Chapter 8: The Party, the Pull, and the Problem
1065 Words
The night bloomed in soft lights and murmured jazz. Long tables stretched across the garden, draped in gold and cream. Waiters moved through the guests with practiced grace, topping glasses and clearing plates.
It was the kind of party that whispered old money without shouting it.
Jane stayed near the edge at first, sipping a glass of champagne she didn't really want. She watched the scene—the Davis family mingling effortlessly, guests laughing politely, music weaving through it all.
Then came a familiar sound.
"Dr. Jane!"
She turned, almost spilling her drink.
"Jayden. Jordan," she smiled as the twins sprinted toward her in matching blue suits, ties loose already.
"Thanks for coming!" Jayden beamed, hugging her.
"You promised!" Jordan added.
Behind them, a few older cousins peered curiously.
"This is her," Jayden said proudly. "She's the doctor who helped Jose!"
"She's cool, huh?" Jordan added, already tugging at Jane's arm. "Come meet everyone else!"
Jane chuckled, letting them pull her along. "Alright, alright. I'm coming."
The twins paraded her around the garden like she was a celebrity guest. The Davis relatives were impressed—first with her charm, then with her intellect.
And then came Pettró.
Tall. Dark suit. Clean cut with a cheeky grin. The second-born son of the family. Known for his flirtation and effortless charisma.
"Dr. Thompson," he said smoothly, stepping in her path. "I've heard far too much about you tonight."
Jane offered a polite smile. "Good things, I hope."
"The best," he said, eyes lingering. "I almost feel like I should fall ill just to be under your care."
Jane raised an eyebrow, amused but cautious.
"Careful," she teased lightly. "I'm expensive."
He laughed. "My kind of doctor."
From across the garden, Jose watched.
Glass in hand. Expression unreadable. But her eyes… her eyes didn't move from her brother and Jane.
Pettró leaned closer, voice softer. "You dance?"
"Not usually," Jane said, glancing around.
"Make an exception?"
Before she could answer, a small voice interrupted.
"Dr. Jane!" Jordan appeared again, tugging at her hand. "Come see the fireworks with us!"
"Oh!" Jayden chimed in. "There's a perfect view by the balcony!"
Jane turned to Pettró with an apologetic smile. "Saved by the twins."
He chuckled. "For now."
As Jane let herself be led away, she felt Jose's gaze burning into her back, the kind of look that feels like she had sent the twins.
Later that night.
The fireworks had ended. Guests were scattered, some dancing under string lights, others sipping wine near heaters. The night had turned cooler.
Jane stepped out onto the private balcony off the main lounge, needing air.
And there she was.
Jose. Alone. Leaning against the railing in a sleek velvet maroon dress, her hair tied loosely back, curls tumbling down.
Their eyes met. Again.
Always.
Jose took a breath. "Enjoying the party?"
"It's beautiful," Jane said, walking toward her slowly. "Your family knows how to throw one."
Jose's gaze drifted to the garden. "They try."
A pause.
"Pettró likes you."
Jane smirked. "You noticed?"
Jose gave her a side glance. "The twins won't shut up about it either."
Jane laughed softly. "I wasn't flirting, if that's what you're wondering."
Jose looked down at the railing, fingers curling around the edge.
"I wasn't wondering."
Liar.
Jane stepped closer. "I should be honest. He's charming. But…"
"But?"
"I don't really see him."
Jose turned her head to look at her. "What do you see?"
Jane hesitated. The music below faded. The wind teased at her blazer. Her heart thudded too loudly in her ears.
"I see someone who hides behind sarcasm and stunning dresses… but looks at me like she's trying not to fall."
Jose blinked.
A breath. "Jane…"
Just then, the door opened.
It was Mrs. Davis, looking radiant and motherly. "There you two are! Jane, dear, I've been looking everywhere. Everyone keeps asking where our amazing doctor went."
Jane stepped back slightly from Jose, clearing her throat. "I just needed some air."
Jose's mother smiled, stepping onto the balcony. "Well, I hope the air isn't all you needed." She gave a knowing glance between them—warm, harmless, but somehow too sharp for comfort.
"I also came to steal her for a quick toast," she added. "Jonathan's calling everyone inside."
Jose nodded, suddenly distant. "Go ahead. I'll be in soon."
As Jane followed her out, she stole one last glance at Jose over her shoulder.
Their eyes met again.
That same electricity.
That same tension buzzing just under the surface—unspoken, but undeniable.
Inside the ballroom.
The family gathered for the toast, champagne flutes raised, soft laughter rippling through the crowd.
Jonathan, the eldest, stood at the front with his bride-to-be, offering a small speech. Pettró lingered nearby, eyes occasionally drifting toward Jane. She pretended not to notice.
The twins stood proudly on either side of her, whispering things like:
"You looked cool earlier."
"Jordan thinks Pettró's into you."
"Do you like anyone?"
Jane smiled, distracted. She was thinking about the balcony. About Jose's voice. Her eyes. The way her jaw tightened when Pettró was around.
After the toast, Pettró found her again—this time offering her a drink and casually suggesting they "hang out sometime."
Before she could respond, Jose swept past, taking the drink from Jane's hand.
"She doesn't drink much," Jose said calmly, then turned to Jane. "Do you?"
Jane, stunned but amused, raised a brow. "Guess I don't tonight."
Pettró laughed off the interruption, though his eyes narrowed slightly. "Alright then, ladies. I'll see you both around."
As he walked off, Jose turned to Jane. "You should've said no."
"To the drink or your brother?" Jane asked, smirking.
Jose didn't answer.
Because it was both.
Later that night, when the party had thinned and most guests had left, Jane walked back toward the exit where her cab was waiting.
A voice called after her.
"Jane."
She turned.
Jose stood there, heels in her hand now, dress slightly wrinkled, hair loose and wavy from the night's breeze. Her eyes… softer. Tired.
And honest.
"I'm glad you came."
Jane stepped a little closer. "I wasn't sure if I should. I didn't know if…"
"If what?"
"If I'd fit in."
"You didn't."
A beat.
"You stood out."
They stared at each other for a second too long again.
"I'll see you around?" Jane asked quietly.
Jose nodded.
"I hope so."
- Writer
