Page 25 of One Love
Devin
If it wasn’t for mebeing acting CEO at Midtown right now, I would’ve blown off the company Christmas party without a second thought. But I’d imagine it’s frowned upon not to show up when you’re management and the entire office is here.
Taking in the beauty of the ballroom at The Plaza Hotel, I scan over the room, admiring the extra lengths the staff went to with the Christmas decorations. In the far corner of the room stands the most beautiful tree, large enough to almost touch the cathedral ceiling. Hundreds of strands of Christmas lights adorn the breathtaking evergreen making me feel as if I was looking at the tree that stands in Rockefeller Center.
I look away from the main attraction, and scan over the rest of the décor—from the elegant table set ups to the little details like the Poinsettia plants tucked in the corners of the room.
The Plaza surely outdid themselves.
The only saving grace of this evening for me is this dress. When I bought it two weeks ago, I couldn’t wait to wear and torture Sebastian all night with it. I knew he’d appreciate the way it hugs my hips and ass.
Brielle and I hit eight stores, and I tried on close to thirty dresses before I settled on a gorgeous formal evening gown by Safiyaa from Saks. Going for something extremely formal wasn’t my first choice, but Brielle insisted.
The dress is a beautiful Christmas red color with fabric that hits the floor, even in six-inch Louboutin high heels. I wanted something a bit warmer with the extremely cold winter we’ve been having, so I went for a heavy crepe material, but still an off-the-shoulder neckline—sexy, but warm.
I’ll admit that even with an evening gown as beautiful as this one, I was having some major issues forcing myself to come tonight knowing what I’d have to endure. Thankfully, Brielle put some doubts to rest by spending an extra half hour doing my makeup and hair, so every eyelash and curl was perfect.
She’s my lifesaver.
Seated at my table, I sip a glass of wine searching the room for the one person I shouldn’t be searching for, especially not at the company party—Sebastian.
I’ve been here for twenty minutes, and I haven’t seen him once. Even though the room is packed, I know I’d be able to pick him out of a crowd faster than lightning could strike, plus he’ll be seated at the table with me.
“How do we always end up together at these company functions?” A small high-pitched giggle catches me off guard and I turn to find Jennifer taking a seat next to me.
I smile at her, laughing softly. “I’m not sure, but I can’t say I mind having someone to chat with so long as it’s not about work. This is a party after all”
“Right? I hate talking work stuff. We’re here to celebrate the holidays, not talk about who landed what account this week.”
Nodding in agreement, I add. “Or, who drank all of the coffee and didn’t make more.”
“You are so right!”
“Is your husband here tonight?” I ask, making small talk more to distract myself than anything else.
She smiles. “He is. He’s having a heated debate with Marissa from accounting’s husband over who is going to make it all the way to Super Bowl.”
I laugh. “Am I your escape?”
“Yes.” She nods and laughs. “I’m not a sport girl. I don’t care who is going to what. You were the first person who I’d actually like to have a conversation with that I spotted when I walked away. So, what about you?”
Shaking my head, I say, “No, I’m not a sports girl either.”
“I meant are you here with a boyfriend?” She clarifies with a grin.
“Oh.” I can feel my cheeks reddening. “No, I’m here by myself.”
“I heard Mr. Brooks is bringing his girlfriend tonight.”
A feeling of awkwardness and anxiety creeps up my neck, on to my chest and settles itself, coloring more than my cheeks now. Why did she have to bring up Arianna?
I know it’s fake, but it still doesn’t stop the worry about Sebastian actually falling for her before this is all over from entering my mind over and over again. There’s no clue how long this thing will have to go on. Maybe his feelings for me will change over the course of this.
“Are you okay?” I watch as Jennifer looks over my now reddened skin.
“I’m fine. I think it’s just the wine.”
“Oh, I know! I was feeling buzzed after a glass and a half.” She chuckles. “I should probably eat something before having another.”
