Gracious

12

𝒥𝒶𝓃𝑒

As the dance concludes, Jack and I part ways, the lingering warmth of his words still tingling in my mind. My heart races with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty as I join the girls, who have gathered at the edge of the dance floor.

"Watching you two dance with real men gives me such a thrill! Ugh!" Millie smiles before her gaze falls on me. "Are you alright, Jane?" She asks, concern evident in her voice.

I offer her a reassuring smile, though my thoughts are still consumed by Jack's declaration. "I'm fine, just a bit lost in thought," I reply, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions churning within me.

Lottie gives me a curious glance, sensing that something is amiss. "What's on your mind, Janey?" she inquires, her brow furrowing slightly.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before I speak. "Jack... he said something to me during the dance," I confess, feeling a blush creeping into my cheeks as I recall his words.

Millie's eyes widen with interest, and she leans in closer, eager to hear more. "What did he say?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.

"He told me that he finds me... beguiling," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper as I repeat Jack's words. "He said that there's something about me that's utterly captivating, and that from the moment he first met me, he couldn't help but be drawn to me."

Amelia's eyes widen with surprise, while Lottie lets out a low whistle, clearly impressed by Jack's bold declaration.

"He sounds smitten," Millie remarks, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "What did you say?"

I bite my lip, unsure of how to respond. "I... I didn't really have a chance to say anything," I admit, feeling a pang of regret at my missed opportunity. "The dance ended before I could reply."

"Well, it sounds like you've made quite an impression on him," Amelia observes, offering me a reassuring smile.

I nod, "Perhaps," I murmur, my mind already racing. I shake my head and ask, trying to shift the focus away from my own swirling emotions, "Have either of you heard of the language of fans?"

The girls exchange curious glances, intrigued by my sudden change in topic.

"The language of fans?" Lottie repeats, her interest piqued. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, you see," I begin, trying to keep my tone casual, "Jack mentioned it to me during our dance. He said that there's a whole language associated with fans."

The girls exchange knowing glances, sensing that there's more to the story than I'm letting on.

"Why the sudden interest in fan language, Jane?" Lottie inquires, her curiosity evident in her voice.

I feel a blush creeping into my cheeks as I recall the intimate nature of Jack's words. "Oh, no reason," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

But Millie isn't convinced, and she gives me a knowing look. "Come on, Janey," she presses, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "There's something you're not telling us."

I take a deep breath,"Well, you see, I had my fan to my lips, and then he started laughing and—"

Before I can finish my confession, I look up to find Lottie and Amelia exchanging amused glances, their lips curling into knowing smiles.

"Well, Jane," Lottie begins, her voice teasing, "do you know what that gesture means in the language of fans?"

I furrow my brow, feeling a knot of uncertainty forming in the pit of my stomach. "Um, no, I don't," I admit, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.