by Holly Rayner
Here’s hoping that a little sugar and a lot of Christmas cheer can chase your stress away. Happy Monday!
Robyn
P.S. I have a dinner party to attend on Thursday night with a group of my friends. We do it every year at the Lighthouse Inn and I would love it if you could join me. We’ll be there at eight. I’ll just expect you…whether you respond or not. I won’t take no for an answer.
I put the note in an envelope and wrote his name on the outside of it in a red, felt marker before I got back to work. That evening when it was time for me to leave, I took the plate and envelope up to the tenth floor. I stepped off the elevator and looked around. I’d never been this high up in the building. It was nice to see that our offices were decorated as nicely and as comfortably as they were up here. It was further proof that although Aaron was loaded, he didn’t hold himself up higher than anyone else. I really liked that about him.
I followed the sign to Suite #1 where I knew his office was from our company directory. His assistant Janice’s desk sat outside his door, but she wasn’t there. It was after five, so she was probably already gone for the day. I noticed that she had her little corner decorated for the holidays. She even had a string of colored lights around her desk. I had to wonder what Aaron thought about that. I knocked on his door, but there was no answer. Tentatively, I tried the knob. The door pushed open and I suddenly realized that not exactly everything was the same up here. Aaron’s office was huge; the size of four, or maybe five of the regular offices. There was his desk of course, but also a large oak conference table, a black leather couch and two chairs, a fireplace, a wet bar, a closet and a very large bathroom, fully equipped with a shower. He could live here if he wanted to. I saw a shirt draped over one of the chairs and got a glimpse into the half opened closet where several suits hung. I wondered if sometimes he did. That made me a little sad. Everyone should have a warm home that they were dying to get to after work. I personally loved going home to my own. I noticed in the office that seemed to have everything, that there was one thing conspicuously missing… Christmas. This time of year when everything else was decorated so festively, it made the beautiful office seem a little sad.
I went over to his desk and sat down the cookies and the note. While I was there, I glanced out the window. He had four huge windows that took up most of the wall behind his desk. The view was breathtaking. The sun was just beginning to go down and the lights of Manhattan were beginning to burn across the city. It was beautiful. I wondered if it made him happy. I glanced at what was on his desk… office supplies, and what was on the walls… artwork. There was nothing personal, no photographs, no diplomas or awards. I couldn’t help but wonder what his life was like outside of here, and why he kept it so closed off from everyone else. Feeling sad for him, I closed the door behind me as I left and headed for home, hoping that I’d at least brightened his day a little bit.
CHAPTER TEN
~
AARON
The big meeting that I’d been preparing for and anticipating for weeks went well. China was an important market that Winters Inc. hadn’t yet broken into. The gentlemen I met with were more than willing to hear what I had to say about how our products would benefit their communities. They were even happier about it when I told them about our company’s all green plans. It was something their own company prided themselves on. The only difficult part of the meeting was communication. I knew a little bit of Mandarin, I’d taken it in college. My skills unfortunately weren’t honed enough for such an important meeting, so most of it was accomplished via an interpreter. That in itself was exhausting, and a bit worrisome. I trusted my interpreter but I still worried occasionally that things might get lost in translation.
When the meeting ended, I said good-bye to my new business partners and headed back to my office to get my things. I felt so weary, but I knew that I wasn’t just tired tonight. Something just felt… off. I had this big, empty feeling in my chest lately for some reason. Usually after a meeting like the one I’d just had, I’d be so excited that I was bouncing off the walls. I’d often go out for a celebratory drink and occasionally meet a nice woman for some temporary company. Not today though, not even the success of the meeting had made me happy. I had no desire to be with a woman either. At least not one I could find in a bar. I couldn’t put my finger on what had changed and it annoyed me.
I opened my office door and was surprised by a pleasant spiced aroma. I figured that Janice had bought one of those scented candles or plug in devices for the office. She didn’t force Christmas on me, she knew better. But she had her little subtle ways of giving me hints. Her fragrances were often part of that every year, as was her gaudily decorated desk outside my office door. I walked over to my own desk to retrieve my briefcase and was surprised to see a plate of cookies and an envelope with my name on it. I picked up the envelope and slipped out the note.
It was from Robyn. I should have known. Who else would have the nerve to sneak in my office when I was out and leave Christmas cookies? Or Christmas anything for that matter. Geez! What was it going to take for her to get it? I didn’t like Christmas, why was that a crime? I didn’t really read the note; I just tossed it back down on the desk and picked up the plate of cookies. I was about to dump them in the wastebasket when the scent assaulted my senses again. I set the plate back down and sat myself down behind my desk. I suppose she wasn’t going to know the difference if I ate them or not, so tasting one wouldn’t be encouraging her behavior. Besides, although it was slightly annoying, it was a nice thought. I knew that she had something to do with the change in the way I’d been feeling about my life lately, I just wasn’t sure what.
