Dancing to the Altar

by Christi Bortner

  He placed their orders and then lifted his glass to Elle. “To new beginnings.”

  “To new beginnings,” she repeated and sipped the chilled champagne. The bubbles tickled her nose.

  “Tell me about yourself,” he said, putting his glass back on the table.

  “You mean other than what I spilled in the elevator?”

  Dan laughed. “I wanted to get your phone number, but I had never seen anyone run so fast once the doors were opened.”

  “You’d run too if you weren’t wearing anything but a leotard and a trench coat.” Elle took another sip of champagne. “Do you have a lot of business here at Holliday Islands?” Elle wanted to direct the conversation away from her.

  Dan shrugged. “It’s more now. My father wanted me to step up in the family business and that involved coming back here to work.”

  “Where were you before?”

  “Hollywood. At the studios down there and South America, Canada, Wyoming. Wherever I needed to go.

  “Must be great to travel so much.”

  “It can be. Mostly I just wanted to be away from home.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “My father married a woman after my mother died. As much as I love my brothers, she left a lot to be desired.”

  “Being a step-parent can be hard. Imagine how hard it is to become a step-mother.”

  “That would have been alright, but Mara was more of a step-monster. But I did return home every Christmas. It is what my mother would have wanted.”

  Elle reached out and rubbed Dan’s hand. “I’m sorry about your mother.” Dan captured her fingers in his hand and rubbed them with his thumb.

  “Thank you.” He released her hand as their dinner arrived. “Where is your family?”

  Elle had a reprieve from answering as the server uncovered a plate and placed it in front of her.

  There was a petit crusted filet with a side of sauce. A lobster tail with drawn butter also sat on the plate. The server placed down several smaller plates filled with steamed asparagus, crispy potatoes and sautéed mushrooms.

  “This looks absolutely delicious.” Dan offered her the plate of mushrooms. “I don’t have anywhere to put them. I think I need to eat some of this first.”

  Dan scooped some mushrooms onto his plate and picked up his knife and fork. “I ordered it rare.”

  “That is how I prefer my steak.” She cut a small bite of the meat and placed it in her mouth. It was the best piece of steak she had ever eaten, and she told Dan so.

  “That’s good, because it is moose.”

  Elle nearly choked. “I didn’t realize that.”

  “There aren’t many beef ranches around here, and the chef doesn’t want to fly in frozen meat, so moose it is.”

  Elle finished every single bite on her plate. She wasn’t going to be one of those women on a first date that simply picks at her meal. She was here for an experience and she wanted to experience everything.

  During dinner they talked about their childhoods, families and holiday traditions. Elle learned that he was one of many children – all boys with a father that traveled quite a bit, but eventually settled in Alaska.

  He learned that she was an only child, her parents lived in New Jersey and she moved to New York as soon as she completed college.

  Elle turned down dessert and coffee and soon it was time to leave. The night was still young, but the skyline was completely dark apart from a few stars in the sky.

  They walked back towards the port where the boats were docked. “Have you seen many of the islands?” he asked, taking her hand in his.

  Elle craved the warmth of his touch. “When I arrived, the pilot flew me around them. I can’t believe there are so many. It is like its own little world out here.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Oh,” Elle said, grabbing his arm. “Did you know that there is a whole herd of reindeer here?”

  Dan laughed. “There are several.”

  “But there are special reindeer on Dancer Island. And a bear,” Elle dropped her voice low.

  “Have you ever seen a reindeer?”

  “Never up close.”

  “Would you like to?”

  “Can we do that?” Her voice squeaked with excitement.

  “We’ll sneak over there and see them.”

  “I don’t want you to get in any trouble.”

  “It’s alright. I know the owner. Let’s take a helicopter instead of the boat.”

  Elle nodded and followed Dan to the heliport. She climbed inside the craft and scooted over towards the window. Dan climbed in next to her and closed the door.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  “I don’t know how you aren’t affected.”

