A Christmas to Remember. Rebecca Moesta

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      That evening, Jennifer arranged to meet Brad at Paula’s place for the party. She had learned that arriving separately avoided a lot of awkwardness at the end of a date, especially with a man she was just dating casually, despite Paula’s urging for them to get more serious. Jennifer and Brad took separate taxis and arrived at Paula’s apartment building at the same time.

      They rode up the elevator together looking like the perfect couple. Jennifer was dressed all in black, in an understated lace minidress with a sheer mesh panel at the neckline and scalloped lace at the hem, topped with a soft, drapey blazer that was nearly as long as her dress. The short dress and stiletto pumps showed off her legs, while the blazer kept her warm in the wintery weather and flowed with her. She had put on evening makeup and wore her blonde hair down in loose curls. All in all, her outfit was festive but comfortable. Brad was dressed for success in a dark suit with a light-blue spread-collared shirt and maroon tie.

      Paula’s apartment was amazingly roomy, especially for Manhattan, with plenty of space for Paula’s many party guests to spread out. The decor was stylish, modern, and monochromatic, in shades of white and black. Light hardwood floors, broad expanses of wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows added to the impression of space. A fire blazed in the gas log fireplace, in front of which a glass-and-chrome coffee table sat on a cream flokati rug. Near the living room, glass doors opened to a terrace that had a spectacular view of the city.

      The ultramodern kitchen had long white work surfaces, stainless appliances, and open shelving. The kitchen was completely open to the living room, and a beige counter that ran the length of the room could be used as a dining table or as a bar. Tonight, it was a bar. Jennifer got a flute of champagne, and Brad picked up a glass of white wine. At the end of the bar, a silvery-white faux Christmas tree sparkled with clear fairy lights. They chatted as they walked around the apartment.

      Jennifer was nervous as she told Brad that she was going away for a week. She wasn’t quite sure why. Was she afraid to rock the boat in their relationship? Even if Brad wasn’t her ideal, and their connection was somewhat tepid, he was a savvy, romantic choice.

      “You’re going to Colorado,” Brad said, sounding disappointed. “I was hoping we’d go to all the holiday parties here in New York.” Brad was zealous about networking and determined to break out of local news into national sportscasting. He’d set his sights on a job at ESPN. He’d admitted to Jennifer that he wanted to be seen with her in public as much as possible so they would be known as a power couple.

      Jennifer was sorry to disappoint him, but she was looking forward to escaping the stresses and frenetic activity of New York City. Although she sometimes found the pace invigorating, part of her also yearned for a simpler environment that would let her balance her thriving career with…with what? She wasn’t sure, and she needed some quiet time to think about it, so she tried to explain. “I’m sorry, Brad, but when Paula offered me her cabin… I don’t know… It’s just, if I can’t get away for the holidays, when can I? I work the other fifty-one weeks of the year.”

      Fortunately, he wasn’t a controlling person like her ex. Brad shrugged. “I understand. It’s just—don’t take too long. Between your career and my career, we’d be unstoppable.”

      Jennifer smiled and nodded. She liked Brad just fine. He was friendly, handsome, outgoing, and passionate about his work. She knew that he, in turn, was impressed with her success, and he often told her she was beautiful. He seemed to have a real affection for her, but they weren’t exactly in love. She knew he was right, though: together, they would draw media attention both in the sports world and from the Homestyle audience. But it felt…artificial. Uncomfortable. A faint reminder that her ex, Ashton, had used her to advance his career. She didn’t blame Brad at all for being ambitious, though. Success was important to her, as well. She just didn’t see it as a good enough basis for a relationship.

      She’d all but given up on finding a soul mate. With Ashton, she had believed she was truly in love—only to learn after they’d married that he was far different in reality from the man she had thought him to be. It had been a devastating experience. After the divorce, Jennifer had taken refuge in her work.

      Paula, in a black turtleneck sweater dress and silver jacket, came up to welcome them. “Ooh, wow. Honey, you look gorgeous.”

      Jennifer thanked her. As a hostess, Paula was obviously in her element, circulating among her guests, chatting and making introductions, and keeping everything running smoothly. Jennifer enjoyed watching her.

      Paula turned to Brad. “And Brad, you look as handsome as always.”

      He sketched a bow of thanks and said, “Milady.”

      “I am so glad that you came and you came together,” Paula said. Jennifer could СКАЧАТЬ