Holly was throwing one of her parties. About 15 guests were there, at the moment. She flitted around kissing people, offering them food and drink, and generally being the perfect hostess.
At around 9:00pm, the doorbell rang. She opened the door; Paul was there.
She smiled. "Fred! I wasn't sure if you'd make it."
"Hi, Holly. Sorry I'm so late. I was with my publisher, and we were talking about changes to my book. I did try to call you, but you didn't answer your phone; I guess you were busy with the party."

"Oh, I am sorry, darling. With the music and the mingling, I didn't give the telephone a single thought." Holly put her finger on her chin. "Although, come to think of it, I'm not even sure where the telephone is!"
"The telephone?"
"Yes, I could have sworn that I last saw it-."
"In the suitcase?"
Her eyes lit up and she waded through the crowd (which had grown bigger in just the short time that Paul had arrived), dancing past the guests. When she reached the suitcase she knelt in front of it and unlatched the locks. Sure enough, the phone was there, in all it's glory. She looked at Paul in surprise. "How did you know?"
Paul grinned. "Lucky guess, I suppose. You had it there once before, remember? When I first met you?"Holly's heart warmed and she couldn't resist kissing him, no matter how inappropriate it seemed.
"Fred, darling you remembered! How sweet!"
"How could I ever forget? That was quite a memorable day!"

"Let's see... you woke me up to get the key to your apartment."
"That's right."
"I greeted you in my pajamas with my eyepatch on."
"Barefooted, even!"
She giggled. "That's right, Fred! I was a mess!"
"Holly, you looked beautiful even like that!"
"You're sweet!" She looked around. "Well, let me get back to being the perfect hostess. I think you know everyone here."
"Yes, I think I do. Oh, I have some special news for you. I'll tell you a bit later."
"Ok."

Paul made his way through the crowd, careful not to step on the orange tabby that Holly loved so much. Truth be told, he'd grown quite fond of Cat and he hoped that Cat had grown fond of him-or as fond as a cat could be of someone who was essentially a stranger. The music was more lively than before and Paul wished that Holly would dance with him, but he knew the drill. At her parties, she was entitled to mingle with everyone there, whether she knew them or not. He couldn't wait to tell her his news, but the longer he waited, the more special it would be; or so he hoped.

He picked up a glass of wine, then he made "dinner" for himself by putting various appetizers on a paper plate. Then he took a seat on the couch and ate and drank. A guy he knew lightly from her other parties sat next to him; they talked small talk for a bit.
Then the music changed from jazz to classical. A barefooted girl appeared in the middle of the room and began dancing. Paul sensed that she might be a professional dancer. Others began to watch her, and she soon became the "main attraction."
Holly walked over to him. "What do you think of her?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Paul looked the woman up and down. She certainly wasn't his type, not that he knew exactly what his type was. After all, Holly was worlds different than 2E had been but there was just something about her. Suddenly he realized he was staring at her.
"So? What do you think?" Holly asked again.
"Hmmm?"
"Of her!"
"Oh, well, she's all right I suppose."
"All right? She's brilliant! Look at the way she moves." Holly sighed. "If only I could dance like that."
"Who says you can't? I bet you're every bit as good as she is if not better. Why don't you show everyone how good you are?"
"What, here? In front of everybody?"
"Why not?"
"Well, I just-."
"You're not afraid, are you?"
"Me? Afraid?"
"Because the Holly I know isn't afraid of anything, except maybe when you have the mean reds, but you don't look upset right now. So go on and show everyone what you're made of!"
Holly blushed. "Well, all right Fred. For you, I'll do anything." She kissed his cheek and then took off her shoes.
Paul smiled as Holly touched the woman on the shoulder when the song ended and the applause began. He joined in. He saw Holly whisper into the woman's ear and the woman nodded.
Holly was about to put on the show of her life.

"I have a record of Indian music, Tom. Could you put it on, please?"
"Let's see," said Tom. He was over by her hi fi. "I see it." He put it on. A sitar began playing.
She began dancing to the music. All eyes were on her. The music was slow, so too was her dancing. After a couple minutes, it picked up, and so did she. She was like a belly dancer, except for the fact that she wore a black dress.
The piece ended and everybody cheered. The girl who danced before her gave her a hug.
She walked over to Paul. "Well, Fred?"

Paul smiled. "Very good. I must say I'm amazed."
This made Holly laugh. "Oh Fred, you said the same thing when you were helping me get ready to go to see Sally at Sing Sing."
"I was amazed then, too. Is there nothing you can't do?"
"Well, I haven't tried everything yet, so I don't really know. What about you, Fred?"
"Sure. Lots of things. I could never dance like that."
"Why don't you try it?"
"Maybe another time. How about a drink?"
"A drink sounds good."
Paul made his way through the crowd as another song began. Just as he suspected, when he turned around, he saw Holly putting on another show; one that was proving to be better than the first.

