"So, you're buying tonight, right?" Dena grinned. Ariane chuckled.
"Let those pompous windbags pay tonight. I just want to get home."
"I hear you. What are you wearing tonight?"
"What I'm wearing now."
"You're joking, right?" Dena turned to her friend.
"Nope. Why change? I'm comfortable."
Dena studied her friend. Ariane's hair hadn't been cut in two years and was just past her waist, in a messy braid. The pink tank top was faded and dusty. Her cutoffs were falling apart.
"You're funny."
"I'm serious."
"You are *not* going into that party tonight dressed like that."
"Why not?"
"Other than the fact we just made what could be the largest historical discovery in this century, proof of the ancient Greek gods existence, and the entire world will be watching us tonight?" Dena asked, one eyebrow raised.
“This hotel rocks." Court strolled in with Quinn.
"Quinn, hate to ditch you, but this is an emergency. Girls only, we're going shopping. Ariane plans to wear that to the party tonight."
"How interesting." Quinn chuckled. Ariane glared at him.
"We're going shopping? In Athens? Cool!" Court exclaimed. Ariane groaned.
"Come on, girls. It's shopping time." Dena grabbed her wallet.
* * *
Dena also made Ariane get her hair trimmed and styled for the party. Court went crazy, buying everything she could, laughing and giggling. Ariane was pleased to see her sister so happy.
When they had been taken shopping with their mother, it was a very formal affair and took forever. The girls ran through the shops picking out stuff at random that caught their eye. The saleswomen chuckled at the sight of them. Dena had given Ariane a different shirt to wear so she wouldn't look like a beggar off the streets.
"What was that about living on a budget?" Ariane razzed her sister. Court looked stricken.
"That doesn't start yet, does it?" Court demanded. Laughing, Ariane shook her head no.
Ariane hung back as Court raced through the stores, delighted at every turn. Finally, they made their way up to formal dresses for the night's event. Ariane ignored the bridal section off to the left. The dream of along, fancy white gown evaporated one night years ago.
"Ohh, what color should I wear?" Court demanded, looking over the racks of designer dresses.
"I like you in green. Makes your eyes look . . . ethereal." Dena said, and Court started hunting. Their packages were piling up in the back.
"I'll just, uh...sit over there while you guys are trying stuff on."
"Hey, it's your night too, get off your butt." Dena told her. Ariane sighed.
"Just pick me something out, ok?"
"All right." Dena vanished into the racks of dresses. Ariane could see the top of Court's head, hunting for a dress.
“Here we go. It's perfect for you." Dena reappeared and Ariane's mouth fell open. Dena held up a frothy gown, Pepto Bismol pink, covered in yards of ruffles and lace.
"It's a Scarlett O'Hara‑styled gown." Dena announced proudly. Ariane stared in horror and disgust. "Apparently the old plantation style is coming back."
"It's a Scarlett O'Hara reject " Ariane responded.
"Well, either get up and find your own dress or I'll buy it for you."
"Oh gods." Ariane hauled herself out of her chair and started looking.
There was an assortment of colors, fabrics and styles, and designers and Ariane just wandered. Glancing at her watch she was amazed to see it read 4 o' clock. They were going to have to hurry.
"Hey, speed it up!" she called, wandering towards the section of blue dresses. Her favorite color, maybe she should buy a nice dress. Maybe it was time to let them see Ariane Rince in something other than dirt.
* * *
"I hate this formality crap." Ariane muttered, slipping her earrings on. Four small sapphire earrings in each ear.
"But you look great," Dena grinned. Ariane rolled her eyes.
"Maybe some young stud will be there and I can go home with him," Ariane said sarcastically. Dena chuckled.
"Well, a little late night activity might do you some good," she said saucily, darting out of her friend's reach.
"Okay, I think I'm ready," Court came out of the bathroom, her skirt rustling. Ariane turned, startled to see how grown up her sister looked.
Court's long hair was swept up into a magnificent french twist, held in place with diamond clips. Two short tendrils fell next to her face. Swathed a glittery silver gown, with a full skirt, cap sleeves and tight bodice that pushed her breasts up into display. Around her neck glittered a thick diamond necklace.
"Wow," Dena marveled.
"You look . . . old," Ariane said.
“Old?" Courtney asked.
"I mean, older. You look great, sis. Quinn will be floored," Ariane smiled. Courtney's eyes lit up.
"You think so?"
"If he isn't, he's an oak," Ariane remarked. Dena chuckled.
