‘ 𝐈’𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐄, thank you.’ eleanor forces a small smile towards the waiter before grabbing the flute from his tray, knowing that if she was going to make it through the next hour she would need whatever help she could get. she hadn’t expected for tonight to turn into such a disaster, but luck --- as always --- was not on her side. after being picked up over a half hour late by her date, she quickly concluded that the man her friend had set her up with for the dean’s ball wasn’t going to be a good one. not only had he been pawing at her since their arrival, but it seemed he favored his alcohol a little too much for her liking. now here she was, mingling with a few professors while he rambled on about god knows what as she desperately tries to keep her smiling composure. it’s not until he grabs her around the waist for the fifth time tonight that she finally has enough, pulling his touch away from her softly in hopes he doesn’t make a scene. ‘ i need some air, i’ll be right back,’ she states, quickly making her way towards the other side of the large ballroom before she has a chance to hear his reply. she knows the back entrance isn’t far, something she took note of when they got here ( assuming that a quick exit would be in order with how things were going so far ) and not long after going down a small corridor, she’s greeted by a black door with an exit sign on it. pushing it open, a breath of relief escapes her lips as she steps foot out onto the terrace, glad to have a few moments to herself. while the air is a tad chilly, she’ll take the slight discomfort in exchange for a bit of peace as she leans against the brick wall. she knows that if sarah could see her now, brushing her designer gown on such a surface, she would be livid. unfortunately, eleanor can’t find it in herself to care, especially after the blind date from hell she set her up with. taking a sip from her glass, she closes her eyes for a moment and relishes the silence around her. it doesn’t last long though, blue eyes flickering to the sound of the door opening and... oh. ‘ james. hey.’ she straightens her posture as she takes in the view of him in a tux, trying to disregard the butterflies swarming in her stomach at such a gorgeous sight. ‘ i didn’t see you inside... are you looking for a place to hide too? ’ she smiles lightly, hoping that the city lights around them didn’t expose the faint blush playing on her cheeks. @weirdnovelties