by Anne Stone
“Angelina, is that you?” her mother called.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Who are you talking to?”
“No one.”
“But I heard you talking.”
“Mom, Alejandro asked me to join him for a holiday dinner tomorrow night. I accepted.”
“Darling, that’s fabulous. He’s such a kind and caring man… A brilliant surgeon.”
“Mom, stop. I just accepted because he helped me out tonight. That’s all. Don’t get your hopes up because nothing is going to happen between us. Please just leave it alone.”
Angelina’s mother wanted to believe otherwise. She agreed to leave Angelina alone about this, but a mother could hope and even dream, couldn’t she?
*****
Angelina’s last day of school flew by. Before she knew it, she was wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. She requested that they all have a wonderful holiday and joked that they shouldn’t ask for too much from Santa. Each of her students thanked her for their gifts as they left the classroom.
Angelina hadn’t had a chance to talk to Gabriella. All day long she wanted to be honest and up front with her friend about attending the hospital’s holiday dinner with her brother. Angelina walked across the hallway after her last student left. Gabriella was packing up her things and tidying up her classroom for the extended break.
“Hey there. What’s new?” Angelina called out to Gabriella.
Gabriella turned around and said, “Not much. What about you?”
This was the perfect opportunity to tell Gabriella about her planned evening with Alejandro. “Well, I’ve got something to tell you.”
“And it’s…?”
“I kind of have a date with your brother this evening, if that’s what you want to call it.”
“You what?” Gabriella was too excited for words. She couldn’t contain herself. Smiling broadly, she started jumping up and down. Turning around in circles with a look of glee on her face, she stopped abruptly. She grabbed ahold of Angelina, pulling her in close; she started throwing rapid fire questions at her.
“He asked you out on a date? When? Where? Oh my gosh!” Gabriella said as she spun around in delight.
“Well, it’s not really a date. He just asked me to attend a holiday dinner that the hospital is hosting.”
“Well, to me that’s a date.”
“In my eyes, it isn’t. It’s just easier to use the word date instead of—” In fact, what would you call these “so-called dates” she wondered.
Angelina felt like she was on some type of game show and Gabriella was looking for just the right answer. Little did Gabriella know, they’d sort of been having these so-called dates off and on for the past few months.
Angelina proceeded to tell Gabriella about the previous night. “He caught me at a low point when he surprised me in my classroom. I’d read Lauren’s journal and I got a little upset about what she wrote. Anyway, he was here talking to Mary about Career Day.”
“I didn’t know about that.”
“Well, don’t let him know I told you. I think he wants to surprise you. Anyway, we went out for a drink and something to eat. When we were leaving, he asked me to be his date tonight for the hospital holiday party. He didn’t want to go by himself.”
“That’s wonderful,” Gabriella responded. “It’s about time he started dating again.”
“Gabriella, we aren’t ‘dating.’ This is a one-time thing.”
“I don’t care what you call it. He’s going out with someone. He doesn’t want to be alone. That’s just…”
“I’m not following you.”
“Don’t mind me. I’m just happy for my brother.”
“Whatever you say, but I don’t get what you mean by your comment about him dating again.”
“Forget it. Just be sure and have a good time. You owe it to yourself and to him as well. You’ve both been through a lot lately.”
*****
She hadn’t finished dressing when the doorbell rang. Colleen answered the door. She had no idea about their date.
“Dr. A.? What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come for your sister. I’m taking her to dinner.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that.”
Alejandro seemed surprised that Colleen wasn’t aware of their date, but then again, she hadn’t been home when they’d left the prior evening. He’d also dropped Angelina off rather late for a school night, and he was sure that Angelina had left before Colleen got up.
“How are you feeling, Colleen?”
“Great thanks to you.” She let Alejandro in and led him to the living room where her mother was reading. “Mom, Dr. A is here for Angelina. Did you know they were going out?”
Her mother popped up off the sofa and said, “Indeed, I did. I’m so pleased with this development.”
“Mrs. Samuels. Don’t get me wrong, but Angelina’s just doing me a favor.”
“I know. But can’t a mother dream?”
“Well, yes she can, but…”
Colleen called for Angelina. “Your date’s here,” she yelled.
Angelina appeared at the top of the stairs. As she descended the stairs, she absolutely took his breath away. She was dressed in a gorgeous red sequined dress that fitted her slender body like a glove. It had a scooped neckline with capped sleeves that fell just above her knees. Her hair was pulled up into what Alejandro would call a messy bun with tendrils of her light brown hair hanging loosely around her face. This truly wasn’t a date he thought, but it sure felt like one. She looked absolutely stunning, more beautiful than he ever could have imagined. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
Angelina had no intentions for this to go any further than dinner. And in all actuality, he didn’t either. He just needed her assistance for this one function, and that would be the end of it. He’d made a pact with himself. He was never going to give his heart to someone again because, when it ended, it would be like he was living his nightmare all over again. He never wanted to experience those feelings again.