"You look fabulous, Ariane. I've never seen you in anything but cutoffs and mud." Court grinned. Ariane shifted uncomfortably. Compliments always made her uneasy. "Wasn't even sure you were a woman under there."
"Thanks," Ariane said awkwardly.
The head of the archeology team had finally chosen a gown of sapphire blue taffeta. With a full, ballroom skirt, tight bodice, straight neckline, it also lifted her bosom to be shown off. Leaving most of her shoulders bare, it had long, flowing sleeves. Ariane had taken the coin Artemis had given her, and put it on a chain. The gold gleamed against her tanned skin. Long waves of gold hair were curled and pulled up, cascading down her back.
"Very Renaissance. It's you," Dena approved. Ariane hadn't let her see it earlier and Dena had been worried Ariane was pranking her.
"Thanks, Mom," Ariane said sarcastically.
Dena had chosen peach silk. A simple, stunning sheath gown with spaghetti straps. A filmy, matching wrap was draped over her arms. Her dark hair was down and naturally curly, falling into perfect waves and curls around her lovely face. The only jewelry she wore was a matching gold chain and bracelet.
"Exquisite as always, Dena," Ariane smiled.
"Thanks. We about ready?"
"Quinn said he'd meet us down there."
Court touched up her pale lipstick. Ariane's heart raced. Aric would be here. He was the reason she had chosen the dress. She had to get him alone tonight and tell him she loved him. They were leaving for Milan in two days, and Ariane knew tomorrow would be full. No, tonight was her last chance to get to him.
"Let's go, ladies. Be ready for the camera, Court. There will be lights popping everywhere," Dena warned.
"I'm so excited!" Courtney was glowing with youth and life. Ariane wished she could go back in time and erase the last few years. Right before the elevator opened, to reveal them to the world, Ariane turned to her friends.
“I'm going to tell Aric I love him tonight. I knew it when you were in the temple, Court. I have to tell him tonight."
Before Dena could answer, the doors opened. There was no time now to tell Ariane that Aric might be with someone else. She would have to find out on her own.
The flashes went off as the media turned to greet the women. Quinn quickly intercepted Court and easily charmed the media. Earlier in the day he had had his hair cut shorter. Not as short as Aric's, but no longer did it touch his broad shoulders. Courtney was instantly at ease with his arm around her as he led the women into the ballroom. They would be seated at the table of honor, with Aric. Ariane strained to see him, trying to smile for the cameras.
Finally two people moved and there he was, in a tux, talking to someone, smiling. At his side, arm wrapped through his, stood a much shorter, elegantly dressed woman.
Aric looked up and his breath caught in his throat. Ravishing in sapphire blue, she stood only a few feet away. The look on her face was unreadable, but she was headed for him. Never had she looked more beautiful, he thought, his heart breaking all over again. Then she was turning, moving away.
Turning around, she was caught by Thomkins, who introduced her to someone. She shook their hand, her head spinning. What a fool she was. What had made her think Aric would still want her? The way he'd had his arm around that woman's waist . . . there was no place for her now. She had blown it.
Ariane was caught in a sea of faces, names and flash bulbs. Zombie‑like, she stood, trying to smile, greet people and play her role. Dena and Court, separated from her by the crowd, knew what had happened but couldn't get to her.
When the time came to be seated, Ariane was horrified to learn Aric's date would be sitting at the table with them. And she was on his other side. With barely a word spoken to her, Aric was his usual charming self, smiling to everyone, exchanging pleasantries and teasing Court.
Quinn knew what his brother was up to. Whether or not this was his girlfriend, Aric wouldn't say. But Quinn knew his twin so well, he saw through the act. Deep in Aric's eyes, Quinn saw the pain his brother was suffering. Aric didn't believe Quinn that Ariane still loved him. This woman was a test. If Ariane really wanted to be with him, she would make it known.
But Ariane ignored the couple all together, regained her composure, and tried to stay close to Dena, Court and Quinn all night. Sad to see what was happening, Quinn wanted the night to be over. He had special plans for Courtney.
Throughout the night, the questions, the pictures, Dena was amazed how well Ariane behaved. So far, her friend hadn't punched Aric, or insulted the woman, what was her name again...Sally? In fact, Ariane was behaving too well.
Finally, the night was ending and people left. Ariane made a hasty exit as soon as she could. Quinn watched Aric leave with Sally.
"Well, I'll see you two in the morning. Stay out of trouble." Dena hugged Quinn and slipped something into his pocket before heading to the elevator.
