Free Christmas at Tiffany's by Marianne Evans

Just speak from the heart.”
    In answer, Tiffany tipped her glass and swallowed deep, her throat and nose tingling as bubbles burst to life.
    ~*~
    “Welcome to the InfoTraxion holiday celebration.” Mitch stood at a podium set against the window line, and addressed his colleagues via microphone. He pulled a pair of notecards from the inside breast pocket of his suit coat that provided prompts on company successes over the past twelve months; he lauded the sense of camaraderie that continued to grow within the firm then turned the focus toward philanthropy and the truest spirit of Christmas. Giving.
    Prepared to join him, Tiffany stood to the side, awaiting his cue. Once introduced, she stepped smoothly to the forefront and accepted the mic. Mitch would have bet he was the only one who could detect the finite tremble of her smile.
    “Thank you for the introduction, and, more than that, thank you for spearheading the fight to support causes that desperately need funding and attention. The overwhelming response to next weekend’s event more than affirms the reason why I enjoy being part of the InfoTraxion family.”
    She paused. He could sense her confidence and strength of conviction building. When Tiffany glanced into his eyes, he gave her an encouraging nod. Warmth lifted through his body, sliding straight into his heart.
    “Action and funding. What blessings those two words become when they’re combined and transformed into positive results. Like Mitch just said, our company has lent physical and monetary support to numerous worthwhile causes this year. There are so many meaningful things competing for attention right now—in fact, we’re standing here, as a group of colleagues and friends, enjoying one right now, correct?”
    Applause and agreeing sounds rang out; Mitch watched Tiffany, enchanted, as the flow of encouragement further calmed her nerves.
    “We’ve sponsored volunteer drives at homeless shelters, gathered donations for charitable clothing drives, we’ve even adopted families for birthdays and holidays. Next weekend we’re focusing on animals, on four-legged companions with needs of their own. Offering our time helps Pets Finding Home channel their resources elsewhere, into necessities such as vet care, food, cages and hundreds of other supplies.”
    While Tiffany continued, Mitch came aware of a woman entering the room.
    Wendy.
    She glided across the threshold, respectfully quiet and as unobtrusive as possible. Her effort to be discreet was admirable, but futile. More than a few heads turned; a woman like Wendy tended to draw focus and fill a room with chic glamour and the type of charismatic energy Mitch thought he had longed for.
    Until now.
    Unaware, sweet and fresh, Tiffany concluded. “Connecting pets to their forever homes with loving owners is the hope and dream, and on behalf of the organization, I thank you for your efforts.”
    Seeming eager to surrender the spotlight, Tiffany turned toward Mitch, a cue to conclude matters. He snapped to attention. “Thanks, Tiffany. We’re looking forward to seeing a number of you at the shelter next weekend. Until then, please enjoy the food, the view, and most of all, the company of an extraordinary group of people. Happy holidays, everyone.”
    A round of applause followed, imbued by renewed conversations and the musical ching of dishware. Tiffany looked his way; a shimmer of expectation, an invitation to linger, rolled between them. He hated to leave her side, but had to push that unspoken call to the background. There was no choice. He had to see to Wendy.
    He joined his visitor who was tucked onto a tall stool at the far end of the bar, a small plate of appetizers at the ready. She welcomed him with an enticing smile. Mile-long legs were delicately crossed; her hour-glass figure was sheathed in pale pink satin. She looked like a model—but the allure was lost on him. Completely, utterly lost…
    “Wendy.” He bent slightly, dotting both