Alejandro greeted her at the bottom of the stairs. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was… He checked himself. I can’t go there.
“Angelina, you look beautiful,” her mother chimed in.
“Yes, you do,” added Alejandro. He reached for her hand and helped her down the last step.
Silence ensued as they looked at one another. A strange sensation passed through her hand as she looked-up at him. A wave of nervousness temporarily overcame her until Colleen interjected, “Have a wonderful time,” breaking the spell they were both under. Colleen then reached up and kissed Angelina’s cheek. She whispered in her ear, “You do look beautiful.” Smiling at the couple, Colleen turned towards the door and opened it for them.
Alejandro released her hand, and then placed his against the small of her back as he guided her out the door. She could hear her mother saying, “Enjoy yourselves.”
Angelina giggled as she walked down the sidewalk.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about something my mother said. That’s all.” She was remembering their earlier conversation when her mother learned about their date and how she went on and on about Alejandro.
Alejandro left it at that as he opened her car door. Being the gentleman that he was, he aided her again with her seatbelt.
“What are you doing?”
“Helping with your seatbelt.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do. Your mother would expect it.”
“Stop that,” she said. “Don’t even go there. This is an evening about friendship and nothing else.”
“Back at you,” he said. “Friendship.” He closed the door and walked around the car. As he opened his door, he noticed the drapes moving in the front window. He was sure it was her mother checking them out. She had hopes and dreams for her daughter, but he knew otherwise. Those dreams, as Angelina told h
im, would never come true. He wanted Angelina to get on with her life. He wanted to help her see that she could have it all. He could counsel her to believe that even though he knew he would not play a part in her dreams. He kept reminding himself that he just needed a partner for the evening. If they had a good time, maybe she would agree to be his date for other hospital functions. He knew he was never going to have another long-term relationship. He’d had it once, and never wanted to go there again.
They arrived at the hotel where the event was being held. A valet stood at Alejandro’s door as he placed the car in park. He handed Alejandro a claim check as he exited the car. The doorman opened Angelina’s door and Alejandro was right there as she exited the car. He presented her his arm, which she immediately reached for. They walked into the hotel looking more like a couple than either of them desired to be.
He escorted her to the ballroom after he checked their table seating. Angelina was nervous. She’d never been to an event where so many professionals surrounded her. She didn’t realize it, but she squeezed Alejandro’s arm a little tighter. He looked down at her and smiled. “Come on,” he said. “Our table awaits us.” He guided her to their table and pulled out her chair. Alejandro asked her what she’d like to drink and went to the bar to retrieve their drinks.
She waited there for Alejandro to return, looking around at the ballroom filled with holiday decorations. She’d been to many holiday parties in this same ballroom, but never did she remember how beautifully decorated it had been. Tonight, clear balls were hanging from the ceiling filled with holiday lights, giving the appearance of ornaments. Holiday lights were woven into the garland that was strung around the doorways. The room was a sea of various gold and silver decorations. If she had one word to describe the room, it would be “magical.” She felt like she was living in a fairy tale with all of the twinkling lights that surrounded the room.
She couldn’t believe the chain of events that led to this evening. She was sitting in the grandest of ballrooms celebrating the holidays with Alejandro. She was having difficulty putting words behind her thoughts. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve Alejandro’s attention.
She was deep in thought when Alejandro returned to the table.
“White wine for my lady,” he said as he handed her the drink.
Smiling up at him, she thanked him. They were presently alone at their table. Taking a sip of his wine, he started their conversation by asking about her day.
“It was good. I’m going to miss seeing my students.”
“What are your plans for your break?”
“Nothing really. Gabriella and I are going out one day, but other than that I have no plans. I guess I’ll help my mom around the house. As you could tell by the decorations, Christmas is a big event for her.”
“Yes, it’s quite festive.”
“Well, Christmas Day is huge at our house. I don’t know why she continues with all of this, but I guess she does it for Wyatt and Colleen, but it’s not like they still believe in Santa Claus.”
“Traditions must mean a lot to her.”
“Yes, they do.”
As the night progressed, they enjoyed a wonderful meal and conversations with his peers and their spouses. Alejandro introduced her to the table as a friend of his sister’s—they didn’t need to know that she’d been his patient. The head of the hospital’s wife, Trudy James, was sitting beside Angelina. Angelina explained her longtime family connection with Alejandro’s family to Trudy.
“Actually, Alejandro’s father was my Pediatrician. I knew he had a daughter my age, but we didn’t actually meet until college and we became fast friends. And then I didn’t actually meet Alejandro until he moved to St. Louis earlier this year. I’d heard all about him and his accomplishments through Gabriella. He does such marvelous work.”
“Yes, he does. We were lucky to get our hands him. He’s so well respected throughout the country.”
Alejandro turned to Angelina and joined in on her conversation. The last of the dinner dishes had been cleared and the band began playing. Placing his hand on hers, he asked her to dance. Smiling up at him, she agreed. Alejandro grabbed her hand, and led her to the dance floor. Pulling her into his arms, he asked if she was having a good time.
