Chapter 120
I had a sinking feeling when Curt helped me out of the limo. "You should have told me we were going to a formal gathering," I whispered as we walked up the stairs. "What's going on?"
He smirked. "I told you to wear something nice," he said as he placed his hand on the small of my back as his eyes traveled down my body. "But don't worry. You look great."
When we walked in the main dining hall, people were dressed in formal attire. Women wore long dresses, and men were in tuxes and formal suits. A Christmas tree set to the right of the ballroom and tables were decorated festively. "It's your company Christmas party," I said, matter of fact, as my heart sank. I looked up into his eyes. "I wish you would have told me."
He shrugged. "Would it have made a difference?"
Anger welled up inside of me as I looked around, feeling out of place, but glad that I didn't opt to wear leather or a too-short dress. I slipped out of my coat and handed it to an attendant and then turned to Curt. "I wish you would have told me," I repeated, thinking of all the dresses I could have worn instead. Since I had moved to New York, I was finally seeing Curt for who he truly was. But for now, I squared my shoulders, held my head high, and plastered a smile on my face. I
refused to ever be ashamed of who I was.
"Come on," Curt said, smiling. "I'd like you to meet some people."
I smiled and let him guide me to the head table. A few women nodded, looking down their noses at my dress, but the men all greeted me warmly as Curt made the introductions and held my chair for me as I sat down.
"The room is breathtaking," I said to an elderly gentleman to my left.
He smiled warmly as he looked around me at Curt. "Yes. It's lovely. Curt did a great job with organizing the party."
I looked over at him, confused. "You did all of this yourself?"
He laughed. "Well, I tell people what to do very well."
Everyone laughed. Soon, dinner was served-turkey with cranberry sauce and the works-a traditional Christmas dinner.
"What do you do?" another man asked me as his wife forced a smile.
I smiled graciously. "I'm a contract lawyer."
"And consultant," Curt added, smiling.
"A consultant, huh?" a young man with blond hair asked, suddenly intrigued. "I need a good consultant. Are you taking on new clients?"
I nodded. "Yes; of course," I said as I ate a forkful of cranberry sauce. "I just moved here from Nashville to open a branch of the business."
Everyone looked intrigued.
"Wonderful!" the man replied. "Do you have a business card?"
I smiled as I reached for my purse. "As a matter of fact, I do," I said as I opened my purse and handed him one. "You can call my office and my secretary will set you up with an appointment."
A woman across the table on the other side smiled warmly. "Okay. Enough business talk for tonight," she said as she lifted her glass. "To Mr. Davis! May his business and philanthropy always benefit us well." Everyone laughed at her joke. "To Mr. Davis!" She held up her glass to Curt, and everyone at the table did the same.
"Thank you, everyone," he said, smiling warmly as he held up his glass.
The conversation turned light as we finished eating our meal. Soon, the fine china was cleared away and the band began to play.
"Shall we?" Curt asked as he held out his hand.
I smiled as I took it, letting him escort me onto the dance floor. We were the first couple on the floor, but, soon, other couples joined us as we waltzed to Christmas classics and big band era music. It really was a lovely evening. Soon, I relaxed and just enjoyed the party.
After a few dances, Curt escorted me back to my seat. "Wait here. I'll be right back," he said, but hurried away before I could reply.
A moment later, Curt took the stage. "I'd like to thank you all for coming here this evening to celebrate the holidays. Thank you all for a wonderful year, and may you have a wonderful holiday! Also, there will be Christmas bonuses in your checks, as well as a paid week off between Christmas and New Year's!" Everyone cheered. "So, enjoy! And thank you for a job well done!"
Everyone clapped as the music resumed and people began swaying to the music once again.
"Very inspiring," I said as he joined me.
He smiled. "Thank you, but not as inspiring as you," he said as he raised my hand to his lips. He looked over the dance floor. "Shall we?"
I nodded, and we spent the rest of the time waltzing until the evening came to an end.
"It was, indeed, a pleasure to meet you," the blond gentleman said to me as we all prepared to leave. "I'll call you soon."
Curt smiled. "You'll call her soon, huh?"
The man's eyes widened. "About business, of course."
It was weird that the man started backpedaling with just one word from Curt. It made me wonder why. Did Curt actually use intimidation techniques in his business?
"I look forward to it," I said warmly as I shook his hand.
He didn't look to be the type of man who would intimidate easily, but he nodded and looked up at Curt once more before hurrying out.
"What was that all about?" I asked as Curt helped me on with my coat.
He placed his hands on my shoulders and whispered into my ear. "Don't worry about it."
I nodded, and then he placed a hand on the small of my back and escorted me into the cold, December air where his limo was waiting.
I watched Christmas lights pass as the driver wove expertly through the streets of New York.
"Would you like to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center?" Curt asked into my hair as he snuggled close.
I shook my head, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Not tonight. I need to get home. I have an early day tomorrow."
He nodded and, sensing my discomfort, backed away a bit as he turned his attention back out the window.
