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Tim really wasn’t that excited about this gala. He knew everyone else would be there with their significant others. He had invited Genny to tag along but it definitely wasn’t his first choice for a “date”.
He walked into the venue with Genny right behind him and his eyes immediately scanned the room. He didn’t see her, so he turned back to Genny.
“You know, you’re being a little obvious,” she jokes.
“What are you talking about?” Trying to play it stupid and like he hadn’t just told her everything about their breakup and how he still feels about her the day prior.
“I know those eyes. You’re looking for her.”
Tim just rolled his eyes before they were thankfully, interrupted by Angela and Wesley.
“Hey! Look at you!” Angela says as she’s giving Genny a hug. The two men share a handshake.
“So, where is she?” Angela smirks looking up at Tim.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tim shrugs.
“Oh you know exactly what I’m talking about. Who I’m talking about.”
“And on that note, I’m going to get a drink. Genny you want anything?”
“Yeah, I’ll come with you. It was nice to see you both, we’ll have to catch up more later,” the two women share a wink and smirk, earning an eye roll from Tim.
As they were walking the few feet to the bar, that’s when Tim spots her. She came with Celina and a guy, who he’s never seen but is assuming is her date. Lucy and Genny spot each other too and Genny glances over at Tim before making their way over to her.
“Hi. You look amazing.” Lucy smiles as she hugs Genny.
“So do you.” Genny says as they pull apart.
“She always does.” Tim is obviously checking her out, earning a quick look from Genny, as well as from Lucy who gives him a smile with a blush to go along with it.
The two women chat for a few minutes, leaving Tim just standing there listening. He can’t take his eyes off of Lucy. She’s always gorgeous to him, but there’s something about her tonight that’s glowing. That’s when he sees it.
The necklace. The necklace he would’ve assumed she threw away. The necklace he had given her last Valentine’s Day when he was thinking about proposing to her only a few months from then.
He’s snapped out of it when he hears Genny calling his name.
“Earth to Tim? I asked if you’re ready to get a drink?”
“Oh umm yeah. Let’s go.”
Genny and Lucy exchange another smile before she walks away. Tim can’t help but watch her walk away before eventually catching up to Genny. He knows tonight’s the night he finally wants to talk to her, hopefully she’s ready too.
•••
The night went on and Tim was still waiting for the right time to talk to Lucy. He was the one who screwed it up and wanted to respect her boundaries but he was ready to start trying to get his girl back.
“You should ask her to dance,” Genny says to him giving him a nudge.
“I second that,” Angela says from the other side of the table with a smirk.
Lucy was sitting at the table next to them. He found himself unable to stop looking at her and even caught himself smiling a few times. The DJ had now opened up the dance floor and couples were slowly but surely making their way out there.
Tim looked over once more to see her sitting at the table by herself, fidgeting her hands, something she often did when he was anxious. That’s when he decided to make his move. He stood up from his chair and made his way over.
“Hey, can I sit?” Lucy looks up at him with a smile before nodding.
Tim sat and neither said anything. They both hated how awkward things still were, but Tim was determined to change that.
“I meant what I said earlier, you look amazing and always do.” As much as she maybe tried, she couldn’t stop blushing.
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.” She smirks.
“Lucy, can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” she answers nervously.
“Why did you keep it?” His eyes moving to the necklace.
“I couldn’t get myself to get rid of it. As mad as I was at you there was always a part of me that hoped we fix this… us and so I kept it.”
“What made you decide to wear it tonight?”
“I see all the work you’re putting in. I know words have never been the easiest for you but I know you’re trying. We do still need to talk but Tim, I appreciate everything you’re doing so much.”
“I really am trying Luce. I’m trying to be the man I need to be not only for myself, but for you. To be the man you deserve who shows you the love you deserve. To show you I’m not going to walk away again when it gets hard.”
“I know and I’m so proud of you.” She grabs his hand that’s resting on the table and gives it a squeeze.
They fall into silence again, the only difference is this time it isn’t awkward. There’s a peace surrounding them that hasn’t been there in so many months.
All of a sudden, “All of Me” by John Legend starts playing. Tim looks over at Lucy with a glimmer of hope in his eyes,
“May I have this dance?” He holds out his hand, only takes her a few seconds to place her hand in his. They stand up and make their way to the dance floor, ignoring Genny, Angela and everyone else who has their eyes on them smirking.
They start swaying to the music, both unable to resist staring at each other.
“It’s true Lucy. All of me loves all of you. I’m not expecting you to say it back yet, I know I need to work hard and prove to you that this… that you’re it for me but I will do whatever it takes as long as it takes.”
We’re going to get through this, Tim.” He pulls her into a hug where they stay for a few minutes, before pulling away slightly and swaying to the music, together.