Holiday Spice & Everything Nice

by Conn, Claudy

We walked into Roman's office and a very young red head stood by the wall looking at all the pictures of R.J. Roman has decorated on his office wall. She's a very seductive looking woman. Her tight red business suit fit her like a glove. Not something I would wear to an interview, I had to give her credit, she had guts to wear that. She obviously was comfortable in her own skin.

  She turned and smiled and introducing herself. "Hi, I'm Holly Haven."

  Roman shook her hand turning to introduce Noelle and I. "Nice to meet you Holly. This is my wife Noelle and our associate Eve."

  "Nice to meet all of you. I've heard so many nice things about this company."

  Roman looked over her resume and handed it over to Noelle an I. “I see you have worked for some very prestigious companies all over the country."

  "Yes, I have. I love working with people. Especially children. I try and do whatever I can to raise money for children and the families in need. I've also done lots of pro Bono work as well."

  "Yes, I've heard of your work with the children's hospital downtown. The money you raised will get the kids a beautiful playroom and library."

  Noelle chimed in. "I've visited the hospital recently and have seen the space for the library. It will be amazing. The children will also have computers to use."

  Holly smiled at Noelle warmly. She seemed like she would fit in perfectly here. I asked if she would excuse us for a moment. She closed the door behind her as she left the room.

  Roman sat back in his chair. "Well, what do you guys think of her? I checked all her references the other day. No one had anything negative to say about her. She's worked all over the country with many different family demographics as well as small and large companies."

  "I think she has a very sweet disposition. She would be great for the families we work with. I'm just worried about her moving around all the time. We're looking for someone more permanent." I gave my opinion on the matter.

  Noelle shook her head. "I agree. Let's see what she has to say before we decide."

  I called Holly back into the office showing her to a chair where she could have a seat.

  Roman spook first. "Holly let me just say your references are impeccable, any company would be privileged to have you as an employee. We are just a little concerned about your lack of stability in one place. We are looking for someone more permanent. Someone who will be here with us long-term."

  Holly replies quickly. "Well Mr. Parker, I'm looking for something more permanent. You see I wanted more experience and the companies who hired me only wanted to keep me short-term. They only needed help for promoting a special project. Not for something that their company would be doing regularly. I would love to work for just one company who is willing to give back to others. A company who needs my services on a regular basis."

  Roman glanced over at Noelle and I, we quietly agree that Holly would be perfect for the company. "Well Ms. Haven, welcome to Parker Industries. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful addition to our family."

  Holly stood to shake all our hands vigorously." "Oh, thank you so much. I can't wait to get started."

  Noelle rose out of her chair. "Good, we'll start right now. First project, shopping!"

  Holly gave her a look of complete confusion. "Shopping?"

  Noelle grabbed her coat from the leather ottoman in the corner of the room, putting it on she turned to Holly. "Yes, shopping. You see, Eve is going to be in a charity ball sponsored by Winters, Inc. We are going to pick her out a beautiful evening gown. Why you may ask? Because I don't trust her."

  Holly interrupted. "But, I think she dresses nicely."

  I agreed of course. I do know how to dress myself. I have been doing it since I was five years old. "That's what I said!"

  Noelle jokingly disagrees. "This is a charity ball. You will not show up in a tight dress that looks like it was painted on you wearing six inch heels. You, my dear friend, will look like a princess."

  "Are you saying I dress like a tramp?"

  "No, but I know you too well."

  Holly giggled. "Is it always this eventful here?"

  I gave her an answer before anyone else had the chance. "Some days more than others."

  I gave a pleading look to Roman. "C'mon Roman, please tell your wife it's not necessary to pick out my clothes.”

  Roman raised his hands in defeat. "Hey, she's the boss when it comes to this part of the company. I only assist. Besides, she does have a point Eve."

  “Gee, thanks. A lot of help you are.”

  “Yeah, well, I have to go home with her.”

