I sigh again. I seem to be doing that a lot these days.
“He’s on a conference call, but I’m sure he’ll want to see you afterward.”
Oh, I bet.
Cole
Cole stares at the speakerphone. Frank is giving him the play-by-play on what happened after they left the house this afternoon. Reaching over for the crystal bottle of brandy, he pours himself a double. This shit is getting out of hand. He takes a drink, setting the glass down and flexing his hand—the hand that has been gripping his pen since Frank started his story.
“That’s un-fucking-believable!”
“Yeah, well, it was pretty intense.” Frank clears his throat. “I got to go. I’ll be in touch.”
“All right.” He rubs his face, feeling exhausted, when Abigail’s text comes up alerting him dinner is ready. He lets her know he won’t be joining them. He needs to make some calls—the first one to his father.
Cole doesn’t come out of his office until close to ten. Faint music reaches him as he walks down the hallway. He comes to an abrupt halt when he steps into the living room.Holy shit…
“Pretty amazing, hey?” June asks, handing him a rum and eggnog. “She’s been working on this all evening.”
Savannah is up on a ladder, putting a star on top of the Christmas tree. It is decorated in silver and gold with thick red ribbon wrapped all around it. A red velvet tree skirt lies underneath. The fireplace has garland outlining it, with lights strung through, and more red ribbon. A huge, tastefully-lighted, matching wreath hangs above it. Silver and gold sparkly snowflakes are hung at different lengths in each window. Candles are placed throughout, tying the whole room together. June points to the banister going up the stairs, which is covered in garland to match the fireplace. A big vase sits on the entryway table, containing a huge poinsettia. She even gave it a light dusting of glitter to make it sparkle like the rest of the place.
“Wow,” is all he can get out.
“Is everything all right, dear? You look stressed.”
He shakes his head. Now isn’t the time to get into things.
Savannah’s smile makes him want to run to her. “What do you think?” she calls out.
“It’s amazing.” He winks, watching her grin widen.
Mark walks by holding a bag of trash and stops next to him. “What’s going on?” he asks quietly.
Cole shakes his head as Savannah climbs back down the ladder. Derek is, of course, ready for her in case she falls.
“Don’t fuck with me. Your face is telling me something big is up.”
“Later.” He glances at Mark, and his eyes narrow in on his chin. “Nice glitter.”
“Oh, come on!” Mark hisses, rubbing his chin. “This shit doesn’t come off.” Cole tries to hide his smirk. “Oh, fuck off!” He storms off toward the bathroom.
After everything is put away, everyone comes together for drinks and sweets. Mark hovers by the table. Every once in a while, Cole looks at him funny just to screw with him. He loves messing with him. He looks for Savannah, but she’s disappeared, so he finds himself drifting back to his conversation with Frank, and his stomach twists as his thoughts go dark.
“You care to tell me what’s going on now? Or do I need to call Dad?” Mark asks from beside him.
“Downstairs.” He motions with his head.
He starts to tell his story but hears Savannah whispering with someone around the corner. He holds up his hand to Mark.
“That’s the thing I don’t know,” her voice trails off.
“Well, that’s the deal,” Derek says.
What the hell? Cole steps into view, and Savannah jumps.
“Cole…” she starts, but he cuts her off.
“What the hell is going on?” He shakes his head, making eye contact with Derek. “Go upstairs, Rent,” he orders.