I picked up one of the cookies and took a bite. I hated to admit it, but it was delicious. I ate the whole thing. Then, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went back for the other two. By the time I finished my coffee and all three cookies, I was feeling so much better. It was amazing what a little sugar and caffeine could do. I was still unwilling to admit that my feelings for Robyn had anything to do with my sudden change of attitude.
Curiosity overcame me and I reached for the note again. This time I actually read it:
Aaron,
Here’s hoping that a little sugar and a lot of Christmas cheer can chase your stress away. Happy Monday!
Robyn
P.S. I have a dinner party to attend on Thursday night with a group of my friends. We do it every year at the Lighthouse Inn and I would love it if you could join me. We’ll be there at eight. I’ll just expect you…whether you respond or not. I won’t take no for an answer.
Okay, she was right about the sugar. It didn’t matter to me that they were Christmas cookies though. It was the ingredients that had worked, not the decoration. I wasn’t going to believe she’d baked Christmas spirit into them.
She’d invited me out on a date, I would assume. That was nice of her, but the part about her assuming that I would just show up; that bothered me. What made her assume such a thing? Was it the kiss? Had I given her the idea that we were something we’re not? I leaned my elbows on the desk and put my head in my hands. What had I done? I didn’t normally do this. I never set a woman up to get her heart broken right before I left on my Christmas trip. I never set them up period. I always told them straight out what I was looking for. It was always temporary. Why was Robyn so different?
ROBYN
I went by the mall on my way home from work on Wednesday evening and bought a new dress. I wanted to look great for dinner Thursday night, especially since I hadn’t heard from Aaron. I hadn’t been convinced that he would agree to go, but since I hadn’t heard from him and it was already Wednesday night, I thought that was a good sign. I thought he was enough of a gentleman that he would have surely called if the answer was no. I couldn’t imagine him just not showing up. I walked around and listened to the Christmas music and looked at all the pretty decorations. I got some ideas for my own tree from the one in the center of the mall and while I was there, I bought some mor
e Christmas decorations. I enjoyed seeing everyone out, looking happy and excited that the season was finally upon us. I went home with a warm, happy feeling in my heart.
I left work early on Thursday with Max’s blessing. I had a ton of vacation time saved up and he was more than willing to let me use it here and there before the holidays. I went straight home and started getting ready. I took a long, hot bubble bath first. It felt so good to soak in the warm, soft bubbles when the weather was so harsh and cold outside. I loved the snow, but I loved it even more from the warmth of my own home.
When I got out of the tub, I slipped on my robe and I put my hair in hot rollers. Afterwards, I applied my make-up carefully and then I slipped on my new dress. It was a light green pleated chiffon gown with beaded back bodice and it was sleeveless with beads that went across the shoulders. It had an A-line skirt that ended just below the knee. I had the perfect pair of silver shoes to wear with it. Once I was dressed, I took out the rollers and shook my hair out loose around my face and across my shoulders. I painted my fingernails and my toenails and when they dried, I put on a silver chain, earrings and shoes. I took a final look in the mirror before I put on my coat. I was satisfied with the result. I grabbed my bag and then crossed my fingers and made a wish on the star outside my window that Aaron would show up, and then I headed out.
On my way to the restaurant, I thought about how long it had been since I’d seen all of my dear friends. Melissa and her fiancé had a Halloween party and everyone was there. I’d dressed up like a cheetah in a costume that I’d made myself. It was a body suit with a little skirt and I’d made gloves and ears with the same material. The party had been a blast and I’d won best costume. The only regret I had that night was that all of my friends, even the unmarried ones, had partners. Some of them were just dating still, but they’d all been together for a while. I liked them all, and they all made me feel welcome… but I still felt a little bit like the odd man out. Melissa was always trying to set me up with one of Chris, her fiancé’s, friends. I appreciated that she worried about me and wanted to see me in a happy relationship, but I was of a mind that when it came to the man I was meant to be with, I would find him on my own, and I’d know when I found him.
I parked my car in the lot and got a little excited tickle when I saw a limousine driving in. The driver got out to open the door for their passenger. It wasn’t Aaron’s chauffer Jeffrey, who I counted as one of my newest friends. I felt disappointed when I saw the smartly dressed man and woman get out of the car while the chauffeur held the door. I shook it off quickly, however, telling myself it was early yet. There was still time for Aaron to show. I wasn’t going to let myself get down tonight. Tonight was about good times with good company.
I spotted Melissa and Chris at the bar when I walked in. I checked my coat and went over to see them.
“Robyn!” Melissa wrapped me in a hug. “I’m so happy to see you. Look at you, you’re gorgeous! How are you still single?”
Laughing, I thanked her and said, “I have no idea. And right back at you. I love that color on you!” Melissa was a petite little brunette with big blue eyes and a spray of freckles across her nose. She looked gorgeous, especially tonight in her strapless red holiday dress.
