Free Out of The Box Awakening by Jennifer Theriot

she is pulled away. She gives Ash a big hug and I can tell that she is glad he came.
    “Ash, I think these folks think we are a couple,” I murmur, worried we’re giving people the wrong impression.
    “Let them. I don’t mind. Do you? Let’s just go with the flow. This is fun! Let me go get us a drink. Then we can start mingling. Damn, you look good, Liv—have I told you that tonight?”
    “Um, yes, you have. About three times.”
    “Well, I may tell you a few more times, because you are driving me crazy…sorry but you just are. By the way, your legs are amazing!”
    Ellen, who tells us that we need to come to dinner, interrupts us from our flirty-flirting. There are beautiful tables set up on the lawn, and Jocelyn has a full staff scurrying around catering to everyone.
    Ash and I are seated with Ellen, David, and four other couples. One woman, Hope, is seated with her heavyset husband, Henry. I quickly realize that she has married for money. Henry is very attentive to her every need.
    “Olivia, Ellen tells me you are from Houston. How in the world did you come to live in Highland Park? Do tell! And what do you do?”
    Ash takes control of the conversation and explains to her that I have recently moved here. He offers no explanation why, and she doesn’t ask.
    “Olivia is in interior design and I am taking her to see Sarah next week to see about working for her,” he says, as though it’s a settled deal.
    Oh, really? When was he going to tell me that? And who is Sarah? I kick him under the table.
    He takes my hand under the table and gently strokes it. “Excuse us for a moment, would you?” he says to the other guests at the table. We head toward the main house. “Sorry about that,” he mutters. “Those ladies can be brutal.”
    “What is this about Sarah? Who is she?”
    “Sarah is a friend who has a trendy shop downtown called Sarah-n-Dipity. I was going to tell you about her. I think it would be good for you to get a job doing something besides volunteer work—something that would be fulfilling to you. With Alan gone, I think you need to do something that will make you happy…something you enjoy doing.”
    “Were you going to tell me or what?” I ask.
    “Well, I was going to tell you, yes of course. What do you think? Am I out of line? If so, please say so. I just think that you need to be happy and do something that makes you feel complete. I overheard you talking to your daughter about wanting to maybe go back to school or work in a design studio so why not do something that lets you use your talents to bring joy to others?”
    What an amazing man. The connection between us is beyond anything I could have imagined. But I am married, and my husband will be coming home soon. I can’t let myself do this!
    “Dinner is served,” David says over a microphone. “Let’s eat, drink, and celebrate the upcoming marriage of Melissa and Trey.”
    Ash and I head back to the table. Somehow we make our way through dinner. Afterward, the band starts to play. Ash takes my hand and guides me to the dance floor.
    “Dance with me,” he asks.
    “Of course!”
    We dance continuously to this beautiful music. I can’t remember when I have danced with a man so in control, or with such a good dancer. I love every minute of it and feel like Cinderella. But when midnight comes, what will happen?
    He holds me tight and secure and doesn’t miss a step. I am wrapped in his arms and feel so safe and complete.
    At midnight, Ash asks if I am ready to leave. Reluctantly, I tell him that I am tired, and we wait for the valet to bring the car. We say our goodbyes to everyone, and Ellen comes out to give me a big hug.
    “Olivia, I haven’t seen my brother this happy in a long time. Thank you for being you and for making him happy. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again real soon, maybe after the holidays. David and I are going to Palm Beach for Thanksgiving, but let’s do lunch soon after.”
    I honestly don’t