by Nancy Naigle
“And winner of the eighth annual Extreme Gingerbread Bake-off, sponsored by Carolina’s Best Flour … Rose and Bella. For the third straight year. Congratulations, ladies. Here to award them with the check from our sponsor, Carolina’s Best Flour Company, is Mr. Phil Finnegan.”
Phil walked out with the giant check. He shook the ladies’ hands, and they were just as excited as if it had been their first win.
Joy spoke loudly to reach across the excited audience. “Along with the monetary award, you’ll see these faces in advertising all year long. Congratulations to our winners, and a round of applause for yourselves because without you, we wouldn’t be feeding our own community. Merry Christmas.”
Phil and Joy posed for pictures with the winning team, and then the photographer whisked all the winners stage right to get a picture in front of the sponsor banner.
She wrapped up the final details, handing over the mic and doing the obligatory thank-yous with the sponsors as the crowd started to thin out.
Joy’s attention wandered over to where Ben and his mother were talking to some people near their display. Meanwhile, Todd hadn’t moved. She could still see him in her periphery … staring at her.
As much as she’d like to ignore him, it was highly unlikely he’d come all this way and give up that easily. Better to just get it over with. But not here in front of everyone.
She stepped down the exit from the stage, and Todd met her halfway. “You look great,” he said.
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you,” he said. “You haven’t missed me?”
Disconcerted, she crossed her arms and pointedly looked away. “How did you find me?”
“That’s not a very warm welcome. It was a five-hour drive. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“Why would you think that? We haven’t spoken in weeks.” Maybe it wasn’t a particularly polite way to respond to his surprise, but she’d never been one to like surprises, and this wasn’t a good one. Todd didn’t do anything without an agenda. That had been charming when she first met him, but over the past six months, he’d begun to claw his way to the top instead of working his way to it. She didn’t want to be part of his agenda. No matter what it was. Especially here in Crystal Falls.
“I missed you. It’s the holidays. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you for a week.”
If she’d sent a polite thank-you for the flowers, would he have left her alone? She knew how he liked to win. Her ignoring him, intentionally or not, was probably a challenge. “Thank you for the flowers.”
She recognized someone from the hospital watching them and decided it would be best to have this conversation privately. “Come with me.” She weaved her way through the crowd and beyond the big double doors that led to the garden paths, which were closed this time of year.
As soon as the doors closed behind them, Todd laid both his hands on her shoulders, then let them glide down her arms, stepping in closer. “It’s been too long since we’ve spent time together.” He lowered his head to the crook of her neck and whispered, “I’ve missed you.” Then kissed her on the neck.
“No, you haven’t.” She wiggled out of his grasp. “You could have called. I don’t really like that you’ve tracked me down and shown up unannounced.”
“Oh, come on. I left you several messages at the office.” His easy smile wasn’t going to work on her.
“You have my cell phone number. You could have called. You could even have e-mailed.”
“I wanted to see you.”
“You knew I’d say no.”
“And I don’t know why that is,” he said. “I thought we understood each other.”
“Because we are done, Todd. In fact, I believe it was you who said we’d always keep things simple. This doesn’t feel simple anymore.” She leveled her gaze. There really wasn’t anything to discuss.
“Oh, come on. We always have a good time. The big gala is tomorrow night. I’d love to take you to the party.”
“That’s what all this is about. I told Renee when you sent those poinsettias that getting an invite to the gala was your angle.” She took another step back, increasing the space between them. “It would be completely tacky for me to take you to the gala, since you work for the competition now.”
“Half the people there wouldn’t even realize I’d left.”
“I’d know,” she said, gazing off to the side, trying to decide her best course to make an exit and send him on his way.
“Come on, Joy.” He took her hands into his. “Give me a chance.” He stooped into her line of sight.
“No. And I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave.”
He straightened. His smile faded. “Are you serious?”
“I sure am.”
His nostrils flared as he shook his head. “I can’t believe you. This was a grand gesture on my part.”
“Don’t do this, Todd. Let it go. I’m not important to you. We both know that what we had was never like that.” She put her hand on the door. “I’d appreciate it if you’d just take me out of your contact list.” Leaving him behind, she walked back inside, over to the stage, where her things were stored behind the podium. People were still milling about, looking at the displays. She stooped down to get her purse, lowering her head to mask the anxiety she was feeling right now.
A folded slip of paper with her name on it sat on top of her purse.
She stood up, hitched her purse over her shoulder, and draped her jacket over her arm. Scanning the room, she didn’t see any sign of Todd. Thank goodness. Maybe he’d taken the back exit from where they’d been standing.
She watched for Ben. She was ready for a relaxing cup of coffee with him. While she waited, she unfolded the slip of paper.
Have to cancel coffee.
I’ll see Molly off to school in the morning.
Enjoy the gala.
Take care,
Ben
A twinge of disappointment swept through her. She’d been looking forward to spending more time with Ben before she had to leave town. Maybe he was disappointed he and his mom hadn’t won. Their entry definitely won the creativity score. The carousel on the turntable was beyond amazing, and the LED lights shining through the sugar glass still seemed impossible. Ben had definitely won that category by a landslide, but it was tight competition and the scores in some of the other categories had just eked the winners ahead.