  I laugh out loud. I was starting to feel better than I had this morning. I am so lucky to have friends like Roman and Noelle. There's no reason for me to feel sorry for myself. "Well, I guess I'm outnumbered. If you don't need my assistance any further, I'm going to go home early so I can play with the baby. At least R.J. still loves me."

  Chapter Three

  It's been two days since I met Mr. Adam Winters and I still can't get him off my mind. I've never thought about a man so much in my life. I've been thinking about him as I fall sleep, he's the first thing I think about when I wake up. I even catch myself daydreaming about him. He was distracting me from work and I don't even know him. The only time I had any contact with him was over the phone. Oh, and that completely embarrassing moment right before the meeting

  All I can think about are his lips. I’ll never forget—what they felt like against my skin. His tender touch combined with the softness of his lips are forever burned in my memory. The butterflies in my stomach are all a flutter. Is this what love feels like? Is this the feeling that Noelle is always talking about?

  Ridiculous. That is the most absurd notion I have ever had. I don't even know this guy, and he doesn't know me. I must be tired and stressed because Noelle's fairy tale stories are starting to rub off on me.

  There's no time for being distracted today. Tonight is the charity ball and I need to keep my head clear. This party was very important to Parker Industries. Not only will we be represented by Adam and his company, but this could lead to many more executives donating to the various charities we help.

  Only a few hours to go so I need to get to Noelle's house to get ready. Although, I'm not looking forward to seeing what kind of dress Noelle and Holly picked out for me to wear. I keep asking myself why I volunteered to be auctioned off to the highest paying bachelor. I just have to remind myself that it's for a good cause. This ball will fund many families in need for the holiday season with food, clothing, and toys for Christmas.

  Christmastime is a special time of year to Noelle and I. My birthday is tomorrow, which is Christmas Eve and Noelle's birthday is on Christmas Day. We have celebrated our birthdays together since we were roommates in college. She is more than my best friend. She's like a sister to me. I would do anything for her. She deserves happiness. Especially since her childhood was so horrible. Being brought up in the foster care system, she had suffered her share of abuse.

  But, today is not about the past. It's about the future of some very deserving little kids and their families. A day for sharing and giving back to those who desperately need help. I am so proud to be a part of Parker Industries and Noelle's giving heart.

  I grabbed my car keys, put on my coat and went to the living room to tell my father I was leaving. My father was sitting in his favorite chair reading the newspaper. I stop for a moment realizing how lucky I am to have had such loving parents. "Hey, Dad."

  "Hi, leaving early?"

  I walked over to him to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Yeah. I have to get my hair done this morning then go straight to Noelle's house. Where's Mom?"

  "Oh, she went to the store to stock up on groceries for our annual Christmas feast."

  I place my hand on my stomach and smiled. "Oh, no."

  "I know. I'm full just thinking about it."

  I made my way to the door. "See you later."

  "Bye dear. Have a good time."

  I opened the front door making sure
to close it behind me. I placed my feet carefully down the porch steps because they were slippery. I was doing well until my foot hit the last step. I slipped and hit my shin on one of the decorative rocks at the bottom of the stairs. Blood poured down my leg ruining my cream yoga pants. I sat on the step searching my bag for some tissue. Of course I have none in my purse. But, I do find a scarf, which I quickly wrapped around the gouge in my leg. Well, now that's two pieces of ruined clothing.

  Still, there was no time to waste so I hurried to my car. It is a bright sunny day today, but very cold. I made it to my hair appointment on time despite my little fiasco this morning. I arrive at Noelle's house a few hours before we had to be at the hall where the charity ball was going to be held. We have to be there ahead of the guests in order to get things ready, we also have to make sure everything goes as scheduled.

  I knock on Noelle's door and Holly answered she saw my bloody pants. "Oh my God. What happened to you?"

  I walk in going past her. "Don't ask."

  Noelle was sitting in the living room straightening up Roman Jr.'s toys. She looked up at me with worry on her face. "Eve! What happened to you?"

  "I fell down the front steps at home."