* * *
Fool. Idiot. Blockhead. Idiot. Dimwit. Dingbat. Dumbbell. Ninny. Dolt. Ariane thought to herself.
Ariane stood outside on the balcony of their suite. Courtney wouldn't be in tonight, she knew that. Dena would be out late, probably. And Aric . . . was gone. She had waited too long. Pride had taken the one man she had ever wanted.
"You'd better not be planning on jumping," Dena said. Ariane turned.
"No. I'm not that desperate."
"Hit you pretty hard, didn't it?" Dena asked. Ariane nodded.
"Yeah, well, it's my own fault."
"True." Dena grinned mischievously. "Hey I'm gonna order some hideously expensive dessert from room service and charge it to the room. Want anything?"
"No, thanks. I'm just gonna stand out here for a while. The air is nice tonight," Ariane replied, leaning against the rail. Down below, Athens was starting to fall asleep.
After ordering the dessert, on a whim, Dena rang Aric's room. When he answered, he sounded half asleep.
"Aric?" she asked softly. Keeping an eye on Ariane, Dena spoke quickly. "Am I disturbing you?"
"Not really. I was contemplating the thought of getting drunk. There are about fifteen bottles of champagne down here and I'm on the second."
"Are you alone?"
"Unfortunately. Why? You going to come keep me company?"
Yeah, he was getting drunk all right.
"No. Good night, Aric." Dena hung up and returned to Ariane. "Why don't you go see him?"
"He left with that woman."
"Ariane, don't be an idiot. Go knock on his door."
"I don't think that would be wise."
"I do. I'll drag you down there myself if need be."
"Dena, it's over. I screwed up," Ariane sighed. Shaking her head, Dena went inside, leaving Ariane alone in the night.
A bit later, Dena opened the door for room service and saw Aric with the cart. He pushed it in. His shirt was untucked, tie off and he smiled sheepishly.
"Here's your food," he grinned. Dena laughed.
"Are you drunk?"
"No. Just feeling good," he smiled. Dena held up one hand, closing the door behind him.
"Go out to the balcony. It's a great view. I'll be there in a minute."
"Ok. Dena?"
"Yes?"
"You looked really great tonight."
“Thanks, Aric. Go."
Aric wandered out onto the balcony and paused when he saw Ariane. Her back was to him and her dress was cut low to expose most of it.
"You wore my favorite color tonight," he said. Gasping, she turned and stared at him.
"Are you drunk?" she asked, studying him.
"No. Just caught up in your beauty." Oh shut up, you fool. She's just going to hurt you some more!
"Aric, I...wanted to tell you something tonight."
"Yeah, I could tell. I didn't mean to ignore you all night, I just..."
"Aric, if you were trying to make me jealous it worked," she blurted out.
"It did?" he demanded. The cool night air seemed to refresh him. Stepping forward, Ariane took his hands in hers. Aric marveled at the contact. Voluntarily, she was touching him.
"I‑ l‑" The words stuck in her throat. Her lips moved, but there was no sound. Aric's pleasure turned to vexation.
"What?" he demanded. Ariane couldn't breathe. Pulling his hands free, he turned and left. Knees weak, Ariane reached for the wall.
"I love you," she whispered as he left the suite, slamming the door behind him. Dena found her there a moment later.
"What happened?" she asked. "You didn't tell him did you!"
"I couldn't," Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Ariane, you're a fool!"
"I know," Ariane whispered.
"I give up on you. You go after him right now and tell him you love him."
"He won't listen. I've really done this time," Ariane muttered.
"I oughta smack you for being so dumb! Go!" Dena shoved her friend towards the door. Grabbing her skirt in one hand so she wouldn't trip, Ariane ran after Aric.
* * *
A hundred uncomplimentary names flew through Aric's mind as he slammed his room door shut. How dare she lead him on like that when she had no intention ‑
There was pounding on his room door.
"Aric, please. Let me in," It was her. Ok, he'd let her in. And give her a piece of his mind! Fuming, he nearly tore the door off its hinges.
"You dare to presume‑"
She threw herself at him and pressed her lips against his. After surrendering to his passion for a brief moment, Aric violently shoved her away.
"Get out of here! You will not torment me like this!"
"I'm not trying to! Aric, I don't want to torture you! I love you!" there she had said it. Aric paused, then shook his head.
“No. I'm not going to suffer at your hands anymore. Get out."