She walked out to her car and left, glancing in her rearview mirror and in the parking lots for a sign of his truck. It wasn’t like she didn’t have plenty to do to keep her busy tonight. Maybe he’d stop by in the morning.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Joy had never been so happy to be back at her condo in D.C. Her butt was numb from the long ride home, and in just two weeks, how could she have forgotten how crazy traffic was in that area? The five-hour drive had taken nearly seven hours. If she hadn’t lollygagged around the house so long, she would’ve missed some of that traffic, but she’d been riding on the hopes of a quick hello between her and Ben, which just hadn’t happened.
She’d planned to get in for a deluxe pedicure at her favorite spa downtown today, but there was no time for that now. A quick in-and-out with the salon next door was going to have to do.
She swiped her card key at the condo parking lot entrance and waited for the arm to lift. She parked in her assigned spot, then got the gown out of the back. Holding the hanger of the dress bag high above her head to keep it from dragging, she fumbled for her keys as she made her way to the lobby of her building. Not quite so convenient as front-door parking in Crystal Falls.
As she waited for the elevator, the lobby felt cold and stark. There were no holiday decorations. Probably in an effort to be politically correct. A lot of that went on around here. Not that she’d planned to do any decorating either. But that was different. She had her own reasons, and they were not politically driven.
The elevator chime sounded and finally the doors op
ened. Three people stepped off, none of whom she knew. She smiled politely and stepped inside. When the doors opened on the fourth floor, she stepped into the hallway. Her condo was just to the right of the elevator.
She worked her key in the temperamental old lock and went inside. The décor was minimal, and neat. A showplace that she’d really been proud to share, only today it felt different. Somewhat impersonal. More like a rental unit. No family pictures. No memories tied to random items that needed to be explained.
She hung the dress in her closet and went to run a bath.
The long drive had left her feeling weary. She poured some Purple Water into the tub, a scent she’d fallen in love with while staying at the Ritz on a business trip. The splurge always made her feel better after a long day, and she was going to need a resurgence of energy if she was going to enjoy the long night ahead.
She slipped into the silky water. At Ruby’s house, in her old cast iron tub, Joy’d been able to scooch down into the warm water all the way to her chin. Her modern tub wasn’t nearly so deep. In fact, she’d never noticed before just how shallow it was. The water barely covered all of her.
When she got out of the tub, she was clean, but not relaxed.
She was still upset that Todd had shown up. What had he been thinking? Todd had never been one to make a grandiose effort. Their relationship had never been like that. And although part of her wondered why she hadn’t been swept away by the romantic gesture, she had to believe it was because she was over him—or there hadn’t really ever been anything there to begin with.
If she hadn’t met Ben, would she have reacted the same way?
She closed her eyes, trying to imagine herself with Todd, but nothing came to mind.
They’d shared some good meals. Equally good business outings, but that time had come and gone. Time to move on.
She climbed out of the bathtub and wrapped herself in a thick, plush towel. Ruby’s tub might be better than hers, but there was nothing like these thirsty towels she’d splurged on. Maybe that would be the perfect present for Ruby this Christmas. She’d certainly never treat herself to them. Besides, there probably weren’t any high-end stores within a couple of hours that even carried them out there.
She could stop and get them on her way back to Crystal Falls. They’d even gift-wrap them.
Joy slathered on her favorite moisturizer, then did her makeup. She swept her hair up in a clip that Renee had given her last year for Christmas.
The gown was so beautiful. She’d been so excited about it, and it fit perfectly, but now it seemed like a silly extravagance. This one dress cost more than all the money Crystal Falls had raised for meals for those in need.
And two weeks ago, this dress … this party … the promotion had been the only things she had on her mind. Tonight none of that seemed nearly so exciting as getting back to Crystal Falls. Even though she knew she’d be there only a few more days until her leave was up.
Surprisingly, she was looking forward to celebrating the holidays. And not just anywhere, with anyone, but in Crystal Falls with Aunt Ruby and her new friends Molly and Ginny, and Ben too.
Her phone buzzed. A text message that the car the firm had sent to take her to the MacDonald-Webber gala was downstairs waiting. Just one more perk bestowed upon the employees to thank them for another grand year of service to their customers.
She grabbed her beaded evening clutch and took the elevator downstairs.
The doorman held the door, and the driver stood at the back of the limo, ready to help her in.
“Holbrook. To the National Archives Museum?”
“Yes.” She accepted his hand as she slid into the backseat of the car. A bottle of champagne sat in the ice bucket. Already open. She poured champagne into one of the glasses and took a sip. The bubbles tickled her nose.
She watched out the window as they moved through traffic. The world looked different through tinted glass. A little boy waved from the backseat of a car in the next lane. He probably thought someone important was hidden behind the dark windows in the fancy limo. But it was just her. And right now she wasn’t nearly so excited as she’d thought she’d be about the gala tonight.
They slowed to a stop. She peered outside.
