Page 5 of My XOXO Holidate

I’m sure Amelia’s long gone from Cedar Springs. I hope she’s somewhere living her best life.

3

Amelia

Our heels click on the steps of the Magnolia Hotel.

I turn to Mia. “I still can’t believe I agreed to this.”

She laughs. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

“Do I really have to go all evening not knowing my mystery man?”

We reach the front doors of the hotel. “No, the last hour of the party is the reveal. Everyone takes their masks off and you get acquainted with your date.”

I give Mia a friendly poke to her ribs. “Well, you never told me that.”

Mia laughs.

I adjust my mask as we step into the ballroom. I gasp. “Oh, would you look at this?”

“The flowers.” Mia’s eyes are like saucers as she takes in the stunning decorations. “Oh, my goodness.”

Each table, with its’ crisp white tablecloth, is adorned with bouquets of red and white roses along with candles and tiny white lights. Beautiful. Each place setting includes red dinnerware and gold napkins. The sweet fragrance of roses fills the room.

I’m greeted by a man just inside the door and he hands me a single rose along with a box of chocolate candy. “Welcome to the Valentine ball, my lady.”

Talk about Valentine-themed.

He leads me to the attendant’s table. When I hand the older woman behind the table my invitation, she greets me. “Welcome, Lady Catherine. You’ll be dining with Sir Alexander this evening.” She points to the gentleman accompanying me. “Please show Lady Catherine to table sixteen.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He takes me by the arm and leads me to the corner of the room where a handsome stranger rises from his chair.

My skin tingles and my mouth goes dry. My mystery man is tall, about my age, with short dark hair, and his eyes sparkle behind the mask.

“Enjoy your evening, my lady.” My host bows and leaves me with my date.

Sir Alexander is wearing a black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a silky red bowtie. He grins as I approach. “Lady Catherine, I presume?”

“Yes, Sir Alexander.”

We shake hands. “You’re lovely, my lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

So formal.

“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir Alexander.”

He smiles. “No need to be so formal. You can call me Alex.”

He pulls out my chair. “You can call me Cat.”

His smile warms me. “Cat.” He chuckles. “I like that.”

My eyes dart around the room, barely able to take in my surroundings. A hint of gold lighting puts a soft glow on the space. Women are dressed in luxurious gowns and men are in sharp suits, some wearing tuxedos. Wait staff in black and white scurry around the room with trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

“Is this your first time attending the masquerade ball?” Alex asks. He takes a drink from his water goblet.

“It is. And it’s beautiful. What about you?”

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