Abby stands on the front porch, watching the snow come down in heavy flakes. Inside the house, music is playing, food is being served, and people are having fun. I should be in there, she thinks.
"But no Abby, you're out here isolating yourself from everyone else. You do this at every party," she says out loud.
The screen door squeaks as it's pushed open and footsteps cross the porch and stop when they meet Abby.
"Talking to yourself Lockhart?" a voice asks.
Abby turns to see Ray standing behind her. She rolls her eyes and turns back to watch the snow.
"Come on Abby, lighten up, it's Christmas Eve," Ray says, "Why aren't you in having fun with all of us?"
"That's a good question Ray," Abby says, "I-I just don't know."
"Well come on," Ray says as he takes her by the hand, "You are coming in with me, and we are going to have a great time together." He gives her what looks like a genuine smile, and she smiles back. They walk into the house together.
"How did you get her to come in here?" Susan asks as she and Ray watch Abby dance with Carter.
"Oh, well I just put on a little bit of the old Ray charm and well let's just say she got a little bit weak in the knees and gave in… just like all the women do," Ray answers.
Susan shoots him a looks and Ray gives her a cheeky grin.
"What can I say?" Ray asks, "I'm just so irresistible."
Susan throws her hands up and says, "I have heard enough of this!"
Ray laughs at her and stands up.
"Well if you'll excuse me," he says, "I've got some mingling to do." He walks away leaving Susan to shake her head and mutter random phrases about how they let just about anyone become a doctor nowadays.
"Hey what's up Sam? Luka, how's it going? Weaver-,"
"Don't start with me Barnett," Kerry says, "I see and hear enough of you at work. Just let me have a break for one night."
"Just can't handle my manly charm," Ray mumbles as he walks away, "Hey Carter, I see you're having fun. How about you Lockhart? Are you enjoying yourself?"
Abby nods and smiles, "Yes, I'm having a great time. Thanks Ray."
"Well how about paying me back by dancing with me for awhile?" Ray asks shooting her an innocent look.
Abby looks to Carter with a disgusted face, praying that he won't give her up.
"You know," Carter says, "Go ahead. I wanted to talk to Susan anyway." Abby's eyes grow wide and Carter chuckles as he walks away. Abby feels a hand slide around her hip.
Fine. She thinks. Just one song.
She takes Ray's hand and they begin to dance.
"You know, I'm really not as bad as you make me out to be," Ray says, "I'm actually a pretty nice guy."
Abby rolls her eyes and asks, "Is this when I'm not around?"
Ray fakes a hurt expression and says, "Was I being an ass when I talked you into coming out of the cold and joining the party?"
Abby looks down. "I'm sorry Barnett," she whispers
"Don't worry Lockhart," Ray says, "I'll get my revenge when you least expect it."
The pair continues to dance and Abby actually starts to enjoy Rays company. She laughs at his jokes and can't help but make fun of him when she knows that he's exaggerating his stories. His jokes aren't that bad. She thinks. Maybe Ray isn't really as bad as I thought.
"Lockhart, hey anyone home?" Abby is shaken from her thoughts by Ray's voice. He gives her a cheesy grin and points to the ceiling.
"Say 'hello' to the revenge," he says. Abby looks up to find mistletoe. She immediately frowns.
"Come on Abby," Ray says.
"I am not kissing you Ray!" Abby hisses back.
"Abby, it's Christmas Eve! You have to do it!" Carter shouts.
"Yeah it's tradition," Sam adds.
Abby rolls her eyes and gives Ray a peck on the cheek.
"What was that?" Carter asks, "It was pathetic."
Abby grumbles as she takes Ray's face in her hands and gives him a passionate kiss on the mouth. When it's over Ray and Abby stare at each other for a moment. Then Abby turns to the party.
"Okay? Has everyone gotten their jollies for the evening?"
Later That Evening
Abby and Susan are in the kitchen washing and drying the dishes.
"What I don't understand is why we're washing the dishes," Susan says, "I mean this isn't even our house. It wasn't our idea to have this party."
"Come on Susan it's just a nice thing to do," Abby answers.
"Well that's the last one," Susan says handing a glass to Abby.
"Good I have to get home, I need to sleep," Abby says.
Abby and Susan emerge from the kitchen into the living room. They retrieve their coats and get ready to leave. Most of the party guests have left, but a few still linger. Susan joins the small group of friends in the center of the living room.
"I'll see you later Susan," Abby says, "Thanks for the dance Carter."
"See you tomorrow," Susan yells.
"Bye Abby," Carter calls.
Abby steps out into the cold Chicago winter and pulls her jacket tighter around herself. A hand grabs her arm and she screams immediately.
"Hey, hey, it's just me," Ray says with a smile.
"Holy shit Ray!" Abby says sounding pissed, "Do you want to give me a heart attack?"
"Actually I wanted to walk you home. But if you did have a heart attack, I would know what to do." He smirks.
"Whatever Ray," Abby says.
"It's a pretty cold night," Ray says as they walk.
"Well it is winter," Abby comments.
"I wasn't aware of that," Ray jokes.
They walk in silence for the rest of way.
"Well, this is me," Abby says, "Thanks for walking me home. I'll see you at work tomorrow?"
"You bet," Ray answers.
"Okay then… goodnight," Abby says as she walks into the building and lets the door close behind her.
"Goodnight Abby," Ray whispers as he lingers outside the door for a few more moments.