Rey tapped her white-clad foot impatiently at Kay, hoping she'd pick up on the not-so-subtle are we done yet. Kay was painstakingly glamming Rey up for a girl's night out. They were celebrating Kay's new job as Head of Make-up and Wardrobe for the Nutcracker Ballet at the community theatre. Christmas was Rey's favorite time of year, and normally she would be donating her talents to the ballet as Set Designer. It was her special way to give back to the community, but she was up for a big promotion at work and wouldn't risk being unavailable for a moment. Her boss, Bazine Netal, was one of the hottest Interior Decorators in Boston; she was talented, successful, and, most importantly to Rey, connected. A few more years under Bazine's aegis and Rey would be well-placed to start her own design company, her dream.
"Remember, you promised no dancing flowers, Kay."
"I know, I know, Ms. Grinch." Kay rolled her eyes. Rey was The Worst at relaxing and letting her hair down. "No dancing flowers as promised...it's more of a sugarplum fairy!" Kay laughed at Rey's grimace as she dipped her brush back into the glitter pot.
Rey wished she'd known just how much silver glitter was involved in said look; she would have faked a stomachache today. Makeup was all well and good, but one shouldn't fear that a good sneeze would send a suffocating silver avalanche sweeping down her face.
She sighed and blew out a puff of air, best to let Kay finish. It's not like she'd be running into anyone she knew tonight. Ms. Netal had assured her there was no work left to do, so she wasn't afraid of being called in either.
With a flourish, Kay glued one last crystal to her design, then stood back and admired her work with a critical eye.
"Damn, I'm good. Is there room in your clutch for a bat? You're going to need one to keep the guys away tonight!" she teased.
"Oh, leave her be, Kay," Rose reprimanded, walking into Kay's room. "If you keep it up, she'll just wipe it off. You know she hates to be the center of attention!"
Rey shook her head at her friend's playful bickering and stood. "Let's see the damage!" she said, walking over to a mirror. The reflection that met her sight felt like a stranger. She was...glamorous! Like a socialite from the Society columns of the Boston Herald; well, except for the crystals winking over her eyes.
Her bestie certainly had a gift. Kay had pressed Rey into a strapless white satin dress that just reached her knees. A silver belt sparkled on her slender waist, while sheer chiffon ruffles added a softness over her hips. She secretly loved how the fabric fluttered when she moved. Her brown hair has been pulled up into a half ponytail and cascaded over her shoulders in curls. Kay had pinned loops of delicate silver bead garland over her right ear to finish the frosty look.
"Are you sure this isn't too much? I'm wearing more makeup than either of you." Rey pointed to their chosen outfits for the evening.
Rose wore a dark blue dress with sparkling spaghetti straps and sported only a hint of the body glitter Rey was currently encased in. Kay looked bewitching in a pink confection sure to set the boys' mouths watering. She looked deceptively innocent with the least bit of glitter over her eyes.
"I wanted to do something special for you," Kay replied. "We hardly ever get to see you anymore, and I can't remember your last day off! The Wicked Witch treats you like her flying monkey."
"Hey! I love my job," Rey protested.
"It's true, Hun," Rose cut in. "You never get time off and you're allllways on call. She's turned you into a gopher!
"Come on, guys. That's not fair! I'm learning so much. Everybody has to pay their dues to get ahead...and these are mine. I miss you too, but once I start my own company, I'll be able to have a life again. You'll see." She stuck her arms out and cajoled her friends into a group hug. "Truce tonight? No talk of work, or responsibilities? Just three girls out on the town! We have to celebrate. Who knows, maybe something magical will happen tonight."
Kay and Rose nodded their agreement and their pinkies met to make the sacred promise.
"Alright then, let's get out of here!" Rose hollered. "I am starving!"
Just then, a cell phone rang, startling the three apart. As one, they turned to look at the place where Rey's purse lay on the counter.
"Don't...you...dare!" Kay whisper-growled.
The phone rang again, they all recognized the chiming ringtone specific to Ms. Netal.
"She promised there was nothing to finish tonight," Rey whimpered, reaching for her phone.
Rose hissed quietly as Rey answered the phone.
"Hello, Ms. Netal. How can I help you?...Uh-huh...Couldn't the doorman help you out?...No, of course not. I'll be right over...You're welcome. Bye."
Rey stared down at her feet for a moment before plastering a fake smile on her face. "I've got to run over to Bazine's condo really quick. You two go ahead and I'll be five minutes behind you."
"What is it this time?" Kay asked sourly. "Did she forget to buy herself a Christmas present or finally donate her minuscule heart to science?"