  Noelle pulled me into the living room to sit down and ran into the bathroom. She returned with some gauze, hydrogen peroxide, and band-aids. I pulled up my bloody pants leg and the cut was way deeper than I thought.

  "Eve, you should go to the hospital. It looks like you need stitches."

  "Don't be such a drama queen. Just tape it up good. I am not going to miss the party. Besides, I did not spend three hours in the salon just to sit in the emergency room. I'll be fine."

  "I don't know Eve. It looks pretty bad."

  "Noelle, stop being such a worry wart, get busy and tape it up."

  "Well, okay. But if it gets worse you let me know right away, you hear."

  "Yes, mother."

  "Well, we better get your makeup done so we can get you into that dress."

  I look over to the dining room table and spy a garment bag laying across the top of it. "Speaking of dresses. Where is this beautiful gown I'm supposed to wear?"

  Noelle clicked her tongue at me. "Not until we're done with your makeup."

  "Fine. I hope you didn't go overboard."

  Noelle motioned over to Holly. "Actually, Holly picked it out."

  "Really? Well, now I really can't wait."

  For the last couple days I've spent a lot of time with Holly, I have grown quite fond of her. Her bubbly personality was a little sickening at times, but we couldn't have asked for a better person to work with.

  Over half an hour had passed and these two were still fiddling with my makeup. "Am I so ugly that you have to take that long to make me look pretty?"

  "Hush, we’re almost finished. Holly, can you please go get the box in my room, the one on the bed?

  "Sure. Be right back."

  Holly turned the corner and headed upstairs. Noelle whispers. "I sent her upstairs so I could check and see how you were feeling."

  "I said I'm fine. The cut will heal."

  "No. I mean you. You are going to run into Adam Winters."

  "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

  "Well, you seemed a little flustered the other day at the meeting."

  "Noelle, please. I was flustered because I was tired, not because of Adam Winters."

  "Okay. If you say so."

  "I do. Now, can we please talk about something else?"

  "Sure. We can talk about you getting into that dress."

  I hear Holly walking back down the stairs. "I'm back."

  Noelle took the pink box from her and sat it on the table. She picked up the dress carrying it to the stairwell. "Let's go upstairs and put this dress on. Just in case Roman comes back."

  I had been so distracted with everything that was going on that I didn't notice he wasn't here.

  “Where is Roman anyway?"

  "He went to drop R.J. off at his mother's house. The baby is going to spend the night with his parents"

  "Oh, that's great. At least you two will get a little time to yourselves tonight after the party without having to worry about taking care of the baby."

  "Yeah, I could use a little break. We've been going nonstop with getting ready for this charity auction." Noelle held the garment bag up while Holly pulls the zipper down.

  Holly removes the dress from the bag and turns it around so I can see it. "Well, what do you think?"

  "You guys are kidding me right?" Don't get me wrong it's a beautiful dress, but it looks like it came straight out of a Cinderella story book. The off the shoulder pale blue dress was made of silk taffeta. I quickly looked at the tag and saw that it's vintage. They even picked out my shoes for me. Damn Noelle for being the same size in shoes as me. "What, no glass slipper?"

  Holly looks disappointed. "You hate it, don't you? I told Noelle it was too much."

  "Be quiet! It's just perfect. And besides it matches your eyes."

  "Holly, I think it's beautiful. I really do. I'm just not used to wearing something like this."

  Noelle interrupted. "Well, you're going to ball, not an all-night dance club. Now, get in the dress."

  "You're so bossy."

  "I get it from you!"

  After Noelle and Holly helped me get into the dress, Noelle picked up the pink box she had Holly brought back upstairs. She handed the box to me. I opened it and my jaw dropped. Inside the box was a crystal tiara. "Noelle, this is beautiful."

  "Well, you deserve it for all the hard work you do for the company."

  "You mean I can keep it?"

  "Of course, Roman and I wanted to give you something special as a present this year. The dress is a rental so don't get it dirty."

