy.”
The two made their way down to the others. Kipps, George, and Lockwood had cleaned up nicely. Kipps looked rather dashing in his black ensemble, if not a little annoyed at having to go. George was wearing an ugly green suit, that was still rumpled, but he’d made an attempt and it was the thought that counted. And Lockwood… Well, he looked dapper. He’d gone with a white tuxedo– a change from his preferred suit colour, Lucy noted– and had ditched the long coat he always wore.
The guys barely blinked once the girls joined them– they were too busy arguing about who ate the last chocolate digestive. Holly cleared her throat and the argument came to a stop. With one eyebrow raise from Holly, the three quickly mumbled apologies and had the decency to look ashamed.
Holly watched as Lockwood's eyes roamed over Lucy. He had a strange glint in his eye when he spotted the necklace clasped around Lucy's neck. A small smile, one borne out of adoration, bloomed on his face and Holly glanced at Lucy. She didn't seem to notice his smile, too caught up in her own thoughts, her teeth worrying her bottom lip.
George frowned. “Holly, Lucy, I think you’ve got something on your face.”
The two girls looked at each other and after a moment, Holly spoke. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, George. Lucy doesn’t have anything on her face.”
“Holly looks fine as well,” Lucy agreed, turning to look at George again.
“Why are your faces so red? Are you guys sick?” He turned to Lockwood. “If they’re sick, then maybe we should–”
“Right, shut up, George,” Lockwood said. “I believe that’s makeup. Am I right?”
“Yes,” Holly said with a nod before glaring at George. “I did both of our makeup, George. I fancy myself somewhat decent at it.”
One mumbled apology later and the beep of a horn was heard. Kipps opened the door and the five climbed into the Night Cab. Lucy was squashed between Kipps and Holly and sitting opposite of George and Lockwood. The ride there was uneventful, save for the fact that George had once again commented on their makeup and Holly had spent about ten minutes lecturing him on things that shouldn’t be said.
Lucy had never been so happy to step out of the Night Cab. She closed her eyes and let the cool night air brush over her skin like a gentle whisper. She heard the murmuring of the others as they waited for George to climb out. When she opened her eyes again, Lockwood stood beside her.
He grinned at her, reaching out and grabbing her hand. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Lucy forced a smile and in return got a comforting squeeze from Lockwood.
The five entered the building and almost immediately Lockwood disappeared into the crowd of suits and swirling ball gowns. Lucy felt underdressed, but if she was underdressed then so was Holly. But one look at Holly’s face and Lucy suspected that her normally composed friend was a little worried about her outfit.
Kipps seemed to take notice. “You two look fine.” Then he too disappeared, the crowd opening up for him before he was swallowed in its depths.
George made a beeline for the refreshment table and Lucy slunk to a corner. She always hated these events– the fancy dresses, the condescending attitudes of high society. Lucy wished she had been sick; she’d rather be at home, lounging in her pyjamas reading whatever book she could find or practising on Floating Joe and Lady Esmeralda. Unfortunately, she was stuck at a gala and she wasn’t sure she’d be able to leave until a few more hours.
“Ms. Carlyle,” a voice pulled her out of her rapidly spiralling thoughts. It was Inspector Barnes. “Where are your cohorts? Don’t you all normally congregate together?”
Lucy gave him a small smile. “I’m sure George is by the food, Lockwood’s schmoozing, and I’ve no idea where Kipps and Holly have gone.”
“Why are you hiding?” He took a sip of champagne and turned back to look at the people. “Not a fan of these types of events, I presume?”
“You’d be correct.” Lucy began to pick at her nails.
“I’ll leave you be, Ms. Carlyle. Try to enjoy some of the night.” With a flourish, he walked away. Lucy watched as he headed towards the doors. She had a sneaking suspicion he was leaving already and the event had just started an hour ago.
Laughter pulled her out of her thoughts. Lucy looked around for the source and finally spotted it. Lockwood was on the dancefloor, twirling a girl around. Lucy didn’t recognise her. Her hands began to shake and she once again began to pick at her cuticles furiously. She realised she was breathing heavily and took a deep breath. Why was she acting like this? It’s not like she had feelings for Lockwood. He was her boss, her employer, her best friend, her coworker. Yes, she had no right to feel this way. But that still didn’t stop the pit growing in her stomach.
She reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and quickly downed it. This was gonna be a long night.
Holly appeared moments later and frowned when she saw Lucy. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Lucy answered as she watched Lockwood elegantly dip the girl. Why did it feel like the room was getting hotter?
Holly’s eyes followed the direction Lucy was staring in and her gaze eventually landed on Lockwood. “Oh.”
“Oh.” Lucy echoed. Seriously, why was the room so hot? She wondered if she should ask for the AC to be turned up.
“Lucy. Do you think you might like Lockwood?” Holly’s question shook Lucy out of her reverie.
“Of course I like Lockwood. He’s my best friend,” Lucy’s eyebrows were drawn and the corners of her mouth downturned. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“Okay, let me rephrase this. Lucy, are you in love with Lockwood?”
It was like all the breath had been stolen from her, the oxygen she desperately needed rushing out and leaving her breathless. What? There was no way. Absolutely no way. Of course she didn't like Lockwood. He was her best friend- she wasn't in love with her best friend.
Lucy looked at Holly. Holly’s gaze was soft and concerned and Lucy wondered what she looked like. A mess, most likely. Her face was probably flushed and her makeup running from how hot it was in the room.
“Lucy.” Holly’s voice was gentle. “Do you love him?”
“No.” It came out as a feeble whisper; it was a lie. Maybe if she lied to everyone else, she’d believe it herself. “I don’t. I can’t possibly. He’s my best friend, Holly.”
“I know that.” Holly wrapped an arm around her. “But you two have been dancing around each other for years now.”
“No. No, we haven’t.” Lucy stiffened and Holly dropped her arm. “Lockwood doesn’t like me like that. He doesn’t feel that way. He sees me as a friend and employee, nothing more and nothing less.”
“But–”
“Just drop it, Holly,” Lucy begged. She hated how she could feel tears prickling at the back of her eyes. “He barely looked at me when we came down and now he’s enjoying himself while I’m over here being miserable. What’s to like about a girl like that?”
“Lucy–”
“Please.” It was a plea and Holly turned to see Lockwood brushing a kiss against the girl’s knuckles. “Just stop.”
Her eyes landed on Lucy and Lucy gave her a watery smile. Holly felt her heart breaking for the girl. Lockwood and Lucy had been through so much, but their feelings for each other had never been spoken. As Holly mused about their relationship, Lucy’s voice penetrated her mind.
“I was right.”
“What?” Holly frowned.
“He doesn’t like me like that, Holly.” Lucy’s voice trembled and a tear slipped down her cheek. Lucy brushed it away hastily. “It’s fine. I wouldn’t like me either, if I was him.”
Before Holly could say anything, Lucy rushed off. She watched Lucy go, torn between following her and giving Lockwood a right bollocking. So, she chose.
Holly found Lucy in the bathroom. She opened her makeup pouch and pulled out a makeup wipe. She quickly cleaned Lucy’s face; Lucy didn’t even react. She was staring blankly.
“Do you want to go home, Lucy?”
“Yeah. But you can stay. Just tell Lockwood that I wasn’t feeling too good. It’s not too far off from the truth.” Lucy held up her hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Holly could only watch as she left. When she returned to the ballroom, she found the boys standing at a table. Kipps looked bored out of his mind and Lockwood was a bundle of energy. George had somehow stained his shirt and Holly joined the three.
“Where’s Luce?” Lockwood asked, gazing around in search of his Listener.
“She was feeling unwell. She went home.” Holly watched Lockwood’s reaction closely.
He frowned. “By herself? What if she runs into trouble? I should go too.”
Holly reached out and placed a hand on his arm. “Just let her be. She’ll be fine. She wanted us to enjoy the party anyway.”
“Not much to enjoy,” Kipps grumbled.
As the night dragged on, Holly watched as Lockwood seemed fairly different from his earlier self. She knew he was occupied with thoughts of Lucy. Holly sighed; Lucy and Lockwood wouldn’t know they liked one another unless they said it aloud. She rubbed her temples. She had work to do.