  Dan laughed. “It is like summer. Forty degrees and you pull out your shorts and t-shirts. Wait until December. Then it is cold.”

  He reached under the seat and pulled out a blanket. He unfolded it and laid it across their laps.

  “Much better. I can feel my toes again.”

  “If you are up here for any amount of time you’ll learn how to dress for the weather.”

  She heard the engines roar to life and the aircraft lifted from the tarmac.

  “Do we need helmets?”

  Dan shook his head. “This bird is quieter than most. I’ll just stay really close to you.” He lifted his arm over Elle, and she leaned back into his chest as she looked out

  He pointed out the window explaining the lights in the distance. Elle couldn’t concentrate on anything but the feel of his warm breath on her neck. She turned to ask him a question, and Dan lifted her chin to capture her lips in a kiss.

  She could get used to this.

  When he broke the kiss, his eyes were soft as he looked at her. “I don’t have any addictions, but I could definitely become addicted to you.”

  Elle gave him another soft kiss and turned around in his arms to look out the window. When they arrived on Dancer island, Dan waved to the pilot who waited for them move far enough away before taking flight again.

  “We need to take a snowmobile. Are you alright with that?”

  Elle looked down at her shimmery pantsuit and heels. “I should probably change. I’m staying here in the lodge, so let me go put on jeans and boots and I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll go change too,” he said. “Meet you back here in fifteen minutes.”

  Elle quickly ran towards the main entrance of the lodge, while Dan took an outside path that looked as though it was heading towards the water. He must be staying in the staff quarters, she thought. Which would make sense since he was at the island for a special project.

  It didn’t take long for Elle to change into jeans, one of her new sweaters and her comfortable faux sheepskin boots. Grabbing a knitted cap and gloves, she slipped her coat back on and headed down to meet Dan.

  It only took a moment for him to arrive on the snowmobile. He handed her a pair of goggles which she put on. Then he took her hand and guided her behind him. Elle wrapped her hands around his waist. “Sit as close as possible,” he said patting her hand.

  Elle didn’t need to be asked twice. She scooted closer, her legs right behind Dan’s on the snow machine, allowing his body to break the cold wind.

  It only took a few moments before they were in front a large barn. Dan turned off the machine and lifted his leg over it before helping Elle stand.

  “We need to be quiet,” he said, pressing his finger to his lips.

  He opened the door slightly and they slipped inside. “Oh my,” Elle said. The building was warm, and it looked like Santa’s workshop. There were several pens over to the side and Elle walked over to read the signs on each stall.

  “Dasher… Dancer… Prancer… These are Santa’s reindeer.”

  Dan walked over and held out a carrot to one of the reindeer. “This girl was in several movies. Weren’t you, Comet?”

  “It is true that all Santa’s reindeer are female?” She felt a nudge on her coat.
“Oh!” she said. “I didn’t realize I was so close.”

  “That’s Vixen. She just wants attention. Yes, it’s true. Only the females have antlers at Christmas time.”

  Elle took off her gloves and rubbed the animal’s snout. It was velvety soft. Vixen emitted a soft grunt. Elle pulled her hand back rather quickly. “Is she going to hurt me?”

  Dan came and scratched the reindeer’s head. “No. that grunt means she’s happy. It is how they communicate.” He offered Vixen a carrot that she munched happily.

  Elle made her rounds, petting each reindeer that stuck its head through the slats of the pen. When they were done, she turned to Dan. “Thank you so much for bringing me here.”

  “My pleasure. I’d like to see you again.”

  Elle nodded.

  “I have a meeting tomorrow night, but how about dinner on Friday?”

  “I’d like that.”

  He moved closer to her. “How long are you going to be here?”

  “Just a few weeks. I go home right around New Years. What about you?”

  “Just until the next project calls my name. Then we will have to make the most of this time together.”

