Midnight Date — A Short Story
Deanna fidgeted with the stem of her glass as she looked towards the door for the umpteenth time. New Year’s was just an hour away. Still no Michael. What did she expect? It wasn’t like they were dating or anything.
The lunch date seemed ages ago. It went well, she thought. The next day, Michael left on a business trip. She had gotten an email every day just telling her good morning. That was sweet, but she couldn’t get a feel for whether it was going to stay a close business relationship or something more. Though he did ask if she was coming to the New Year’s Eve party.
Each year, the president of the company held a big bash at his mansion located on the river. It was decorated to look like a winter wonderland. White and blue lights were strung over the windows, trees, and even covered an outdoor patio that had been cleared of snow. Fire pits burned around it to warm the enclosure.
Deanna had gone out for a few minutes but felt uncomfortable with the various couples talking to each other. Moving to the bar, she had ordered a hot alcoholic beverage to warm her hands. She managed to find a nice seat in the parlor with several of her coworkers.
The talk revolved around one of the women’s new grand babies. That changed when in walked Deanna’s rival for a promotion. Jackie tossed back her red locks as she laughed with…