“What about me?” Chris pretended to pout. “This suit is the exact shade of my eyes.” I hugged him too.
“Of course it is… I was just going to say…” Chris was six foot five and looked like a linebacker. He was in a chocolate brown suit with a festive red tie. The suit did in fact match his eyes. He was kidding about picking it out though, I was sure. Chris was color blind and Melissa rarely let him pick out his own clothes. When she did, he was often seen wearing wildly mis-matched colors. It was something we all teased him about. He was a great sport though. I was so happy that Melissa found him. They were perfectly suited to each other. He was a really good guy.
“Where is your date?”
“He’ll be here soon,” I told her. “He’s meeting me here.”
“I can’t wait to meet him,” she said.
“Where is everyone else?” I asked them.
“Carol and Brett will be here soon. She just text me, and I think I see Nadine and Tom walking in now.” I turned to see our friend Nadine coming towards us. She was a tall, willowy African-American woman with light mocha skin that always had a glow to it. We met Nadine in college and she’d been a good friend since. Her fiancé Tom was an artist who was rapidly gaining a following in New York. He was always happy and a ton of fun to hang out with. We all gave hugs and kisses and said hello and by that time, Carol and Brett arrived. Brett was the one that went way back with us in that couple. He and Melissa dated in college. It didn’t work out, but we’d all been tight ever since anyways. Carol and Brett had been dating for about six months now. She seemed like she was going to fit into the group just fine.
“Are we ready to sit?” Chris asked. Melissa looked at me questioningly. I was sure she didn’t want to embarrass me by asking where my date was and I loved her for it.
“Sure, let’s sit. My date should be here soon,” I said.
We all sat down and the server took our drink and appetizer orders. I was starting to get nervous that Aaron wasn’t going to show up. I regretted telling Melissa that I had a date; the empty chair next to me looked ominous. I knew my friends wouldn’t judge me for it, but they’d feel badly for me and I didn’t want to be the cause of a damper on the evening. I kept looking towards the door and the bar, crossing my fingers that he was still going to make it, although I knew at this point I was fooling myself. It was already half past eight. I took one final look and turned back towards Melissa to tell her we could order… he wasn’t going to come. That was when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Excitedly I turned around… and there was Gary.
“Gary, hi!” I said, surprised to see him and hoping my disappointment wasn’t showing on my face. I was also a little concerned about why Gary was here. Was he stalking me now? That was kind of a mean thought. This was a popular, public place. I was just so disappointed that it hadn’t been Aaron tapping me.
“Hey Robyn,” he said. “I was having a drink at the bar and saw you. I just wanted to say hi and tell you that you look fantastic.” He had that look on his face again.
“Thanks,” I said. He was so nice and I felt really mean for being so disillusioned when I first saw him. I turned to Melissa who had been in conversation with Nadine. Carol and Brett were talking to Chris. I don’t think anyone had heard what Gary and I said to each other. “Have a seat,” I told him, quickly. He looked surprised, but happy. He sat down in Aaron’s empty chair and I leaned in and whispered, “I was wondering if you haven’t eaten yet, if you’d like to join us for dinner?”
Gary’s face lit up and he said, “Yes, I’d love to.”
“Okay, thank you,” I told him, smiling back. “I’m going to introduce you as my date, so play along, okay?” I’d done my best for so long to not encourage him and I was probably undoing all of that right now. He looked about to burst he was so happy. I didn’t think it could be all that wrong. It made me happy that he was happy. I was still disappointed in Aaron. The least he could have done was call…
CHAPTER ELEVEN
~
AARON
It was already half past eight when I got to the restaurant. I should have called Robyn and let her know I was running late. The reason that I didn’t was that I was running late because I hadn’t decided to go until the very last minute. Once I finally stopped waffling back and forth, I was already late and I thought it would be better if I just explained myself when I got there.
All week I had been going back and forth about it. I would tell myself I wasn’t going. Robyn was too fascinated by Christmas and since it was almost Christmas time, I would get roped into all of her “Christmassy” activities or I would break her heart when I left for Belize and refused to do Christmas with her. Either way, it was a bad situation. It was too close to Christmas to lead her on. Th
e holiday obviously meant a lot to her.
I would pick up the phone to call her and tell her all that but before I dialed her number, I would put it back down and start the argument for going to the restaurant. I would tell myself that not dating her because she liked Christmas was ridiculous. It was true; it was probably the most ridiculous reason for not dating a person that I’d ever heard. If I knew it was ridiculous, imagine how it would sound to other people. I may as well just stop dating period. Everyone loves Christmas, except for me. I had my reasons of course, but that was also something I didn’t want to have to talk about. I liked Robyn. What would be wrong with dating her? She would eventually come to understand that we would just always differ on the subject of Christmas… right?