  “I guess we will,” she said as he leaned down to kiss her once more.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning, Elle woke up with thoughts of Dan on her mind. She couldn’t believe that she spent such a magical evening with him. If she wasn’t careful, she could fall in love with him quite easily.

  Elle went to the dining room. A man dressed in black pants with a black jacket over a white shirt escorted her to a small table near a large picture window.

  The table was decked out in white and red linens. A formal place setting of ivory china with a gold trim around the edge sat to the side.

  “Thank you,” Elle said as he held out the chair for her. She scooted forward as he pushed the chair closer to the table.

  “My name is Maxwell,” he said draping a napkin over her lap. “I’ll be taking care of you today. Coffee?”

  “May I have a hot chocolate instead?” Elle asked.

  “Of course. Would you like a juice?”

  “Orange juice please,” Elle said.

  “I’ll give you a few minutes to look over the menu,” Maxwell said opening a menu and handing it to her. “I highly recommend the salmon benedict. The salmon was flown in fresh this morning.”

  “That sounds delicious.”

  Maxwell nodded and disappeared towards the kitchen, leaving Elle to look at the many choices on the menu.

  Dishes such as the steel cut oats with fresh fruit, waffles with whipped cream, homemade muesli, king crab omelets, simple bacon and eggs, as well as the salmon benedict sounded tempting. Other choices, such as a caviar omelet or a wheatgrass, aloe and turmeric smoothie weren’t as appealing.

  She noticed there were no prices on the menu.

  Maxwell reappeared with a glass of juice. “Ma’am, there is a gentleman who says he knows you and would like to sit with you.”

  “I don’t know anyone here,” Elle replied biting her lip.

  “I can tell him you aren’t up for company.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “Of course. We value the privacy of our clients. Just say the word and it will be done.”

  “How does he know me?”

  “He’s saying he’s your stylist.”

  “Pierre? Pierre is here?”

  Maxwell stepped aside so Elle could look around him. She wanted to squeal. Pierre was here! Maxwell must have seen her excitement. “I take it you know the young man.”

  “Yes,” Elle smiled. “He may join me.”

  Maxwell turned and signaled to another waiter who escorted Pierre over to the table.

  “I can’t believe you are here,” Elle said, placing her menu aside.

  “Girl, do I have a story to tell you,” Pierre drawled, dropping a leather satchel on the floor.

  “I have one to tell you too.”

  Pierre tilted his head and looked at Elle. “You’ve colored your hair.”

  Elle lifted her hand to play with the strands against her collar.

  Maxwell cleared his throat. “Let me store that for you.”

  Pierre looked from his bag to the man. “It’s fine there,” he said.

  “As you wish, sir,” Maxwell asked. “Coffee?” Pierre nodded as Maxwell lifted a silver carafe from the table and flipped over the cup, pouring the hot brew into it. He placed the carafe back on the table. He lifted a silver cloche revealing a small cream pitcher and a sugar bowl with a small spoon.

  They placed their breakfast orders, opting for the recommended salmon benedict and then they were left alone.

  Elle reached over the table and grabbed Pierre’s hand. “Tell me. How did you get here?”

  “Well, I got a call out of the blue. It was so surreal. I was randomly offered a job to come here and be your stylist for the show. Isn’t that amazing?”

  Elle lifted her eyebrow. “How did they find you?”

  Pierre laughed. “Apparently Mr. Holliday purchased the news station.”

  “He did what?” Elle released Pierre’s hand and leaned back in the chair.

  Pierre nodded. “There is some sort of shakeup going on there. He found out I wasn’t there anymore; and here I am.”

  “I can’t believe they fired you.”

  “Who said I was fired?”

  “But you said you weren’t there anymore.”

  “Right. That doesn’t mean I was fired. I walked out. When I saw the management playing the same song and dance to the new girl that they did to you, I was done. I don’t even care if Roger’s toupee is crooked. Let someone else deal with that.”

  Elle laughed. “When did you arrive?”

