The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

12. Cass

12

CASS

Cass wasn’t sure she’d ever been this nervous. As the elevator ascended the skyscraper, toward the elegant party awaiting them, Cass squeezed Ari’s arm in hers.

Luckily, it wouldn’t be super crowded when they arrived. Ari would be putting the finishing touches on the event, making sure the food and drinks were flowing on the caterer trays and the DJ had a setlist.

But a part of Cass feared that Hazel would fall through and the entire night would be a bust.

“You look amazing.” Ari smiled as she looked Cass up and down. On the way in, Ari had carried an umbrella to make sure the falling snow didn’t make either of their hair frizz up.

Smoothing the short, bleached hairs on the top of her head, Cass blushed. “Really?” It was an older dress, a red gown with a high slight over her left leg. Cass had feared it was too scandalous of a choice, her cleavage and figure on full display for a professional event. But Ari had insisted it was a great look.

Ari nodded, wrapping her arm around Cass’s waist. “Yes, really. I’m a very lucky woman.”

Before the temperature in the elevator could rise any further, a ding sounded from the doors.

“You’re going to do great.” All Cass wanted to do was kiss her, but she didn’t want to stain Ari’s cheeks with her red lipstick.

Taking in a deep breath, Ari grinned as the door swung open.

The massive room was already abuzz. Caterers hustled across the floors, straightening their ties and aprons; the DJ set up her stand and speakers; the decorator was tidying the table settings at the high tops.

As soon as the couple exited the elevator, the world felt like it slowed. Even though no guests had arrived yet, thankfully, everyone in the room turned to look at the glamorous pairing entering the space.

Ari waved her hand, dismissing them back to work. But the corners of her lips lifted with pleasure. Cass could tell that she loved the attention they drew together. As they strutted across the venue, the DJ’s speakers started to play an exciting Christmas song. A twist on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, the song was upbeat and just the start of the lineup for the night.

At the center of the room, Cass stopped in her tracks and looked around at the work her girlfriend had done. “Wow, this is amazing. Especially given the time crunch.”

Sure enough, it would have been hard for any guest to picture the cold, sterile suite that Ari had walked into less than two weeks earlier. Now, it was a magical snowy paradise fit for any level of celebrity who may walk in.

“Thank you. All I ever want is to impress you.” Ari confessed, letting her hand drop from Cass’s waist and landing in her palm. She intertwined their fingers, holding them like that for a moment.

Biting her lip, Ari wrinkled her nose. “Do you think she’ll show?”

Cass nodded, not wanting to show any doubt. “She won’t want to burn me like that. She’ll be here. Besides, you’re too intriguing to miss out on.”

Before Ari could roll her eyes, a caterer zipped past with a mismatched tray of hors d'oeuvres. “Hold up, champ. Who sent you out with that platter?”

Just like that, Ari was off to work and Cass found her spot at a nearby table. She was ready to entertain, to keep the company of Ari’s various current and future clients. And with any luck, Hazel would arrive and put both of their nerves at ease. But as the elevator signaled its descent back down to the lobby, Cass’s heart started to race.

It was too early for more guests. But as she peeked out the window, she wondered if the coming snowstorm would encourage guests to be timely. The sun had already set and the chill of a December night was taking hold.

Cass watched as the elevator slowly ticked up each floor.

Who could be this early?