The Gemini: Emancipation

17 - Eve

December 24, 1996

Nat King Cole isn't holidaying from any record players. But there's plenty of laughter, chatter, and Roger's own curated playlist of winter melodies scoring the scene. There isn't a pretend Santa corner sitting, waiting to fulfill wishes. But there's enough glittery lights and garland strung about to make the North Pole jealous. And the tree? Paisley's never seen a grander evergreen.

It's Christmas Eve and though there isn't a fireplace, the atmosphere of this room is cozy and warm. A kaleidoscope of wintery ambiance had been streaming up on the screen until it was replaced by a soundless showing of Frosty the Snowman.

"It's for the kids," Roger had said.

"Sure," Jody had laughed back.

The kids are long gone. After feasting on the over generous spread of desserts and candies, they all bounced away fully sugar fueled. It's certain that Danielle's got her hands full in the game room, chaperoning the group as they played it all off.

So, no. Frosty kept the adults company. Jody amused whenever she spotted Roger focusing at the animation while at the same time being involved in conversation. The most endearing sight. A simple childlike image that filled her with love.

That's all she's been tonight, the embodiment of love and happiness. Playing jovial hostess to their 150 guests. The smallish family get together they'd planned was thrown out when word got to circulating. What started as a members only bash grew to include friend of a friend. Roger didn't mind since most of them were his friends. Quite a few of them being well known industry faces who'd stuck around town from yesterday's show.

Still no Halle Berry.

Devin's been too starstruck to ask for autographs anyhow. Nikki had to keep him in check all night. Truly a hilarious sight to see. And Nikki? It's not like she's unaffected herself, she just has a better way of handling it. Her go-to technique: grabbing onto Jody's arm and whispering her adulations.

Exactly like right now.

"Girl, Lenny smells so good."

"Does he?" Jody's brows jump in surprise. "I haven't talked to him yet. Good to know he washed this time."

Yes, Nikki's jaw dropped. "What do you mean this time?" Pressing fingers to her temple as if to sooth an ache, "Oh my lord, please don't tell me."

Trying but failing to contain a laugh, Jody nodded. "Let's just say he's dedicated to his...bohemian art."

The one with the curly up-do frowns, a disappointed disgust. "But he's so fine."

"Uh-huh, fine and 80 percent of the time funky."

"Liar."

"Nope. He hangs around here enough for me to know. Him and soap got a troubled relationship."

Too thrown out to cope with this revelation, Nikki waves her hands. "Mm-mm, I need a drink."

Jody paired with her bestie on a quest for a mocktail. She brought along her own mini cup filled with strawberries. The white chocolate dipped fruit kept her stomach preoccupied while her cravings wanted something more. Another visit to the serious desserts.

The annoying part about recovering from addiction, the body looks for a replacement vice. Jody's system wasted no time latching onto sweets.

She's been successful enough at controlling it. Successful translated to 'taking her ass to the gym and working off whatever candy or ice cream she put in her mouth'. Though tiring, she finds it all worth it. She even skipped two weeks worth of cheat days in preparation for tonight. Every sweet in the joint has been calling her name. She's indulged twice already.