Rey sighed, gathering up her purse and keys. "Her flight's delayed, so she's asked me to go turn her heat back up and leave a few lights on. You know how creepy it is to go home to a dark apartment and all."
"She doesn't pay you enough to do all these extras, Sweetie. I hate seeing you get taken advantage of. Promise you'll still meet us?" Rose pleaded.
"I promise. Drinks are on me tonight!" Rey called behind her as she headed out the door.
Her boss lived in a skyrise condo near downtown. Her home was the example of opulent living. This wasn't the first time Rey had found herself running errands for Ms. Netal. In fact, it had happened so frequently that she had a key to the condo.
She let herself into the empty home and efficiently dealt with the heat and lights. Taking the opportunity to wander the space without scrutiny, Rey walked quietly through the halls. Large windows in the dining and living rooms would flood the area with sunlight during the day. Art deco mirrors lined the wall above the modern couch, and a custom chandelier dangled elegantly over the dining table. Not a single knick-knack was out of place, or indeed, sported so much as a speck of dust. The maid must have cleaned earlier, she noted.
Wandering further back in the condo she came upon the door to the master bedroom. Rey bit her lip, dare she peek inside? Glancing about to make sure there were no security cameras, Rey pushed open the door. Her breath caught in a silent gasp. Before her, floor-to-ceiling windows lined one entire wall; Boston's skyline laid out before her on stunning display. When Rey finally pulled her gaze away from the window, she noticed the California king-size bed covered in a thick ivory comforter. Rey touched it gently, goose feathers of course. I wonder why she needs such a large bed; she's tall, but still…
Rey left her musing off when she remembered her friends were waiting for her. One last peep around took in the flat-screen television opposite the bed, the small, yet elegant, desk tucked into the far corner, and a glass shelf bearing several orchids. Minimal, elegant, yet high maintenance. That's Bazine to a T.
A small bing alerted Rey to the arrival of the elevator and she gladly stepped in. She had missed dinner and knew it was waiting for her nearby. She had taken out her phone to let her friends know she was on her way when the elevator stopped on another floor. The doors opened to reveal a well-dressed, dark-haired man waiting. Holy Hotness! Rey gave a small polite smile and glanced down at her phone quickly. Best not to let him see me start drooling, she thought.
His presence seemed to fill all the remaining room in the elevator. Rey tried valiantly to focus on her texting, and only peeked sideways a few times. The last time she got caught, or he did.
Her appearance hadn't even crossed her mind as a reason he might be staring until he asked, "Snowflake?"
Rey blushed, "No, Sugarplum Fairy actually."
"Ah. It's ...festive."
"Thank you," she replied, tucking an errant curl behind her ear. "My roommate got a new job and she wanted to dress me up and celebrate."
"Sounds like fun."
Rey nodded her head in response, not sure where to go with this awkward conversation. Maybe it was the silver glitter, but she managed to pluck up her courage and ask, "Do you live in this building?"
He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, "No, I don't. I was just visiting my- someone. You?"
"Not me either. I was doing a favor."
"Ah."
The silence thickened between them. Rey squirmed inside. She would love to get this man's phone number, or even just have a name to attach to her daydreams. Suddenly, the elevator gave an unexpected lurch and stopped. The doors weren't opening. Rey's emotions gave way to panic as the lights flickered eerily. With a clunk, she heard the cable give way and they started to fall. The two of them stared at each other...and then they were kissing. His lips were warm and seeking against hers. Giving as good as he took, the stranger pulled her closer into his embrace, almost tucking himself around her. Rey couldn't think straight, but if this was how she was going to die, what a way to go. Their tongues met and danced a passionate pas de duex, sweeping away her fears.
As quickly as it began, the elevator stopped with a shudder when the emergency cable caught. The motion tore the two apart, and they stood wide-eyed on separate sides. In a bold move, she stepped into the space between them and would have stolen another kiss. Just then, the doors opened to reveal a group of carolers who were practicing in the lobby while they waited. Embarrassment at getting caught in such a precarious situation flooded her veins like ice. She was never so impetuous. Something that looked a lot like disgust flashed on Mr. Perfect's face and she realized the enormity of her mistake.
Rey ran through the waiting crowd and never looked back...
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A/N: Welcome to my first Christmas Reylo! I've joined a collection on A03, Reylo Christmas Hallmark Collection. Go check out the other beauties in it. This story is based on A Christmas Kiss (2011). It's one of my very favorite Christmas movies to watch. The title comes from Merry Christmas, Darling by The Carpenter's. It has just that level of longing I'm looking for.
A big shout-put to my beta, Angela, who has caught all my commas. Many digital Christmas cookies for you!
I will post as quickly as I write, and I hope you enjoy the ride.