  Pierre checked his watch. “At 4:20 this morning. Then I had to wait for the helipad to open so I could catch a ride here.” He took a sip of his coffee. “Let me tell you, girl, that was the longest trip I ever endured. But at least I flew first class, which was nice.” He bounced around in his seat.

  “You’ll probably want to take a nap.”

  “I’m going to pass out as soon as I get to wherever I’m staying.” The waiter arrived and placed the plates in front of them. “Thank you,” Pierre said, picking up his fork. “I’m starved.”

  Elle bit into her breakfast. It was the perfect bite: an English muffin topped with fresh salmon chunks with a beautifully poached egg on top and drizzled with a buttery sauce.

  “I think I just died,” Pierre said. Elle was too busy putting another forkful in her mouth, so she just nodded. “So, what did you want to tell me?”

  “Oh! I had a date last night.”

  “You did? Dish… I want to know everything.”

  Elle put down her fork. “I ran into elevator man again.”

  “Oh, you gotta spill now.”

  “I ran into him yesterday at the shopping island. Spilled my coffee all over him.”

  “You didn’t!” Pierre sounded shocked.

  Elle then went onto explain everything that happened the previous night: from the private dinner to visiting the reindeer.

  “Are you going to see Mr. Yummy again?”

  “Yes. We are supposed to have dinner tomorrow night.”

  “Why the delay?”

  “I have to meet with Mr. Holliday about the show this evening, and he had another commitment.”

  “Well I’ve never seen you look so happy. I think he’s good for you.”

  Elle looked at her watch. “We have the cast meeting at 3PM. You have time for a nap and to get settled. You are going to freak when you see the bathroom!”

  When breakfast was over, Maxwell cleared the plates. Pierre looked at him. “Do I pay you, or just charge it to the room?”

  “All your meals are included with your accommodations. I just need you to sign a voucher.”

  After they signed the voucher, including a generous gratuity for the staff, Elle and Pierre made their way to the main lobby o
f the building.

  “There you are,” Marcy called. She came over and held her hand out to Pierre. “You must be Phillip Simon. I’m Marcy Gable.”

  “My professional name is Pierre Simone,” he responded shaking her hand.

  Marcy nodded with a smile on her face.

  “Pierre it is. Let me show you to your suite. You will probably want to rest before the meeting this afternoon.”

  Pierre raised his eyebrow to Elle. “Go rest. I’ll see you at the orientation this afternoon.”

  Marcy gave Elle a wave as she escorted Pierre towards the rooms on the first floor. Elle climbed the steps towards her room thinking about when she would see Dan next.

  Elle followed a parade of costumed couples into a large room. So, these were all the Santa and Mrs. Clauses, she thought.

  Twelve couples were dressed in their Christmas finery. Several of the men were clean shaven, and the others had full bushy, white or gray beards. Elle shook her head. She had never seen a clean-shaven Santa before.

  Then she remembered that this show was beyond personal appearances. The producers were looking for the best Santa on the inside as well.

  Elle looked down at her black slacks and green sweater she purchased the day before. She wondered if she should have worn her elf costume.

  “Stop it,” Pierre whispered harshly.

  Elle looked at him and blinked. “Stop what?”

  “You’re thinking too hard again. I swear, Elle, one day smoke is going to come out of your ears.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the auditorium-style seating.

  She walked down the steps and took a seat in one of the large chairs. The leather wrapped around her making her feel cozy, even though she was in a business meeting. All she needed was a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and she could fall asleep in the chair.

  Pierre sat down next to her and placed his bottle of water, a brand Elle didn't recognize, into the holder on the armrest. "I can't believe they have leather seats in this auditorium. That's an accident waiting to happen."

  "Did you see that these seats are heated?" She pressed a button on the console in the chair's arm and soon she felt warmth through the buttery tan leather.

  "Honey, I've never seen anything like this in my life. New York didn't have scenic views like this." Pierre pointed to the mountains.