Chapter 2: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Sydney's house, December 23rd at 10:00 AM

"Hm... maybe it should go a little to the left," Sydney mused, gazing at the evergreen bough she was trying to hang on the wall. But before she could move it, the phone rang, interrupting her concentration. "Hello?" she said distractedly, her mind on the decorations she had left to hang.

"Syd! Have you looked outside yet today??"

"Weiss! What are you talking about? I've been standing in my living room for the last hour decorating for my party, why would I want to go outside? You do know the party is tonight right?"

"Of course I do! Just go look outside Syd!" he insisted.

Sydney turned toward the window with a sigh, wondering what silly thing he was trying to show her this time. Last time he'd called her, there had been a tower of beer cans outside her door, ready for her to topple over with a stick. However, this time it was something better. "Oh!"

"Isn't it great? Snow for Christmas! I can't remember the last time we had a white Christmas—and just in time for your party too!" he rambled on.

"Weiss! You're babbling," Sydney cut in with a laugh.

"Sorry... but isn't it great?" he asked again, unable to control his enthusiasm.

"Yes, it's great," she answered truthfully, pushing practical concerns like slick roads out of her mind for a moment while she let herself be caught up in his enthusiasm. "It's beautiful, thanks for telling me. Now I've got things I need to do."

"Sure, I'll see you tonight Syd. Merry Christmas!"

Vaughn residence, 6:00 PM

Vaughn stared out the window, frowning at the snow that was still coming down outside. "It's been snowing all day," he muttered. When is it going to let up?"

Normally he loved snow—it reminded him of winter trips with his father. Today though the weather was a reflection of his bleak mood. He was not looking forward to Sydney's party at all, and who could blame him? Spending an entire evening socializing with his ex-girlfriend while your wife is by your side doesn't exactly inspire holiday cheer.

"And I have to get out on the road with all the idiot drivers who don't know how to drive in snow... Merry Christmas Michael," he said sarcastically.

"Wait a minute... snow, driving... Lauren!" he called out, a smile crossing his face for the first time all day. Mother Nature had given him the perfect excuse to cancel.

"What is it Michael?"

"Honey, it's still snowing."

"I know, isn't it wonderful? A white Christmas!"

"It'll make the roads slick though Lauren. Maybe we ought to stay home tonight," he suggested, not completely successful at masking his hope.

"I'm really looking forward to this party Michael," Lauren replied.

"I know you are, but I'm sure Sydney would understand."

"Actually she called about an hour ago to make sure we were still coming and I told her we were. We can make it Michael, it's not that bad."

"If you really want to go that badly then we'd better get going," he agreed reluctantly. "This weather isn't going to improve and the holiday traffic will be murder."

"Just let me grab my coat and I'll be ready to go," she said with a small smile that turned to an expression of relief once she left the room. She knew why he hadn't wanted to go and it had nothing to do with the weather. He didn't want to be in the same room with her and Sydney both outside of work. That was part of her master plan though, and she was determined to see it through. "Surely if he sees us together he'll be able to remember who it is he belongs with," she whispered uncertainly as she slipped her coat on.

"What was that honey?" he asked from behind her, making her jump.

"What? Oh nothing, I was just talking to myself," she covered quickly.

"Well are you ready to go then?"

His abrupt tone and constant frown did nothing to dispel her growing doubts, but she nodded firmly and moved toward the door. "Absolutely," she said with a confidence she didn't feel.