The Christmas season in California was different for me. I didn't have to deal with snowstorms as much as I had back east, and I only had to deal with the airlines for my trip back home. Chris and I hadn't been home for quite awhile, he had already shut down the office for 2 weeks and planned to leave on his own, but not before one last bit of fun.
Our old club impresario Derek Adams was throwing his annual Christmas party at his club, "The Eagle". Chris was excited about the invitation. I was reluctant, but figured I owed it to myself to go. We'd worked like crazy all year, had gone to England, met celebs we'd only seen before in pictures, heck, we deserved to go!
I rode over to the party with Chris. Derek's club was packed on this December night. Multi-colored lights were everywhere and gave off a beautiful glow. Derek laid out an immense spread of food and drinks. The Tigress girls were there, but as partygoers. They'd had quite a year too, they had 2 platinum selling albums, and their manager, Chuck Tyler was suddenly a music biz power player. I hovered in the back of the room most of the evening. Various friends came by to wish me a Merry Christmas. I guess I was lucky that none of them had been, shall we say, "overnight guests" of mine.
Around midnight, I was about ready to leave. I was gonna see if Chris was ready or if I should make my own arrangements. When fate stepped in;
"Hey Hollywood..." a sweet voice said.
"Uh-oh..." I said to myself.
The sweet voice belonged to Paris Hilton.
"I couldn't let you get away without wishing you a Merry Christmas, you know." She said with her trademark smile. She wore a simple red dress, her blonde hair slightly curled. A gold necklace with a diamond heart topped it off.
"Well, ho-ho-ho, look's who's here. And have you been a good little girl this year?" I said with a touch of Santa in my voice.
"Of course!" she giggled.
She immediately hugged me and whispered in my ear.
"Merry Christmas, Jim. Your present's in my car."
"My present?" I replied, confused.
Paris nodded with a smile.
"C'mon, let's get a drink." She said leading me to the bar.
We got glasses of wine and found a quiet table in the back.
"So, what's Christmas like for you this year?" I asked.
"I'm having my whole family at my place Christmas Eve." She said, then her eyes widened; "You should come over! You'd love my family. I know they'd love to meet you."
"Oh man, I wish I could. I'm flying back home tomorrow morning." I said and then looked at my watch. "Actually in a few hours."
"Going home to see your family?" she said wistfully.
"Yes, couple of family parties my presence is required at." I said.
Our eyes met and she smiled.
"Do they know what you do out here?" she asked with a sly tone.
"Sure they do." I answered.
"Yeah, but do they know what you're REALLY doing?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, well, that's another, uh, story." I said hesitantly, then added; "I'll plead the fifth on that!"
We both laughed.
"They're probably gonna think I'm some big shot out here. You know, hanging out with starlets and all." I said.
"Well, aren't you?" Paris asked.
