Broken Resolutions

Chapter Three

Max and Amber are next to arrive. Hannah, Craig, Andrew, and Emily meet them at the door.

“It’s winter out there,” Max says, as he walks through the door and brushes the snow from his shoulders.

Snow swirls in as around them as they enter, and Craig and Hannah quickly shut the double doors behind them.

“I can take the presents,” Andrew tells them, as he takes a large box and a smaller one from Max.

“And I’ll take the food.” Hannah holds her hands out to Amber. “It’s nice to finally meet you,” she says, taking the plastic-wrapped plate of Rice Krispie treats.

“I guess that leaves me with the coats,” Craig offers.

Ignoring him, Amber smiles widely at Hannah as she hands her the plate. “I’ve read all of your books. I’m such a fan. Especially My Heart’s Desire. That’s my favorite. I fell so in love with Dusty. And the end, when he jumped into the ocean and swam out there to the yacht and told Victoria that he couldn’t live without her, I got so excited I almost peed myself!”

Hannah’s mouth opens, but she finds no words.

“Jeez, Amber!” Max says, handing his coat to Craig.

“What? She’s a famous author! Hannah Heart, romance novelist!” Amber babbles.

Hannah looks uncomfortable. “Well, I don’t know about famous. And my real name is Hartman. Heart is just my pen name,” Hannah says awkwardly.

“Oh, you are famous! You are! All of my friends read your books. They can’t believe I’m here tonight. Do you think maybe later you could autograph a few books? I’ve got some in the car.”

“Would you like me to take your coat?” Craig interrupts.

“Oh yeah, sure.” Amber unbuttons the white knee-length rabbit-fur coat to reveal a tight, short, dark green velvet dress. Improbable bosoms spill from the low neckline. Before handing Craig her coat, she gives it a shake. “It’s not good for fur to get wet,” she tells him.

“That must be why you never see a bunny in the rain,” Andrew adds.

“Amber, I didn’t catch your last name,” Hannah says quickly.

“Shew. It sounds like shoe, but it is spelled with a W and an E, but not in that order,” she giggles. “Which is kind of funny, cause that is my hobby.”

Everyone looks at her in confusion, except for Max, who looks toward the living room and ignores her.

“Shoes—I collect shoes,” she explains.

Max steps over to the rug and slips off his shoes.

“Why are you taking off your shoes?” Amber asks.

“We’re going to be here for hours. It’s more comfortable.”

“I paid eighty bucks for these shoes. I’m going to wear them as long as my feet can stand it,” Amber says with a laugh. She lifts a shoe from the ground as if to show the group. Dark green high heels.

“Nice,” Hannah says with a smile.

“Oh my gosh! Where did you get those?” Amber exclaims, noticing Hannah’s shoes.

“Amber!” Max butts in. “Let’s not get started on a shoe discussion.”

“Sorry,” she says, blushing slightly. “But those are killer kicks!”

Hannah smiles. She and Emily exchange glances before Hannah turns and takes the Rice Krispie treats to the kitchen.

Craig leaves the foyer too, quickly hanging up Max and Amber’s coats in the hall closet. Looking down at his watch, he wonders how long can it possibly take to carpet such a small apartment? He fights the impulse to call Shelia again and joins the others.