No Strings

CHAPTER 32--HAPPY CHRISTMAS

"You look great in that," he smiled at me. I twirled for him in my dress. The skirt was soft at my sides.

"Let's go to the party."

Ted was dressed in a nice suit. I'd bought it for him for his birthday. He said that he needed one for a job interview.

I locked up the apartment. We walked down the stairs to the front hall.

"Don't show too much leg," Ted called.

I almost slipped on the stairs.

"You're such a klutz." He was smiling. I laughed. "But a beautiful klutz."

"C'mon let's go."

He presented his arm like a gentleman and then smiled at me. I felt comfort in that smile. I hung onto his arm.

"Sexy," he said.

I blushed.

"I'll be jealous if the other guys look at you. If they find out you're smart too, then I'll be over."

I shook my head, "I don't love anyone else besides you."

He opened the door for me to his car, grinning at me. I got in on the passenger's side. He got into his side and drove out of the garage. He pulled out into traffic.

"This Christmas Party should be fun," I said, "Some of my relatives and friends will be there. You can meet them."

"I'm looking forward to meeting them."

"You should have invited some of your friends too." I said. The New York streets were filled with snow. I liked how it looked even with the brown slush.

"They are all busy."

He stopped at an intersection.

"Busy?"

"Yeah, they are spending time with their families."

"I'm sorry--but you might meet some new people. It should be fun."

I couldn't have been more of a dog with its tail wagging.

"Nothing I can do. But maybe I'll make a few friends."

"You should," I said.

The route to the house looked so beautiful. There was snow on the trees going down the side streets. I directed him there. He didn't allow me to drive his car.

We arrived at the party. My cousin who was hosting the party with a few of her friends greeted us at the door. "Long time no see. We should get together more often."

"We should," I said.

"What have you been up to?"

"Working the some job, so not much. Oh... here's Ted, he's my boyfriend."

"The one you've been talking about?"

I nodded and blushed.

Ted extended his hand towards her. "Nice to meet you. Merry Christmas too."

"Merry Christmas to you too."

She pointed towards the bedroom. "You can put your coats and outerwear on the bed. Join us for drinks and a snack.

I nodded. He nodded too. I went to the bedroom and stacked my jacket on top of a green coat with a scarf. He stacked his coat next to mine. We went to mingle with the people.

"I need to go to the bathroom. I'll be back."

He nodded. I needed to go. I'd drunk a lot of water before coming. When I returned to the party, I found him talking to a group of people I didn't know.

"Oh! This is my cousin Bess," my cousin said to two people I didn't know. The place was packed.

I raised my hand and said, "Hi."

"She's a secretary and works in advertising."

They nodded in that pleasant party way.

"My brother's friend is also in advertising," the woman said.

"Oh?" I asked in a party matter.

I heard a loud voice talk over us. I looked over to see Ted animated.

"And she leaves socks on the floor sometimes too."

He was smiling in a charming way. I smiled and said, "Excuse me."

The guests across from him laughed. "The time that she went-- oh here she is."

"What are you talking about?"

I recognized my co-workers. They snickered.

"You, of course," he said.

I bit my upper lip.

"I was praising you." He winked to the two co-workers. They broke out laughing. My lips stiffened.

I stiffened

"I was telling them some jokes. Like that time you left the socks on the floor and I--"

I could see all of the eyes fall on me. I forced a smile.

"Don't get into trouble," I said.

"I won't. Go on... have fun with your family or whatever."

I smiled again and said, "I will."

My cousin found me again and then whispered, "He was being mean... he was talking about how much of a sucker your last boyfriend must have been. Bess... why are you with him?"

"He must be nervous."

"Bess... never mind. I'll introduce you to the Courtez's. They are sweet people. They might help you find a good advertising firm too."

"OK, thank you," I said.

"Don't mention it."

He did calm down before dinner and began to talk about what he was doing. He also began to talk about how nice I was which relieved me. We all toasted and I went home. I felt uneasy, but didn't say anything. I couldn't say anything and I didn't want his apology.