"Aric, listen to me. Please. I was wrong. I was a fool. I never should have walked out on you! I was wrong, ok? I know you didn't want that grant! I know you didn't plan to hurt me. I know what an idiot I am. Please, listen!" Tears streamed down her face. Aric's heart softened.
"When I saw you vanish into that mudhole, my heart almost gave out! And it wasn't just because of Courtney. It became clear, Aric. For the first time in years, everything was crystal clear. I love you. I always have. When I thought of you dying down in that hole, my heart broke. Aric, I wanted to tell you when we were down there, when it was just you and me. I tried, and then I got distracted.
"But I saw her, Aric. I saw Artemis. Quinn didn't believe me, but she told me to tell you that I loved you. But you were gone. And I couldn't make myself pick up the phone and call you. I couldn't make myself tell you that over the phone. I was going to tell you tonight; I tried. And then I saw that woman and I thought you were over me, that you had moved on. And I almost died again. Aric, please, please believe me."
"I can't, Ariane. I can't believe you. You've made the seven months sheer hell on me! I can't believe you'd suddenly change your mind!" Moving forward, her soft hands touched his face.
“Aric, it wasn't sudden. I've always known. I just couldn't face it. I was stupid, Aric, to let you go, and the last few months I've been hating myself every minute for it. I can't apologize enough for what I've done to you. But I need you."
"No, you don't." Aric could feel his resolve against her weakening. Even with mascara traces on her delicate cheeks, she was irresistible. Those beautiful eyes, her silky skin, such kissable lips. Stop it you fool. She's pulling you in!
"Aric, please, please just listen. I'm so sorry about everything. At the site, all those years ago, please, please believe me," she whispered, holding his face. Aric moved away from her, shutting the door, leaning against it.
"You're driving me insane," he whispered. Turning to face him, she held onto him tightly.
"I don't mean to. I love you."
“Don't say that. It's cruel."
"It's true," she breathed, kissing his cheek, then his lips. His arms pulled her close to him.
"Don't tease me."
"I'm not. I mean every word of it," she whispered. Praying he wouldn't regret this, Aric crushed her against him.
Aric lay on his side, watching her sleep. Ariane was even more tempestuous and passionate than he remembered. Curled up against him she was fast asleep. Through the curtains of the window he could see the sun beginning to rise. What now? In about thirty‑six hours he was due to leave for Milan. Would she go with them? Would they both regret what had happened?
Questions plaguing him, Aric drifted into sleep.
* * *
Ariane opened the door to their apartment. Dena and Aric were behind her. No one had seen Court or Quinn, but Ariane knew they were off being together in bliss. Aric had let her leave only after she promised repeatedly she wasn't going to disappear. He wanted her to go to Milan with them.
"Wow. It looks like we never left."
"Marcia said she would get some groceries, too," Ariane's eyes roamed over the lush penthouse.
"It feels so weird to be back, after being in that trailer for so long," Dena murmured, setting her suitcase down.
"No kidding." Ariane walked over to her mantle, where there was picture of her and Dena at their graduation, surrounded by various nicknacks from around the world. So much had changed. But tonight, she would sleep in a real bed, her own bed.
* * *
"What are you going to do?" Aric asked. Ariane swallowed.
"I need to . . . reconcile myself, Aric, with everything. Being back in civilization, being with you again."
"What are you saying? Ariane, if you break it off again I swear‑" Ariane put her fingers against his lips.
"No. I'm not. But I want you to go to Milan without me. By the time you get back, I'll have everything straightened out."
Aric took a deep breath.
"Meaning? What if you change your mind again?"
"I won't," she smiled at him, but his eyes were frigid.
"I told you no more games, Ariane."
"This isn't a game, Aric!" she protested. Aric rose.
"Your sister has the itinerary for where we'll be. But maybe I won't be back."
Before Ariane could speak he was gone.
* * *
Court snuggled against Quinn on the train to Milan, in their private cabin. After a romantic evening, Quinn had made her a woman. While it wasn’t the earth shattering experience she had read about in romance novels, Quinn had made her happy and warm, and safe after the initial pain. Aric sat across from them, eyes unfocused as he stared out the window. Ariane would change her mind again. He knew her too well. Forget it. The older twin wouldn't be coming back to Greece. Ever.
The train pulled out and Aric withheld his tears. To be forever alone was his destiny and there was nothing he could do about it.
The door to their cabin was flung open, startling the trio. They looked up to see an out of breath Ariane in the doorway.
“There's a judge two cabins down. Marry me, Aric. Right now," she said.