Spark

Chapter 8: The Christmas Party

The year was going by pretty fast. I was working overtime through Halloween and Thanksgiving (well, Eric and I had some roleplaying fun on Halloween. The whole boss and secretary thing). Because I had worked so much overtime I had off all the way through Christmas until New Year's Day. I couldn't wait for New Year's Eve because I couldn't wait until midnight when I could make love to Eric. I finally told my friends I was in a relationship, I told them how far apart in age we were; I just didn't tell them who the guy was. "You have to bring him to the party." Chloe says. "Yeah," Zoe agrees. "It would be nice to go on a double date with someone other than Austin and Kitty." Kitty was Austin's girlfriend he met at Hooters. She's nice, but let's just say with the lack of brain cells she's right where she's supposed to be. "I don't know it's our first New Year's Eve together and I think we want to be alone."

I was at Eric's and he tells me about his office Christmas party. "You should come. No one there knows about my friendship with your father and it'll be nice to shut Lucinda up." It's not like we made a pact or anything that we would don't go out in public, but it made sense that we didn't. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" "Yes, I'm positive." I sigh. I can do this. I have to keep in mind that he's mine. Lucinda's feelings for him are one-sided.

He could tell I was overthinking. "Don't worry, everything is going to be fine. We're having it at the Four Seasons." Great so I basically have to dress like I'm going to the Oscars. "We can match," he suggested. "Red, maybe?" I smile and nod. I need the twins.

****

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Chloe asked. "Why wouldn't it be?" Her sister asked. I told them what was up and they agreed to come with me and help. "Well, I mean he basically said that he wants Lucinda to shut up, but don't you think he could also be using you to try and make her jealous?" "Chloe, did you see the necklace he got her? There is no way he's doing that to her." "But he was letting her seduce him on Sofia's graduation day. That's a little fucked up." "He was trying to avoid liking me because he didn't want people judging our age difference." I smile. "He wants to marry me." "That's so sweet!" Zoe says. "I call dibs on being the maid of honor."  Chloe was about to protest when I said. "How about since you know what I like you can pick out my dress. I hate shopping for myself and you have good taste." Chloe smiles. "Deal."

There was a lot of places to choose from, but there was this beautiful long-sleeve red velvet dress that was perfect. "I want to try it on." I tried it on and it was perfect. I sent a selfie to Eric and he called me in return. "You look stunning, my love. Luckily I have a brand new red shirt that will match perfectly." "Yay." "I'll see you later?" "Yes." "Love you." "Love you, too."

I hang up and got dress. "He likes it, I'm buying it." "So, where to go for shoes?" "Ah, Jimmy Choo next door I saw a pair when I snuck out that would perfect for that dress. Patent leather, black, pointed toe. It's a pump." Zoe looks at me. "Let's try it." I say.

We head next door and Chloe showed me the shoes and they were perfect. I asked for my size and they fit perfectly, as if I was Cinderella. I bought them and we grabbed lunch. "So, we just shopped on Rodeo Drive and we're eating In-N-Out Burger because...?" Chloe asked. "Because we were both craving burgers." "Plus, I'm tired of eating fancy food all the time," I say taking a sip of my drink. "I have to eat it tonight." "So, do you have anything sexy for him for Christmas?" Zoe asks. "No, I have no idea what to do. I was at least thinking of putting mistletoe on the ceiling above the bed in his room." "That would be hot. How much longer do you have till you have to get ready." I looked at my phone. "I have enough time to check today." "Then let's finish and go."

I was so over the sexy Santa look. It was generic and boring. But I went into one store and I thought of something that was perfect. It was a red bow. He'll have me as his present. "I like this idea." I hold up the one that was in my size. "OMG that would be perfect!" Chloe says. "I wish I had a boyfriend." "Get one." Zoe says. "No, all California boys are the same. I mean the one guy in college I thought about dating was only going for computer science because his parents didn't want him to become an actor. I think he actually made it as an ensemble actor on Broadway." "Should've dated him." "No, I really shouldn't have. He came out of the closet and his parents disowned him. So, I've read on his Twitter page." Zoe looks disgusted. "Gross, you have Twitter?" "Hey, you did at one point." "Yeah, and since making my Instagram account I have happily abandoned it since." "Instagram is like a picture book." "Says the one who is constantly liking photos of Billie Eilish." "Hey, she maybe younger than us, but she has been dubbed queen in my life."