GALE KAPUR & GENEVIEVE ALBRECHT (shall we finish?)
As if remembering where they were, Gale blinked and looked around -- as if suddenly, the chandeliers were coming back into sharp focus, the din of the talk and clamor of food and too much wine, the bright colors of each gown as they floated past her, heels clacking on marble floors. This was her engagement party; it would not do for her to stay here much longer. Gale's face smoothed itself from its momentary lapse into her true emotions, twisting back into that porcelain smile, both cold and congenial at the same time.
"Thank you," she said. It somehow seemed appropriate. "For -- speaking to me. Even if nothing comes to pass of this, I am grateful that -- there was at least one person who listens." And though she was not sure what possessed her, Gale impulsively reached for Genevieve's hand and gave it a squeeze. She just as quickly let it go, as if surprised at herself; she had never been one for physical touch and affection. But somehow, it had felt right.
With a deep curtsy, Gale made her leave to return to her party.