Games, Part Two

anastasia was lead by the maitre d' to a table with a great view of both the band and the dance floor. Coincidentally, this table also provide the other club patrons a great view of anastasia. anastasia thought perhaps this arrangement wasn't coincidental at all. she felt Frederick's hand at work here.

sta ordered a martini, which she sipped as she listened to the band work its way through numerous pieces of music. she could barely keep herself in her seat. she wanted to glide across the dance floor. she wanted to spin and twirl and to feel like she was flying. she loved to dance and couldn't believe she was missing out as other dancers went whizzing by. Where is Frederick, she wondered as she waited.

Frederick is rarely late and never without good reason. The problem is: sta doesn't know what the reason is, and she is getting bored while waiting. sta was well aware this could lead to trouble. Where is Frederick? He knows I can't stand to be alone, particularly with nothing to do, she thought to herself, already preparing to use this argument with Him after whatever mischief she was about to get into.

At that moment, a waiter arrived with another martini. (sta couldn't remember when she had finished the first one, but it was empty now.) "Courtesy of the gentleman," the young man explained as he nodded towards a table across the floor. sta looked where the young man had indicated and saw a handsome man in a dark suit watching her. He wore his dark hair in a short style (as would be expected in the time period) and appeared to be in good shape under that suit. He looked masculine without looking rough. Probably is or has been in the military, she mused. she lifted her glass in his direction and smiled a "thank you" at him. The man smiled and nodded his head before turning away to speak with another gentleman sta hadn't noticed at first seated at the same table.

That was quite a nice gesture, she thought, briefly wondering who the man was, what he was discussing with the other gentleman, and what it was that had made him decide to send her a drink. Did he know her? Did he see her and appreciate everything she had done to look good tonight? Did he just like to buy random women drinks? sta usually didn't dwell on such things, but she had little else to do at the moment. In fact, she got so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even realize the man in the dark suit must have gotten up from his table and was now standing beside her.

"May I have this dance?," he asked, extending his hand.

sta hesitated. she knew Frederick always preferred to have the first and last dance of the evening. It was just the way things were supposed to be. Of course, that's really not a rule. It's more of a guideline, she told herself. Besides, this guy is good-looking and I'll bet he can dance. In any case, I'm sure Frederick won't mind since I did have to wait such a long time for Him.

"Yes. I'd love to," sta replied, as she rose from her seat and took his hand.

The handsome gentleman introduced himself, "Thank you. I'm Anthony."

"I'm anastasia. Very nice to meet you, Anthony."