The conversations of the hall merged among the guests into an unintelligible mess. Fancy dressed too, I hated wearing heels. Not just because they were uncomfortable, but because if I refused to wear them, I would be even shorter than everyone else by comparison.
I was four feet, eleven and three-quarters of an inch. As if it was not enough to be short, I had to barely miss being an even five. I stopped growing since middle school... at least heightwise. I may have put on some weight. "And good evening to you as well Hanna, you must be very proud." The suited man who earlier babbled to my husband addressed me.
"Yeah, he's a talented one." I replied glancing around for another waiter carrying champagne, "I'm lucky to have him."
"I would think he is quite fortunate to have you," Mrs. Suited Man said, but unlike her husband she wore a short white party dress, "After all, you are absolutely adorable. I wish I could just adopt you."
Bitch, I will bite you, "Thank you, I love your dress." I said. We continued the fake conversation until they excused themselves.
"Hanna," Jason said to me, "Please be on your best behavior, they were very important."
"Who?" I asked, "Mr. Suited Man and his wife?"
He stared dumbstruck, "Everyone is well dressed tonight, come up with a better naming system." He leaned down to my ear, "And when you talk to people, can you please try not to sound so fake?" Jason whispered.
"Hey, it's either fake or bored, your choice." I sounded a bit harsher than intended, "I'm sorry Jace, it's just that I don't do good with this kinda crowd. I'm really proud of you though."
"I know. Please wait a little bit longer. Then we can cuddle all night."
A little longer was a bit of an over-exaggeration, around fifteen more pretentious couples came up to congratulate Jason on his achievements. I switched away from sarcasm and into my cute role, "I love listening to Jason while he works." "I couldn't be happier with anyone else." I giggled at their stupid jokes. I listened to the fancy people drone. I smiled and fiddled with my hair before answering questions.
It helped that I grabbed and chugged every glass of champagne I could as the waiters shuffled past.
"Will everyone please be seated for the award ceremony?" Someone called from behind a podium. When everyone took their seats, they started to babble, "For composition, music brilliance-" They rambled their speech to the sophisticated crowd. I zoned out until they called my husband up to the stage.
A beautiful, tall (of course she had to be tall) blonde woman handed Jason a trophy and kissed him on the cheek. I know that it was just a formality, but my possessiveness burned.
"Thank you." Jason smiled at me, "I especially want to thank my beautiful wife, even though we only got married last month. She supported me and my dreams for years and I could never have gotten here without her. Now how about I play something for everyone?" He asked getting a responsive clap from the audience.
He sat down at the piano and serenaded the banquet room. He performed a few of his compositions while everyone ate and drank. It was beautiful, he really was talented.
When he was finished he walked over to me and gave me a kiss before turning to the others at our table, "It was good to see you, but we really should get going."
"Certainly you must stay, you are the man of the hour." Mr. Suited Man #12 said.
"I wish, but I have plans early in the morning," Jason replied.
"Are you certain? There is a delightful afterparty." Mr. Suited Man #12 tried to persuade.
"Yeah," Jason said, "Hanna is a lightweight, so she needs to get home before she falls asleep." Hey, asshole, stop using me as your excuse. But I did want to leave, so I remained silent.
"How did you get here?" He asked.
"We drove."
You both are incapable of driving in your current position, you can ride back in my limo. I will arrange for a driver to follow and park your car for you."
"Thank you for the generous offer but I have barely had enough to drink I sh-"
"Can we? Can we ride in the limo?" I looked up into Jason's eyes holding onto his shoulder.