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No matter how many times she visited the hotel, its splendor took her breath away. But today its grandeur was made even more spectacular by a lighted tree that soared all the way to the ceiling. Boxes of all sizes were brightly wrapped with bows tied around them to look like presents, and there was a Santa’s sleigh nearby that provided the photo opportunity. The entire display was social-media worthy.
Normally the cheerfulness would make her smile, but today the sight of the sleigh reminded her of the evening at the Quarter where Hayes first kissed her.
Though they’d only spent a short time together, his absence from her life was a stabbing pain through her heart.
Despite that, she squared her shoulders, determined to enjoy her time with Raven.
Abigail strode through the lobby, her heels echoing off the exquisite, polished marble floor.
She arrived at the bar, and it was already mostly filled. A lot of people had shopping bags. Still others were exchanging gifts. A time for family and friends.
Raven didn’t seem to be here yet, so Abigail found an unoccupied table near the window where they could watch revelers heading down the street.
The hotel’s festive décor extended to the bar area. Garland was artfully draped, and tiny white lights twinkled magically. A lit green candle flickered on the table, reflecting off the crystal bowl containing premium nuts.
In the far corner, a jazz trio played seasonal tunes.
A server stopped by to drop off a menu and place a napkin in front of her. He wore a tuxedo shirt with a bowtie and antlers bedazzled with rhinestones. “Do you need a minute? Or would you like to order?”
“I’m expecting a friend.”
At that moment, Raven walked in, hair having escaped its bun, and exhaustion written in her eyes. No doubt she’d opened the shop yesterday and today as well. “There she is.”
The server nodded. “I’ll give you a minute to get settled.”
“Thank you.” Abigail stood to hug her friend.
“Wow. The Quarter is pure zaniness today. And I never thought I’d get out of work.”
“It’s a rough time of year for you.”
She nodded. “I’m not going to complain though. It’ll drop off in the first week of January. Then it will be a long, slow stretch until Mardi Gras.”
They both sat, and Raven sighed. “Sorry. I dashed out without your hat.”
“That means we’ll have to get together again.”
Laughing, Raven picked up the menu. “Bless their creative little hearts. A White Christmas martini.”
“Oh?” Though Abigail had her sights set on a hurricane, she was intrigued.
“Lord, Lord. I’m going for the Candy Cane Christmas.”
“What’s that?”
Raven showed Abigail the front of the menu, bearing pictures of their specials. “The Candy Cane has heavy cream.” She looked up. “No half-and-half for the Maison Sterling.”
Grinning, they both simultaneously proclaimed, “It’s the holidays!”
A moment later, Raven went on. “So, evidently the inside of the glass is drizzled with syrup and has a Godiva chocolate in the bottom.”
This place was some version of heaven, she was sure.
“As if that wasn’t enough, there’s vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao, crème de menthe, and, well, of course, candy canes.”
It sounded heavenly. “How about the White Christmas one?”
“Much the same, but without the candy canes or crème de menthe.”