  I gave Noelle a hug. "I don't know what to say. It was expensive, wasn't it?"

  "Eve, it's rude to ask how much a present cost. Just say thank you and take it."

  I smile at her. "Thank you."

  I took the tiara out of the box. Noelle helped me adjust it on my head. I looked in the mirror on the bedroom wall, the tears begin to fill my eyes. I truly looked like a princess. The tiara fit perfectly with my messy bun and hanging blonde curls. Before any tears could fall down my face I heard a horn beeping outside.

  Holly walked over to the window and peers through the curtain. "Limo's here."

  Noelle runs to the closet. "Oh, they're early. Just let them know we'll be out in a few minutes. I have to get my shoes."

  After fifteen minutes of squeezing myself and my dress into the limousine we were off to the hall where the ball is taking place. Roman had called to tell us he would meet us there. It was a thirty minute ride there and it's more stunning at night than it had been in the daytime. I have only passed by the hall a few times while driving, and only been inside that one time when we rented the space.

  The two huge fountains in the front are lit, the big oak doors to the entrance are opened. The gleam from the grand chandelier in the lobby I so nothing more than spectacular.

  We made our way to the entrance and down a carpeted hallway. The plush maroon fabric made it difficult for me to walk in my heels. Noelle and Holly walked ahead of me then walked down a wide white marble staircase that led into the grand hall.

  I stop at the top to glance around the room. A few people had arrived early, but the man standing next to Roman caught my eye. It's Adam Winters in a tuxedo, and he was staring up at me. My knees began to knock together and I'm sure he could hear the sound from this distance. I steady myself and took few steps down. I held on to the railing, so I wouldn’t fall and make a total and complete fool of myself.

  Adam never took his eyes off of me, not for a second. I got to the bottom of the stairs as he sauntered over to smiling. He holds out his hand as I approached the last step. "You look beautiful princess.

  I allowed him kiss my gloved hand, but I couldn’t offer a response. My throat seized and it felt like I was trying to swallow sandpaper. I cle
ared my throat the best I could. When I am able to speak my voice is hoarse. "Thank you." I pulled my hand away from his, avoiding eye contact. I walked over to Roman and Noelle.

  Roman was the first to talk. "Wow, don't we look spiffy."

  I smiled and curtsied. "Well thank you. And thank you for the gift."

  "You're welcome. Besides we have to make you look nice so we can sell you. I mean auction you off to a very eligible, very rich bachelor."

  I elbow Roman in the stomach. "You're lucky this is for charity. Now, please excuse me. I have to make sure everything is in order."

  The guests began filing in not long after I arrived with dinner following soon after. I didn't eat much for two reasons. One, Noelle told me not to dirty the dress and I was nervous about spilling something on it. Two, Adam was sitting across the table from me. I felt self-conscious about every piece of food I put in my mouth. I didn’t want to look like Miss Piggy when I when I ate. I shouldn't care really. I never let others influence my decisions or actions before, why should I care what a man I don't even know thinks? But, for some reason his opinion did matter to me.

  I excused myself while the manager instructed everyone to proceed to the main dance floor where the auction would be taking place. A stage had been set up to the side, the guests start to file in. Most the single young women from Parker Industries were more than happy to be auctioned off for charity.

  As we all lined up on stage Roman began his speech about what the event was being held for, he turned it over to Noelle who started the auction. I'm the last one on the list.

  Noelle started the bidding. "Here we have the lovely Ms. Eve McIntyre. She loves long walks on the beach, dancing, and quiet evenings. Shall we start the bidding at one thousand dollars?

  Men begin bidding on me one right after another until I hear a bachelor in the middle of the room yell "Ten thousand dollars."

  I look through the crowd and pinpoint the man whose voice commanded my attention. It's Adam Winters. Holy crap! What the hell was he doing bidding on me? I looked over at Noelle as I elbowed Roman in the side. I whispered to him as the bidding war continued between Adam and another man. Adam was about to win. "Roman, don't just stand there, bid."