The line of black cars was at least twenty deep by the time Joy’s limo arrived at the party. She checked her watch twice as they slowly moved toward the entrance. MacDonald-Webber’s own art department had set up their staff photographers to capture the arrival moment for each employee. Coworkers stepped out into the camera flashes smiling and mugging for the photographers. She felt awkwardly alone. Maybe blowing off Todd hadn’t been the smartest move. She could have given him the boot next week. Or after the holidays.
Too late now. Her driver pulled to the front of the line, and a white-gloved man helped Joy out of the car.
She pasted on her confident smile and tilted her head for the picture, barely slowing down as she headed to the Rotunda Galleries in search of a drink.
But she had to admit some of the discomfort she felt at being alone was swept quickly aside as she walked into the glamorously lit room. Taken with the beauty, she slowed to a stop. The vaulted ceiling, open to seventy-five feet, glowed in hues of red and green like a psychedelic heaven up to the coffered panels.
Her heels echoed against the slick, marble floor. A waiter stopped, offering her a flute of champagne. “Thank you.”
Colleagues mingled, and Joy recognized several of the heavy hitters from other areas of the firm.
Brock Webber caught her elbow as she walked by. “Good to see you, Joy. I wanted to personally congratulate you on your work this year.”
“Thank you, Mr. Webber.”
“It’s a fine night to celebrate.” He lifted his glass in the air.
No champagne for him. He was drinking brown liquor. Bourbon straight up, if she had to guess. “Yes, sir, it is.”
“More to come,” he said with a wink, then turned back to the group he’d been speaking with.
She tried to maintain her composure, and searched for somewhere she could get herself together. “More to come,” he’d said. They were most certainly announcing the promotions tonight. This was her night. The night she’d wished for. After ducking into one of the other rooms, she stood, pretending to enjoy one of the many pieces of art. But mostly so she could steady her excited pulse.
Someone leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I knew you’d be the best-looking thing here tonight.”
Joy spun around to see Todd standing there with his date. “You?”
“Hello, again.” Todd smiled a lazy smile. Joy recognized the lollipop hanging off his arm as one of the young interns they’d hired permanently over the summer. Figures Todd would go for the easy way in. She should’ve known he wouldn’t give up.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Mingling. Making contacts,” he said, never stopping his scan of the room. “Have you met Sandy?” He lifted a brow. “Sandy Booker. As promised, this is my dear friend, Joy Holbrook.”
Great. So when Todd couldn’t use her to take him to the gala, he’d stooped to using her as a way to get someone else to.
The young woman giggled and held out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about your projects. I’d love to work with you someday. I hope you’ll keep me in mind. When Todd said y’all used to be a couple and were best friends now, I was so excited. I wanted to meet you.”
Joy would best describe Sandy’s handshake as a wish-there-were-a-prince-kissing-my-hand kind of gesture, and that dress was too low and too short for any work event. “Careful of this one, Sandy,” Joy said, pointing to Todd. “He’s in it for himself. It’s always about Todd.”
Sandy’s lashes batted like she wasn’t sure whether Joy was kidding.
“Excuse me,” Joy said. “I see someone I need to speak with.” Thank goodness Renee and her husband had walked in right at the moment she needed a re
scue.
She quickly stepped into the tight space between Kevin and Renee, hooking her arms between theirs. “Hey.”
“I was looking for you.” Renee came to a halt, and hugged Joy. “The office is not the same without you.”
“You two look like you should be on top of a wedding cake or something. The perfect couple.”
“And you came alone?”
“I did, but you won’t believe who I just saw.”
“Who?”
“Todd, with one of those young girls.”
“I told you he’d do anything to get accounts. I can’t believe you used to go out with him.”
“How was I so blind?” Joy shrugged it off and turned her attention to Kevin. “How’ve you been?”
“Great. Heard you had a little fender bender while you were down in Carolina.”
“I did, but my friend Ben is hooking me up with a great body guy down there. I’ll probably save a ton of money by not getting it fixed up here.”
“Except if you’d been here, you probably wouldn’t have wrecked in the first place,” he teased.
“True.” Joy sipped her champagne. “Isn’t this place … this party … elegant? And the architecture is amazing.”
“I love all the little details.”
“Yeah. Ben has an old house that he’s been renovating. You should see it. He even had to have some of the moldings recast in resin to be able to duplicate them. It’s just breathtaking.”
Kevin stopped a waiter and ordered a drink. “You girls want more champagne?”
“Yes, please,” Renee said, and Joy swapped hers out for a fresh glass.
A string quartet played music at one end of the space. As the room filled, the conversations carried in the air like a melody. “It’s really beautiful, and the candles and poinsettias on the tables look festive, but it seems odd to have a holiday gala with no Christmas tree,” Joy admitted.
“Maybe that’s why they don’t call it a Christmas gala,” Kevin said.
“Just seems weird since one of our biggest accounts is all about Christmas,” Joy said.
Renee pointed through the crowd toward a woman in a lovely winter white suit. “And speaking of Christmas. There’s Poppy Wetherton.”