One Winter Weekend

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

A room full of Thompson & Jonas Associates cheered as they raised their glasses to toast the chairman’s yuletide address.

It was the yearly Christmas party and everyone was dressed in festive finery as they ate the best catered food and wine the advertising agency would spring for.

It was the cheeriest time of the year, and Emily Richardson absolutely loved it.

“Merry Christmas, Tom,” she said to her colleague and friend, who was already three sheets to the wind - his arm draped around his wife Bernice.

“Merry Christmas Em!” they both chorused back, silly grins on their faces.

“So what are you doing over the holidays? You’re more than welcome to join us again, if you’d like,” Bernice offered kindly. “Was great having you at ours last year. My brother in particular took a right fancy to you. I’m sure he’d love to see you again,” she added with a wink.

“Ah you’re both very kind, but believe it or not, I’ve got plans this year,” Emily informed with a grin of her own. “I’m off to Paris.”

“Paris? But you won’t know anyone,” Tom countered gruffly. “Don’t you think this time of year should be spent with friends and family?”

“Of course, but this year, with Nan gone, I have no family in London anymore. And as much fun as I have with you guys, I’m a bit tired of being the odd one out at a table full of couples and families.”

“I hear you,” Tom commented, sipping on his beer.

“Oh, you shouldn’t let a thing like that bother you: one of these years you’ll be the one with a boyfriend, or who knows, maybe even a husband to accompany you,” Bernice reassured her. “Though I must admit, I’m actually envious now - Christmas in Paris sounds divine.”

“I’ve always wanted to see the city, and what better time?” Emily smiled. “The Eiffel Tower, Champs-élysée and all the festive lights… It’s going to be glorious.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Friday morning,” Emily raised her glass of champagne and took a long sip.

“Well, we’ll miss you at ours this year, but I expect you’ll have a ball on your adventures,” Tom said, hiccuping a little.

“You never know what those adventures will bring either,” Bernice chimed in with a wink. “Paris is the City of Love after all…”