Page 38 of Lightness In My Dark

“Wren, I’m a chef. I have many connections, along with being a partner of a catering company.”

Without thinking, I got up and wrapped my arms around him. When I realized what I did, I released him, stepped back, and apologized.

Chef Dan laughed. “It’s no problem.”

I grasped the top of my sweater. “Your catering company! I forgot all about it. I can’t even tell you how relieved I am.”

He pulled out a chair next to mine and said, “Let’s start with the menu.”

Chef Dan made suggestions, and I said yes to everything. He shook his head at how easily I agreed. We narrowed it down to twelve different types to appease everyone—from meat eaters to vegetarians. After the menu, we took an inventory of the alcohol and he suggested a signature cocktail, which we chose Jingle Juice. A large punch bowl with the cocktail would be the best approach. In two afternoons, I could check off all the things required for the party.

The morning of the party, Finn found me in the formal dining room moving the table over to the one wall. He dropped his coat and briefcase to help.

“Wren, you should have hired someone to move things around.”

I let out a noisy thanks, wiping my forehead. “It’s no big deal. There isn’t too much other than the living room furniture and the kitchen table, which Chef Dan will help with later.”

He ran his hand through his hair and then dropped his arm. “That’s a lot of furniture. I can—”

“Nope. It’s under control, Finn. A company will set up cocktail tables, so if there’s something I need help with, I’ll ask them.”

I bit my lip, hoping my response would suffice. Finn’s pained expression had me adding to convince him to leave. “Finn.” He turned to me. “Please trust me. I’ve worked on this for several weeks, making sure everything is in order. Chef Dan and I… we got this.” He gave a nod, picked up his coat and suitcase with a final glance back before leaving.

I wanted to go with a cute Christmas outfit, one to hide the sweat stains while I ran around, making sure everything and everyone was doing fine. The 3/4 sleeve, silver sequin, mid-thigh dress did the trick paired with red chunky ankle strapped heels. My hair swept back, the top-right braided with some holly tied to it. Spritz of perfume, and I was ready for the last-minute details.

The coat rack was setup in the foyer near the door with an attendant. I gave her a smile, then checked on the dining table setup. A red tablecloth donned the top, with empty wrapped Christmas boxes on the floor next to it. A glass vase, which held white branches decorated with ornaments, sat on the corner of the table, along with three silver candelabras and wreaths hugging the bottom of white candles placed around the table. We setup the bar in the kitchen. The cocktail tables, covered in white tablecloths and a red bow cinching the cloth to the stand, were scattered throughout the living room, foyer, dining room, and by the French doors. Each table had a small battery-operated lantern with frosted tops to resemble snow. I put the harpist by the Christmas tree near the French doors.

My hands were on my hips, a smile planted on my face, when Finn walked in. I twirled around to see him ogling me from head to toe.

He whistled before he said, “You clean up well, Ms. Jagger.”

Finn’s eyes locked on mine, the tip of his tongue running along his lower lip, made me self-conscious. I pulled my dress down a bit more, crossing one leg over the other. It grew warmer as we stood there.

I found my voice and asked, “Are you going to change?”

Looking down at himself, he said, “And shower.” He glanced around as he headed upstairs. “Wren. Everything looks great.” Finn continued to his room. I bit down on the tip of my index finger, a goofy smile taking over my face.

The guests poured in, along with Lindsey and Carter. I scurried around, making sure the wait staff always had a new platter of food waiting for them. Some people made the Jingle Juice their drink of the night. Lindsey complimented me on my outfit and the party.

I approached some of the board members I spoke with at the prior gathering. Mr. Morello, a very influential board member, had a few too many drinks by the time I caught up with him. His arms hung like a hanger over my shoulders, heavy and clingy. A laugh followed by an incessant cough had me retrieving a glass of water to help him recover. Before Mr. Morello and I could continue our conversation, Alessandro, current CEO and adversary of Finn, fitted his arm into mine.

“I didn’t think a woman could get more beautiful, but you’re extraordinaire, Ms. Wren.”

“Thank you, Alessandro. And as always, you look handsome.”

He bowed, and I noticed Finn glaring over the rim of his glass, his other hand flexing into a fist. I offered him a slight smile to calm him down. Alessandro refused to make the rightful heir of the company the CEO, and Finn expressed his growing anger. Trevino Holdings was the primary goal, Finn’s ultimate desire—a desire he deserved.

Alessandro broke my thoughts. “When are you going to visit me in the city, Wren? I’d love to take you out to some wonderful restaurants.”

His eyes locked on mine as his fingers caressed the braided holly in my hair, tilting his head from side to side as if trying to see which angle was best. To avoid any more unpleasantries, I took a step back into a wall of muscle, smelling Finn before seeing him.

With one hand resting on my hip, Finn reached out his hand toward Alessandro. “I didn’t see you arrive.” Alessandro took his hand with a strained smile. “Wren has been working for weeks on the party, so we hope you’ll enjoy yourself.” He kissed my temple. “I’m sorry to breakup your discussion, but there’s a minor crisis with the ice sculpture that needs Wren’s attention. Please excuse us.” He guided me into the dining room area and removed his hand.

“There isn’t an ice sculpture.”

Finn rubbed his jaw as if in thought. “Hmm… it’s a good thing because it would have melted by now.”

I shook my head with a laugh. Another board member came into the room, wanting to talk to Finn, so that was my cue to leave. In the foyer, I held a cocktail, my other arm folded across my stomach. People wandered with drinks in hand, cozying next to a new person, letting the weight of life fall for a brief and successful evening. I took in the atmosphere, and smiled to myself, proud it all turned out.

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