Gina had been looking forward to visiting her former sorority sister Anna for weeks. Gina had moved to rural Missouri for work after they graduated from college several years ago, and while Anna had been enjoying life in Dallas, Gina suffered from the lack of social options in small town life. Tonight, Anna had promised to introduce Gina to a few of her friends and, as luck would have it, there was an art gallery opening taking place downtown at a gallery run by a friend of Anna's. Gina came prepared, with the requisite black cocktail dress - hoping to at least turn a few heads as they had years ago in college, and as Gina had not done much of since.
Arriving at the Gallery along with the crowd, the valet was backed up for a couple of blocks. Nichols' Gallery is at street level of a large turn of the century downtown building, 18 stories converted primarily to residential use. Anna seemed to know everyone in the hip crowd, moving from small group to small group, introducing Gina around. The artwork was a bit confusing - abstract, lacking in color or shape, but amusing to admire. Gina enjoyed watching the people better, feeling a few men (and perhaps a few ladies) looking her over, she was glad to be back in form. She teased Anna about being able to guess which of the men have slept with Anna. The knowing look in Anna's eyes told Gina that she was fairly accurate.
Over the course of the evening, Gina noticed one man whom everyone seemed to know, and respect. He was tall, at least 6'4", late 30s or early 40s, clearly comfortable with the crowd and genuinely enjoyed mingling. It might be her imagination, or wishful thinking, but Gina believed that she caught him looking her way a few times, perhaps because she was nearly the only person in the room whom he didn't know by name. She caught Anna watching him as well. At some point, Anna's hand pressed to the small of Gina's back as she steered Gina toward him. "Carson" Anna said as she kissed his cheek, "I'd like for your to meet a college friend of mine, Gina. Gina, this is Carson Halloran." Carson smiled at Gina in a way that made her feel genuinely welcome. "What do you think of tonight's artist?" he asked, as he gently, but clearly intentionally, replaced Anna's hand with his own in the small of Gina's back, guiding her away from Anna and toward a large painting. Gina just barely caught a look from Anna . . not certain if she was amused, concerned, or jealous. It didn't matter, as Gina was enjoying being the momentary focus of Carson's attention.
For the next 15 minutes or so, Gina found herself the entire focus of Carson's attention. He even seemed slightly annoyed at having to greet his other friends as he showed Gina various pieces of art and asked about her visit, her work . . life in general. Another gentleman came up to Carson as they were examining one of the few sculptures in this exhibit. Carson apologized for needing to take care of something, leaving Gina standing there .. alone.
Immediately, Anna was beside Gina. "So, Carson seems to have an interest in you" she nearly blurted in Gina's ear - with a look on her face that Gina recognized as one of experience. Clearly Anna was, or had been, intimate with Carson - but didn't seem exactly jealous. She explained that the Halloran family is one of the most affluent, and most benevolent, of the major Dallas families. Apparently, Carson owns the building that houses the gallery, and lives on the top floor. Just as Gina was about to ask Anna about her history with Carson, he returned, looking much less frustrated than when he had left, and carrying two fresh drinks.
"I hope Anna hasn't been filling your head with too many lies about me" he laughed, winking at Anna, but ever so casually slipping an arm around Gina in a familiar way. Gina was surprised, not only by his approach, but also by her reaction, that she didn't mind, even though his act seemed to almost signal to the entire male population in the room that she was now "off limits."
All three chatted for a bit, then Anna excused herself to the ladies room. Alone with Carson, he asked Gina if she'd visited Dallas often. He seemed pleased to hear that she'd not spent much time here. "Anna may have told you, but I live on the top floor of this building. I renovated that specific space because of the spectacular views of the city that it provides. I'd love to share it with you, show you a view of the city most don't get to see." Despite recognizing this as a "line", Gina found herself wanting to go with him, wanting to see where this might lead. "Sure" she answered, almost without thinking. She was both shocked and pleased when Carson immediately guided her toward the door. They were outside before it dawned on Gina that Anna has no idea where they went.
The doorman at the main entrance to the old building greeted Carson by name, allowing them both into the immaculately renovated lobby. Carson held the elevator open for Gina, using his cardkey to gain access to the top floor. As the doors closed, Carson's hand slid from the small of Gina's back around her waist, hugging her casually to him, smiling over at her as they both rode silently to the top floor.