Page 18 of The Christmas Plan

The two of them had been a part of a larger group in college, spending countless nights flashing fake IDs to knowing bartenders. But work, grad school, and life had made it increasingly difficult for them to stay in touch. Especially once Hazel moved out West.

Ignoring Ari’s eager smile, Cass nodded. “I’m honestly doing so well. I worked in sound for a bit but really missed music, so I quit and I’m giving that a shot.”

“That’s so amazing. Honestly, I think I need some of that energy myself.” Hazel sighed, the sound of a New York hotel buzzing in the background.

“Really?” Cass lifted her eyebrows.

Hazel continued, “Yeah, honestly this party you mentioned sounded like exactly what I was looking for. I just don’t feel like my reps in L.A. get me. I want something grittier and I felt that back in college, ya know?”

Clenching her fists as she tried to contain her excitement, Cass bit her lip. “I really do. Well look, I don't want to pretendlike I don’t have a motive. My girlfriend is Ari Graves, she’s really high up at SDO Management and is known for revamping careers. She might be a great fit.”

There was a heavy silence, the sounds of an elevator ding taking up the phone waves.

“Okay, I’ll stop by. But no promises.” Hazel giggled. “And you have to promise to have a drink with me while I’m there.”

“Done and done, cutie. See you tonight, I’ll text the details.”

After they said their goodbyes, Cass hung up the phone. She held up her finger for silence until she was certain the call had ended. But once it was, she leaped into the air with excitement.

“I can’t believe it!” Ari squealed. “My baby did it!”

Wrapping her arms around Ari, Cass laughed.

Ari pulled away just long enough to press her lips into Cass’s. “You are incredible.”

Playing it cool, Cass shrugged. “No biggie, just got an A-lister to your work thing.”

“I think it’s a huge deal.” Ari bit her lip as she smiled. “Now we just have to make sure we make it there ourselves.”

They forced themselves apart, each of them walking into Ari’s bedroom where two garment bags hung from the closet door. The glam for a party like this was no joke, it was going to take a few hours and they had to be early.

But Cass couldn’t help but smirk. With her help, Ari had pulled off quite the feat and this was the final countdown. In just a few hours, they would know whether Ari had landed Hazel Ford as a client.

11

TAYLOR

Taylor's apartmenthad become a complete mess after just a couple of hours of getting ready for the agency party. Of course, most of it was Taylor’s clutter.

Before she could put on her dress, Taylor had to finish all of her makeup and her hair. She had set herself up in her marble-tiled apartment, trying not to get distracted by the gorgeous woman in the other room.

Across the apartment, Mac quickly threw on her suit and combed her hair. Now, she stood anxiously in Taylor's massive living room, whose windows overlooked Central Park as she waited for Taylor to finish getting ready.

With her hair in delicate curls and the subtle face of makeup completed, Taylor walked from the bathroom to the living room. Over the old record player, Mackenzie had insisted on playing Frank Sinatra’s Christmas album.

Before she even crossed the room, Taylor knew what Mac would say as soon as she turned around – considering she was only wearing a sleek black bra and a high-waisted, black G string.

Sure enough, when Mackenzie heard the soft padding of Taylor's feet on the polished hardwood floors, she whipped around. “Holy shit.”

“How does my makeup look?” Taylor rolled her eyes and she tried to redirect her girlfriend to the topic at hand.

Mac scoffed as she tried to tear her eyes away from Taylor's toned, muscular body. “What a silly question to ask when you walk in here looking like this. Maybe we don’t have to go to the party after all.” Licking her lips, Mac’s mind was immediately in the gutter.

Snapping her fingers, Taylor sighed. “I'm being serious, we don't have all day.”

Mac walked closer and placed her hands on Taylor's hips, the feeling of her calloused hands on Taylor's soft skin sending a wave of excitement through her body.

More serious now, Mac examined Taylor's makeup and hair. “I think it's perfect, subtle but really brings out your eyes. And your hair looks luscious as always.”

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