“Yes, actually, I am. Everyone at the table is really nice. Not stuffy like I expected.”
“Stuffy?” he scoffed.
“Well you know.”
“Know what?”
“Know how doctors can be. They all have such egos.”
Alejandro smiled at her and she continued, “Of course, I don’t consider you amongst their company.”
Laughing, he said, “I’m glad.”
She was surprised that Alejandro was such a good dancer. He spun her around the dance floor. Even with the hall as crowded as it was, he was still able to keep up the flow of the dance without running into anyone. She was impressed to say the least. They danced until the band took a break, and he led them back to their table. She appeared to be getting tired. Knowing that she’d had a long day, he asked her if she wanted to leave.
“Not unless you do.”
“Are you sure? You’re looking tired.”
“I’m fine, really,” she said. “Let’s just get something straight. Tonight, you’re not my doctor. Got it?”
He nodded. “I just thought you’d had a long day, that’s all.”
Smiling, she said, “Come on. Let’s dance some more.” She reached for his hand and pulled him up from the chair. Begrudgingly, he headed back to the dance floor with her. They danced until the band called it an evening at eleven o’clock.
Alejandro reached for her hand and, as a couple, he led her from the ballroom. She’d had a wonderful time. While they waited for the valet to bring his car around, she began to shiver.
“Cold?” he asked.
“Not really.”
“Let me warm you up,” he said as he placed his arm around her and drew her close. “Better?” he asked.
“Yes. Thank you,” she said as she drew closer to him, feeling the warmth emanating from his body.
The valet delivered Alejandro’s car and opened the door for Angelina. She hated to leave the warmth of his arm around her. Alejandro once again assisted her with her seatbelt. Smiling at her, he closed the door. They drove home in silence as each pondered the events of the evening. When he pulled into the driveway, she turned to him. “Thank you. I had a marvelous time.”
“No, thank you. I’m glad you decided to go. Otherwise, I would have begged off and stayed home this evening. It was good for me to socialize with my colleagues outside the hospital.”
Alejandro exited the car and came around to open Angelina’s door. She’d already started to exit the car when he reached for her hand. “Let me help you.”
“Thanks again,” she said as they walked to the door.
“Maybe we can do this again sometime.” He said as she made her way up the front steps.
Turning back to him she said, “That would be fun.” Not sure what else she should say or do, she told him to have a great holiday.
“Aren’t you coming over to my parents for their Christmas open house?”
“Gabriella did mention it. Let me see what’s going on here and I’ll try and make it.”
Both of them were a little uncomfortable. Neither knew how to end this evening, so he reached for her hand, shook it, and said, “Sounds good.” Dropping her hand, he started to turn away but added, “Take care.”
With that, he turned and waved goodbye, disappearing into the confines of his car. She watched him as he started the engine and slowly backed out of the driveway. She stood on the doorstep and watched as his taillights disappeared around the corner. Sighing, she opened the door and entered the foyer. She closed the door on what had turned into a fabulous evening.
Chapter Nine
Gabriella couldn’t wait to discover how their date went. She phoned Angelina early the next day to see if she’d like
to meet for lunch and finish some last minute shopping.
Angelina missed her call since she’d been busy running errands for her mother and had forgotten her cell phone. As soon as she got home, she checked her messages and saw Gabriella’s number pop up. She knew what she wanted and really didn’t want to discuss her evening with Gabriella. She waited to return her call until the next day and, like a good game of phone tag, had to leave Gabriella a message.
Two days later, they touched base and Gabriella couldn’t contain herself. “So tell me, how was it?”
“Gabriella, I’m in the middle of something right now and can’t talk. Would you be able to meet tomorrow for lunch?”
“If I have to wait that long,” she whined.
“Sorry, but I’m really busy helping my mom with something. That’s all I can offer.”
Gabriella agreed, so they met for lunch the next day and did some last minute shopping.
“I can’t believe today is Christmas Eve,” said Gabriella. They’d both finished picking up some last minute gifts and were hoping to enjoy a relaxing lunch.
“I know what you mean. This year has been a whirlwind with everything that’s happened.” said Angelina as they sat down at their table for lunch.
Gabriella had decided to not overwhelm Angelina with her questions about her dinner with Alejandro’s peers. “How are you feeling these days?”
“Pretty good, although I still get a little tired in the afternoon. Otherwise, I’m fine.”
“Have you spoken to Alejandro about this?”
“No. I didn’t think it was necessary.”
“Well, you know he’d probably want you to call him. He worries about you.”
“I’m fine. Okay?” Angelina wondered if Gabriella was snooping for Alejandro’s benefit. Then, she thought again and realized that Gabriella was just a concerned friend.
Gabriella nodded, but made a mental note of her tiredness. “So, since we’re on the subject of my brother, how did your date go?”
“Gabriella, it really wasn’t a date.”
“You said it was a… No, I think you said… It doesn’t really matter what you said exactly, how was your evening?”