miracles //

“There are people around that I definitely could do without, but I’m not the type to really name drop them. But what’s my scandal? No, I avoid them for good reason.”

“It’s okay, you’re allowed to be upset... and honestly, it could have been a lot worse, Dom,” she gave him a reassuring smile, not even bothered about him leading her away from her date. “Are you sure you’re my best friend, though? I’m not sure... I don’t think I could ever be friends with someone that trashes Mission: Impossible when they know how much it means to me...” her lips twitched up into a small smile. “How about we compromise? You watch Mission with me, then I forgive you.”

Claire cocked her head to the side as she thought over his words. “That’s very true, but I’m sure I’d hear all about it even if I didn’t stay to see it, you know?” She took another sip of her drink, eyes moving around the crowd and skipping over her date as they did. “And while that does sound like an intriguing idea, I’m not really one for causing scenes or causing drama... by doing something I think I’ll regret, it was more talking to him privately and still managing to wreck shit.”

“This question sounds so ominous, even though it’s probably not supposed to... but true happiness in my career and my personal life, I suppose. Happiness through the jobs I do and through the personal relationships I keep.”

“Smash, obviously. There’s not even a choice.”

“This is a bit of a strange one, but I’ll take it. Or rather, he can keep to himself. Pass.”

“That woman is gorgeous. I think I’d be considered crazy if I ever decided to pass on her. So smash.”

Claire raised an eyebrow at him and cocked her head to the side. “I’m sure he’s great at mathematics, too, Dom, but I am speaking from experience, and while he’s mainly a pretty face, he’s not as bad as you seem to think he is in bed,” she said, completely nonchalantly– it’d only been a one night thing then, and she didn’t really intend for it to be more. She gave him a tight lipped smile after that, though. “Yeah, just a little bit. Mostly annoyed about your Bachelor accusation, but the luxe busts thing all the same.”

With a smile, Claire nodded in agreement at Lydie’s words. “I do believe you’re right. And what’s the fun in sulking alone when you can do it together?” Her words were teasing as she followed Lydie’s gaze over to her date. “I wish I could go back in time and suggest he wear something different. But he was so sweet about it when he sent me pictures to see if I liked it that I couldn’t tell him I hated it.”

“Give me one good reason as to why I shouldn’t ditch this event right now and head home to my couch...” Claire started, lifting her glass of champagne to her lips to take a sip. “I swear, my feet are  killing me, my date has been talking to all of his friends in that corner for the past twenty five minutes and I’m one drink away from doing something I’ll surely regret... that and my couch sounds mighty comfortable.”

Claire mocked him with a gasp. “And you’re admitting it. Should I record that on my phone for evidence?” She grinned at him. “Shush, he is nice. He’s just... very reliant on the stylists who work at the shoots to make him look presentable. It appears he decided to dress himself tonight.” She tore her gaze away from him and back up to Dom, a smile crossing her face as she replied. “Um, likely it’ll be him. He might look like that on the outside, but he’s not so bad in other areas.”

Completely expecting Dom to just give up on trying to save the conversation and to wander off to find someone else, she’s a little surprised to see that he actually tried. “Well thank you, but you’re still a dick,” she gave him a tight lipped smile, though she did appreciate the compliment. “You see that guy over there? White jacket, the uhh... red and white mask?” She almost cringed at the sight of it. “Him. We’ve worked together sometimes. He’s too nice to turn down.”

“I’m not a liar at all, so yes, you most definitely are. And you look gorgeous tonight, too– that dress is beautiful,” she smiled, meaning every single word. Giving out compliments was something she was always happy to do– though she never expected any in return, so she appreciated Brooklyn’s attempt. “Adequate is good.”

Claire shrugged. “Everyone has something to worry about, even if you say you don’t,” she explained. “And of course not– I don’t think there’s anything about yourself to be ashamed of. You’re lovely, Brook.”

Claire scoffed and shook her head, averting her gaze to anywhere in the room but him. “There you go again, being a dick. I’m trying to be nice, apologies for trying,” she muttered. “And thank you so much. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear tonight.”