Yet again, Clarke let her body move before she had the time to really think through what she was doing. She leaned into Vince and planted a lingering kiss, right on his mouth. As she pulled away, her eyes flickering open, she could see that Vince had stiffened up and was trying to hold back his shock from Clarke's impromptu action. It was about time Clarke surprised him for a change. It was almost comical, though, and both Katie and Clarke were trying not to laugh.
Mrs. Bennett stared them all down for a moment before speaking. "I'm sorry for intruding, Clarke, but I actually need you to come with me to the boutique right now. They're looking at dresses as we speak, and we need to get you in one. I'll give you guys a moment, but make it quick. Clarke, just meet me out at the car. Oh, and invite Vince to the wedding, will you?" Mrs. Bennett waved and smiled before leaving the room. Katie followed suit, leaving Vince and Clarke alone in the office.
Vince came closer to embrace Clarke and planted a light kiss on her lips. "Well, I guess I'll be sticking around then," he said feeling unwelcomed and yet refusing to leave.
"Vince please, I didn't mean to get you involved like that again….I acted without thinking. You don't have to do this if you don't want to,"she said, reserving any comments on what he said about liking each other.
"Oh, but I want to do this. What was the wedding she was talking about inviting me to?" Vince asked, sitting down in her office chair like he was making himself at home.
"Oh," Clarke responded, relieved that she doesn't have to come up with an excuse for Vince's absence.. "My cousin is getting married in a couple of weeks. Apparently she met some rich race track owner or something, and they just have to get married right away. I'm going to be a bridesmaid apparently."
"Well, if you don't want to, why are you doing it?"
She looked thoughtfully at Vince, sitting in her office chair and spinning with his right foot. "My cousin and I were really close when we were younger even though we're pretty far apart in age. I want to show my support for her. I'm not doing it for my mother." Clarke looked up at the ceiling guiltily like maybe part of her really was doing it for her mother. Deep down, it was why she seemed to do anything anymore.
"Well, isn't that noble of you," Vince commented. "If you really want me to keep this up, you know I will. No payment needed." Clarke met eyes with Vince and looked away quickly.