When they entered the event Helena was instantly engulfed by friends and associates armed with multiple air kisses, all eager to be introduced to her date.  Alexa was more than a little overwhelmed, she chatted politely to the stream of people as they mingled but mostly she watched Helena work the room, admiring her confidence and easy charm she displayed to all around her.  Alexa was reminded of the night they’d met, the way Helena had caught her eye not just with her beauty but with her whole persona as she gave that fateful lecture.  But whilst this side of Helena still held massive allure it couldn’t help but emphasise her insecurities about their relationship.

Alexa had never been the first to mingle at the party, to break away from her tight group of friends and work a crowd of strangers.  She liked the security of those she knew which wasn’t to say she wasn’t sociable or she didn’t like to meet new people; she just despised the fake air to it all and lacked the confidence for networking.  She thought of her chat with Alice who was eager to spill the secrets of Helena’s ex-girlfriend Katharine.  Apparently she and Helena had spent their time attending every event in L.A and sometimes enjoyed hosting grand parties for two hundred people.  Would she ever feel entirely comfortable in these circles that Helena thrived in? Or would she always feel this way, ever so slightly inadequate and suddenly so very young?

Peggy stood with her Chairman Randolph Duke across the other side of the room, observing the couple from afar.  ‘It looks as if Helena and her new belle have created quite a stir,’ commented Randolph. 

‘Hmm..’ Peggy murmured as the couple turned towards them and Alexa caught her eye shyly. 

‘You like her don’t you?’ said Randolph, catching Peggy’s smile and nod back to her.

‘I’ve met her once, for now I reserve judgement,’ said Peggy, protective of her fierce reputation.

‘

‘Harry hi, it’s been so long,’ said Helena as Harry air kissed her cheek.  ‘This is my girlfriend Alexa.’  Harry kissed her too and Alexa found she liked the smart, middle-aged man, just for his kind eyes.

‘How are you Alexa, do you find these things as torturous as I do?’