‘Well yeah - of course … but seriously? You’d do that?’
‘Yes - if I can get a babysitter,’ she thought suddenly, but alongside her, Eileen was nodding and giving her a big thumbs-up.
‘You’re sure? That would be so great! I should warn you; it’s a pretty fancy gig – strictly black tie, so even though you’re working, you’ll still need to look the part. Oh what I am talking about?’ she laughed. ‘Nobody better than you to find a great dress for the night.’
Holly gulped. The last time she’d gone black tie was … well, it must have been that time in Vegas with Nick. And that was what … over a decade ago?
‘Sure, I guess I can find a dress,’ she said, thinking about the entirely functional contents of her closet. ‘Just tell me what you need me to do, and more importantly, where to go.’
And when Jessica outlined the details, and told her where the New Year’s Eve benefit was being held, Holly smiled.
‘OK, great. See you on the night.’
Hanging up the phone, she took a deep breath, unable to believe what she’d just agreed to. ‘I think, at this stage, it’s my best shot of finding the owner of the bracelet,’ Holly said, outlining her train of thought to her mother.
Eileen smiled fondly at her. ‘It doesn’t matter either way, honey. For once, you’ll be doing something fun on New Year’s Eve.’
63
Afew days later, Holly resumed her post at The Secret Closet. ‘Oh, are you a sight for sore eyes,’ Carole said as Holly hung up her coat and bag.
‘So I am apparently not that easily replaceable?’
Her boss laughed heartily. ‘Not by a long stretch. And people wonder why I never had children.’
Holly had to admit that it was nice to get into a routine again. Danny’s bruises were fading, and once his arm healed in a few weeks’ time, he’d be as good as new.
‘To be honest, Carole, it’s good to be back. It’s nice to get my mind off this thing tomorrow night. I’m not sure what I was thinking really … ’
It had been a moment of madness, offering to help Jessica out at the party like that. Yes, there was a chance that Mystery Bracelet Guy (as she’d taken to calling him) might be there, but how did Holly seriously think she would be able to pick him out from amongst the crowds?
She couldn’t very well wear a sign on her forehead, announcing that she was the Holly who’d found his girlfriend’s/wife’s/boss’s bracelet. She groaned at her impulsiveness.
Carole laughed. ‘I think it’s a fantastic idea, why are you having second thoughts about it?’
‘Well, for one, I really don’t remember the last time I went out on New Year’s Eve – never mind anywhere fancy, so I need to find something to wear. And for another, what if I do find the guy who’s been searching for me, and the bracelet?’
Carole raised her eyebrows. ‘I’m not sure what you mean … ’
‘It’s just all along, I was operating under the illusion that I was searching for a woman. Someone like me. I suppose I felt some kind of kinship with her maybe? And now, with this third party – well, I suppose I’m just not sure what to expect.’
‘Think positive, Holly,’ Carole said, patting her friend on the back. ‘I’m sure it will be fine. Either way, you’ll probably have a great night. I know I’d give anything to be mixing with the rich and famous on New Year’s Eve.’
‘Ah … taking care of their coats is hardly mixing,’ Holly said, although she had to admit she was kind of excited about that side of it. She’d never got within throwing distance of a Manhattan society event before. ‘Well, with any luck, I can get there, help Jessica, find out who this bracelet belongs to and then be home before the ball drops.’
Carole looked at her, shocked. ‘But why on earth would you want to do that?’
‘I’m just going to see if I can finish a job,’ Holly reminded her. ‘Plus, I’ve never spent a New Year Eve’s away from Danny … ’
‘Who is usually tucked up in bed long before midnight anyway,’ Carole reminded her. ‘I’ve told you before, Holly, you need to get out and have some fun. Who knows, you might even meet someone at this thing.’
‘Yes, forget the society ladies, I’m sure all the stockbrokers and hedge fund guys only have eyes for the cloakroom girl at these things,’ she teased. She walked over to the nearest rack. ‘But speaking of society ladies, I still need to find something to wear.’
Suddenly, Carole’s eyes started to sparkle.
‘You mean you haven’t decided on a dress yet?’ she asked innocently.
‘I can’t decide on a dress, because there isn’t a single one in my closet – nothing that would work for an event like this, anyway.’ She paused, and flicked through the rails. ‘Anything new in lately? Just something simple, and preferably cheap; I don’t want to spend too much.’
