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Christmas Eve Ball (Part 2)

“Welcome!” Greg opened the doors for the crowd assembling outside the door. “Welcome everybody!”

He stepped aside to admit everyone. The hall began to fill with revelers of every age. As people hung their coats on the racks lining the front of the hall, a riot of colors and textures revealed themselves. Everyone had gotten into the spirit. Greg smiled at the joyous sight as he wandered among them, greeting them personally and handing out their table assignments.

“Hello, Trilby. I’m so glad you could make it. That is such a stunning ball gown.”

“Thanks, Pastor. I wasn’t sure about going sleeveless for a winter event but I saw this gown and, well, I simply had to have it.”

“It seems like it was made for you. I hope you’ll have a wonderful time tonight. We’ve got dancing and dinner. Later, we’ll have some holiday trivia.”

“That’s something to look forward to.”

“You have your doubts?”

“No, I love trivia. It’s the dancing that concerns me.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it, Trilby. I don’t think there are any world-class ballroom dancers here tonight. One hand on the shoulder, one on the waist and just kind of sway to the music.”

“Have you seen Jeb?”

“I don’t think he got back to town yet. He had that delivery to make and the weather isn’t being very cooperative.”

“That’s a relief.”

“A relief?”

“Oh, no. I don’t mean that I want anything bad to happen to him. I’m just afraid he’s going to try to dance with me.”

“That would be a bad thing? I guess I wouldn’t want him stepping on my feet either.”

“It’s not that. I don’t want his pity, you know? That would really spoil the whole thing for me.”

“I don’t think he pities you, Trilby. He likes you very much.”

“He just likes Aundrea better. I get it.”

“I’m not sure that he’s really made up his mind at this point. This is all pretty new to him. He’s been off on his own for so long…”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve moved on, Pastor. I just want him to steer clear. I don’t want his pity and I don’t want him messing up anything that might have a chance of kicking off here tonight. Feel free to pass that along if he turns up.”

“Sure, Trilby. I really can’t guarantee he’ll make it, given the forecast.”

Despite her tough talk, he could see the disappointment and the tears that were gathering. “I guess I’ll go find my seat.”

She took her place card and wandered into the newly transformed social hall. The lights, the decor, the food. It was quite spectacular and she was actually starting to feel like a princess in a modern day fairy tale.

‘I suppose it’s too much to hope for a handsome prince to turn up, but who knows?’

“Trilby!” It was Marta’s voice but she couldn’t spot where it was coming from.

“Marta? Where are you?”

“I’m behind the silk backdrop behind the topiary. Come back here.”

Trilby looked left and right. Some people were admiring her dress and waving hello. She waved back casually as she moseyed over to where her friend was concealed. She was trying to look elegant and cool when a hand reached out from behind the drapes and pulled her by the edge of her dress.

“Whoa!”

“Come back here.”

“Marta, what are you doing back here?”

“Hyperventilating.”

“What for? The thing only just got started. How can you already be flipping out?”

“Well, for one thing. Va-va-voom! Look at you, girl! If I hadn’t picked this thing out for you, I wouldn’t know you were you. You’re exquisite, Trilby. And where did you score that mind-blowing bling?”

“Your mom loaned it to me. She saw the dress you picked out and she dug out this whole ensemble.”

“Oh.”

“What’s the matter?”

“She hasn’t worn that in a while. You’re going to have to remember to give that back to her before either of you leave.”

“I wasn’t going to keep it.”

“What?” Marta was peeking through the drapes. “No! I didn’t mean that I thought you were going to steal it.”

“I didn’t think you thought that. I hope you didn’t think that.”

“No, honey. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just…”

“You can tell me about whatever it is later. If you see them leaving, stop them so I can give it all back.”

“Hmm?” She was switching between peeking into the venue and admiring her friend’s transformation. “Oh, sure. It will be better if I tell you tomorrow.”

“Well, that solves one dilemma. What are you doing hiding back here?”

“I’ve got problems of my own.”

“Seems like. What’s the matter?”

“It’s Cyndi.”

“What’s Cyndi got to do with anything?”

“She just got back into town with her new husband.”

“So? Maybe they’ll be at our table.” Trilby looked at her place card. “I’m at table twelve. How about you?”

“Huh?” Marta peeked out of the drapes nervously. “Um, yeah, same.”

“Yay! Let’s go sit and see who’s with us tonight.”

Marta turned with preternatural speed and grabbed Trilby by her delicate shoulders. “Not, yay. Not yay at all, Trilby Hughes.”

“Let go, Marta. You know I bruise easily.”

“Sorry, honey. I’m just freaked out.”

“About Cyndi? What about her? She’s all married and settled down.”

“Ha! She may be married but she’s not settled down. If you think my dad’s out of control, you ought to hear Cyndi talk about the stuff she and her husband get into.”

“I think I probably shouldn’t and I didn’t think your dad was out of control. Are you going to actually explain anything to me or are you just going to keep carrying on in vaguely ominous ambiguities?”

“Trilby, I had one goal in mind for this ball.”

“Yes, you wanted to hook up with somebody.”

“You make it sound so sordid.”

“Well…”

“How rude! If you’re not going to help-”

“Relax, willya? You’re my best friend. What do you need?”

“I need you to run interference for me.”

“What if I meet somebody?”

“In this town? You already know everybody and have ruled every last one of them out. You’re stunning and you’re too good for every single man out there.”

“You’re just saying that so I’ll cover for you with Cyndi. What do you think she wants?”

Marta peeked out again before she leaned in to whisper something in Trilby’s ear.