A Taste of You

37: Did I Fall in Love Along the Way?

I pull on my black fur Santa hat and my sassy Santa boots as Aron pulls up to the rear of the restaurant.

Aron teases. "Where were those the last 48 hours?"

"Not exactly the thing to endear me to my possible future-in-laws at a family-friendly event." I confess.

Aron tries to weasel an invite. "You sure you don't want me to come in? I could stand to see Ronnie again."

"Then call her. You have her number. I need to do this on my own. To reconnect." I tell him the same thing I told Ethan.

Aron is scrolling through his phone, distractedly. "I do have her number! Oh this is going to be fun."

"Aron?"

He looks up. "Yeah, Ali?"

"Merry Christmas. Thanks for driving me. I'll see you on Saturday, right?" I ask.

"Oh yeah that stupid gala I have to go to even though they made it clear I'm not wanted here anymore. Maybe I'll convince their sponsors to leave with me." I look at him with an eyebrow raised. He sighs. "I still have some issues to work through, I know. Yes, I'll be there. Merry Christmas, Alise."

He leans over and kisses my cheek. I think for a moment how that would have affected me once upon a time. I twist my promise ring on my finger. Not anymore.

I throw my bag into my office and snap a selfie of my sexy little get-up for Ethan. I send the pic and a message.

Text from me: Made it safe. Looking forward to letting loose a bit. How would you feel about a little role play as a naughty boy visiting me as Santa?

Text from Ethan: Shit, Alise. I almost sprayed my nephew in the face with bourbon and now I have to sit here playing Ticket to Ride with a hard-on. Glad you made it. Love you.

Text from me: LOL. I'll take a ticket to ride...you. Love you too.

I slip my phone into my skirt pocket and head out to the restaurant floor. The music is loud. They've been going for at least an hour as it's almost ten. I quietly move through the restaurant which is glowing with white twinkle lights. A few people greet me excitedlly as I walk up to the bar area where everyone's gathered for karaoke.

The song is "Baby It's Cold Outside."
People are fixated on the couple on stage. I can't yet see, but I recognize Mateo's voice. The other is only vaguely familar, but then I see it. Aliya is perched on Mateo's lap, his arm is wrapped around her waist. They are transfixed on each other while they sing.

"There's bound to be talk tomorrow." Aliya sings.

Mateo clutches his heart for added effect. "Think of my life long sorrow."

"At least there will be plenty implied." Aliya shakes her ass on his lap. The crowd hoots and a few whistles go up. They look so comfortable with one another. I have to look away.

As they finish the song, everyone starts clapping and congratulating them. I try to slink away, overwhelmed by the weird feeling I'm experiencing from seeing Mateo and Aliya together. But I'm caught!

Vicki sees me and squeals. Before I know it, I'm surrounded by my staff. Ronnie comes pushing through. "Give her space, give her space!"

She reaches me and embraces me tightly. I can smell the rum and cokes she has consumed and judging by the subtle sway in her stance, I'm guessing it's been more than a couple. Looks like I'm Ubering home.

"Come on, it's our turn! Someone get Alise a drink. Are we happy to have our boss back in our midst, everyone?" She yells to the crowd. They respond with a cheer.