“How did the latest batch of walnut supreme cookies turn out?” he inquires as we stroll into the double doors of the venue.
“Wow.”
The venue is stunning. Neil told me the location usually hosts weddings, charity events, and other big-ticket events. For tonight’s holiday party, they’ve outdone themselves, at least by my standards. A pink and white Christmas theme adorns the entranceway. There have to be at least ten pink Christmas trees lining the hallway leading to the ballroom area where most of the guests are.
“What was your question?” I ask, still looking around at the beautifully decorated venue. No matter how many times I see it or experience it year after year, there’s just something about Christmas and holiday decorations that delights me from the inside out. Add to that the feeling of falling in love with the man who has his hand gripped firmly around mine, and I’m on cloud nine.
“The walnut cookies you were trying out.”
“Oh.” I turn to look at him. “They came out great. My oven is still misbehaving though, and the super keeps saying he’ll get around to it, but it’s taking forever. Which has me concerned.”
“You’ve been able to get most of your orders out, right?”
I nod. “Yeah, but I always tend to get a few last-minute orders the week before Christmas. I could shut down the order option on my site. But …”
“You don’t want to do that,” he says, finishing my sentence for me.
“I don’t.”
“Then, you can use my oven until your super gets off his ass. Hell, why even go back to your place?”
I turn to him. Unsurprisingly, he’s staring directly at me. I don’t see any laughter in his gaze.
“Neil—” I start but am interrupted.
“Son,” a deep, male voice calls.
Instantly, I recognize Neil’s father’s voice. We turn to find both of his smiling parents approaching us. As usual, Mrs. McKenna has a twinkle in her eye as she eyes Neil and then me.
“Looks like it’s going to be another successful holiday event,” his father greets, extending his hand for Neil to shake.
“Undoubtedly. We’ve invited all the usuals plus a few more, who’re willing to open up their wallets and give to McKenna Rehab,” Neil responds. “Mom,” he greets, taking her into their usual hug.
Mrs. McKenna turns her attention to me. “You look lovely this evening, Desiree.”
“Thank you,” I say as she pulls me into a hug. I warmly receive the embrace. I’ve met Neil’s parents on several occasions now since the holiday party at the museum. We’ve even gone out to dinner together. They’re always warm and even charming. I recall Neil telling me about how he nearly destroyed his relationship with his parents when drinking heavily and getting into all types of trouble.
There’d been two years in which they refused to speak to him, even after he’d gotten sober. But to see them now, one would never know there was a rift so deep between them at one point.
Sighing, I wonder what could’ve happened between my parents and my sister had she been able to beat her addiction.
“Are you ready?” Neil questions, squeezing my hand, bringing me back to the present.
Smiling, I look up at him. “For your big night? Absolutely,” I reply, infusing my voice with as much enthusiasm as I could muster.
He gives me a warm smile before proceeding into the beautifully decorated ballroom. The adornments inside of the main party area make the outside decorations look like child’s play. There appear to be actual crystals hanging from the ceiling, emulating snowflakes. Christmas trees aligned the walls of the room, each with gift-wrapped presents underneath them.
“Are those real?” I question, pointing in the direction of the gifts.
He nodded. “They’re donations to a local charity that gives to children from underserved schools and communities.”
I press my hand to my chest, my heart warming. While the school I teach at is in a pretty middle-class neighborhood, some students of mine can use that type of charity.
“There’re some people I want to introduce you to,” he says before guiding us toward a group of three—two men and one woman.
They’re smiling wide as soon as Neil approaches. He introduces me as his girlfriend, which warms every cell in my body. It’s not the first time he’s used that title when introducing me, but it warms me every time.
These are members of the McKenna Rehab board; they help ensure the direction of McKenna falls in line with its mission statement and purpose. The three come across as having a sincere interest in the facility succeeding beyond merely making a profit. As Neil introduces me to more and more of his colleagues and members of the board, I start to realize something significant about this man.
