Looking Beyond

Chapter 25: Happy New Years!

     Savannah refused to answer any questions Brea had in regards to the once-hers-now-Erik's Saint Michael medallion. In fact, she refused to talk about anything besides work. She and Erik were in charge of a rather large New Year's Eve party for a company that specialized in student exchange programs. It was going to be at the largest hotel downtown, and from what the clients had mentioned to them, several of their employees were flying in specifically for the party – the one time of year where everyone could connect with each other in person. Savannah was in charge of decorations, table placements, and the check-in for party guests. Erik had been responsible for arranging a block of rooms, to be purchased at a discount, for the guests coming in from outside the country. He was also in charge of planning the music and had even hired Trevor to emcee the event. Together, Savannah and Erik were responsible for making sure that all of the food stations and appetizers were diverse enough to accommodate the variety of cultures of those attending the party. Alcohol had been ordered and bartenders hired. Everything, as far as the party planners were concerned, was up to the standards the clients expected.

     Because of the importance of this party to their business, Savannah and Erik worked extremely long days leading to it. Hardly anyone in the house expected to see much of Savannah and Erik in the day of the party, so when Erik called Brea to tell her he was on his way over, she was surprised.

     "What's wrong Erik?"

     "Nothing B. Just getting ready for the party. It starts in a couple of hours. I need to get my suit."

     "You forgot your suit."

     "I left it at home."

     "That doesn't seem like you at all. What gives?"

     "I need you to do me a favor."

     "I'll get your suit down for you. Is it hanging on the back of your door?"

     "No. I need you to pack a bag for Savannah."

     Brea moved the phone from her ear and mouthed to Jacob, "Wow!" She brought the phone back to her ear and asked, "Okay Erik, what kind of bag? What do I need to get for you?" Jacob stopped the light strumming on his guitar and paid closer attention.

     "She'll need her pajamas, a pair of jeans, hairbrush...you know what, just pack whatever she'll need for two nights and two days. I'll be there in ten minutes. Oh, and don't call her." He hung the phone up on Brea.

     "What was that all about?" Jacob asked.

     "I need to pack a bag for Savannah." Her eyes twinkled with excitement. "Maybe things aren't as bad as we thought it was."

     "You know, you're getting to be almost as bad with them, as Savannah is with us."

     "I am not."

     "I said 'almost' didn't I?" Jacob grabbed her waist and kissed her lightly on the lips. Brea playfully pushed him back. "Fine. I'll let you go and pack her stuff."

     "I'll be right back." She smirked and held his hands. "Or, you could come with me..."

     "You drive a hard bargain." He allowed her to drag him to her bedroom.

* * *

     Erik showed up right as he said he would. He held his suit over one of his shoulders and knocked on the girls' bedroom door. "Brea?"

     Brea opened the door while straightening her shirt. "Hey E."

     Erik looked over her shoulder to find Jacob's intense gaze on the back of Brea. "I don't have much time!" He whispered to her in a hiss. "Did you at least get some of her stuff in a bag before you and Jake started..."