AllFreeNovel
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I shower and get dressed. I packed one grey suit, and I choose a deep green tie to finish the look. I study myself in the mirror and straighten my collar. I feel exceptionally overdressed, but I sigh and grab my overcoat before heading downstairs and onto the street. The venue is just two blocks away, but the temperatures are quickly becoming frigid, and the air smells like impending snow. I pull my coat tighter around me.
When I arrive, the grand lobby of the hotel is decorated impressively for the season. There are three enormous Christmas trees adorned with tiny lights and shiny ornaments. To my right is a large central fireplace roaring with flames. It sends a comforting warmth through the room while soft instrumental Christmas tunes play in the background.
I stroll slowly toward the trees where the few other early arrivals are chatting. Brent is there, and he spots me right away.
“Kai, great to see you.” He pats me on the back. “Welcome to the Christmas Ball.”
The others around him laugh, but I raise an eyebrow. “The Christmas Ball?”
He gestures around the room. “It might as well be. It’s outrageously overdone.”
I take in the twinkling lights and the dozens of round tables set with fancy dinnerware. “Yeah, it’s a bit over the top, isn’t it?”
“The girls are all excited about it though,” Brent laughs. “Maureen’s been getting ready since noon.”
I chortle. “Why am I not surprised?”
A server comes around with a tray of tall crystal glasses filled with champagne. I take one and peer around to see who else has arrived. And when I make out no one of interest, I shift my attention back to Brent. “So, are you headed home for the holiday?”
He nods. “Back to visit my family and my girl. She kinda can’t wait to get me home.” He beams.
“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” I try to sound interested.
“Yeah, we’re going on three years now. Thinking it’s about time to pop the question before she starts to think I’m afraid of commitment.”
I take a sip of my drink. “Are you?”
He shakes his head and laughs. “Not at all. I love her more than anything. I’m ready. Just wanted to get my finances straight before tying the knot. Want to make sure she feels secure. But when you know, you know, right?”
I tighten my lips and nod like I understand.
“What about you?” He nudges my shoulder. “Anyone waiting for you back home?”
I down the rest of my champagne. “Nope, it’s just me.”
Brent nods toward the doors and grins. “I know someone who can remedy that.”
I turn quickly, nervous anxiety suddenly coursing through me, but regretfully, the face I see doesn’t give me the reaction I was anticipating.
It’s Maureen. She wears a long, emerald green dress, and her dark hair is piled atop her head. She makes a B-line toward me.
“Kai!” She radiates excitement. Her heels tap loudly on the marble floor as she approaches. “You look…” She eyes me up and down slowly, sucking in a breath of air.
“You look lovely, Maureen.” I smile at her.
She twirls in her dress. “I ordered it special for tonight. I spent an arm and a leg on it.”
“Ah,” I answer half-heartedly, looking past her shoulder at the empty doorway.
“Wow, look at this place…” she breathes, taking a glass of champagne for herself, and gazing around the room. “It’s like a fairytale.”
Brent speaks up. “Maureen, where’s Sophie?”
I focus on her again.
“She said she’ll be a little late. Nick is running lines with her.”
Of course he is.