Still shoeless (in black stockings that matched her dress), she was dancing again. But this was a seductive dance. Tom had changed the record to one of lounge music, and her dance matched it very well.
He got the drink-a glass of wine-and brought it over to her. She drank it rather quickly. Then she put her arms around him.
"Holly!" he whispered.
"Am I embarrassing you?"
"A little," he conceded.
She smiled. "That was the intent, Fred!

Paul looked around the room and ran his hand nervously through his hair. "Um... Holly.."
"Yes, Fred?" She was kissing him now and she was making it very difficult to resist her. Perhaps he should have, but he never expected her to act this way in a room full of people. It was true that they were all people that she was acquainted with (well, most of them, anyway) but Paul was not used to being seduced like this. He wasn't sure what to make of it and he wondered if he should try to get her to ease up on her drinking. But at least here, in her apartment, she was safe. Gently he eased out of her arms. "I'll be right back..."
"Please do, darling." she purred.
Carefully he made his way through the crowd and looked out the window. The music in the apartment was loud and the guests were becoming rowdier and rowdier. Any moment there was sure to be a phone call from Yunioshi about the noise. He shuddered when he remembered what happened last time, as the police came and he was forced to use the fire escape.

He went to the bathroom. When he finished he walked back into the party. Holly was flitting around with the guests. She was still barefooted. Seeing him, she walked over and put her arms around him.
"You said there was something you wanted to tell me, Fred."
"Yes. But not quite yet. Your party seems to be in full swing!"
"That it is! But tell me, is it good news?"
"No; it's GREAT news!"
"That's nice to know! You can tell me now."
"Ok. I've-"
"Holly, darling!" a voice said. A woman went over to her and kissed her. "You're not wearing your shoes!"

Holly sighed. Mag Wildwood was the most annoying women in New York, let alone at the party. Why Holly always invited her, she wasn't sure but then again, it wasn't unlike Mag to simply invite herself. She really was a thumping bore.
"Yes, Mag, I'm not wearing my shoes." Holly replied, plastering on a smile. "It's a party, so I figured that I might as well be comfortable!"
"Why Holly, I like your style!" Mag said. "Excuse me, I need a drink."
"Another one?" Holly mumbled as the incredibly tall woman slithered past her and pushed her way through the crowd.
She turned to Paul. "Okay, now that Mag is out of the way, what's this great news?"

"Well, I really wanted to wait until the two of us are alone."
"PAUL!"
Her calling him by his real name rattled him. He chuckled nervously. "Ok, Holly! My publisher thinks that my new novel THE BEST PLACE could be a million seller."
"He does?"
"Yes. And he's giving me an advance of $50,000!"

Holly gasped and threw her arms around Paul, kissing him full on the lips. "Oh Fred, that's wonderful! It really is! When can I read it?"
Paul laughed. "Well, publishing a book takes a long time; especially a novel, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end!"
"What do you mean hopefully? Of course it will! I'm so happy for you! We should celebrate!"
"We're already at a party, isn't that a celebration of sorts?"
"I mean a real celebration, just the two of us! We'll iron out the details later but first I have to make an announcement." she made her way to the record player and lifted the needle. Almost every person in the room froze and the room fell silent. And then came the chorus of "What gives?" And "What's going on?" "What happened to the music!"
"Everyone, I have an announcement!" Holly said. "My dear friend Fred here-."
"It's Paul, actually." Paul corrected.
Holly smiled and looked at her guests. "His publisher is giving him a $50,000 advance on his new book! Isn't that fabulous?" But when she turned to Paul, he wasn't smiling. "What's wrong?"
"I appreciate your being happy for me and all that but I feel a little uncomfortable telling all of these people. I rather hoped that I could tell you in private."
"Well why shouldn't they know? I mean, you've worked hard on your book and it's only fair that-."
"Holly-please..."
She stepped back, unsure of why his enthusiasm had suddenly changed. "I'm sorry. I just-." She swallowed hard, and felt the strangest urge to cry. She wouldn't hurt him for anything in the world, but now it seems as though she had. "Darling, please don't be angry with me. I was just trying to help. I-."
He smiled and brushed away a tear. "No, I'm the one who's sorry. I was out of line. Thank you, dear Holly, for spreading my success throughout your party." He listened for a moment. "It seems that the music has returned, so... He held out his hand-would you like to dance?"
She slipped her hand into his. "I'd love to."

The guests cheered.
"Just a second, Holly," said Paul. He walked to the side and slipped his shoes off. "I don't want to step on your pretty toes!"
"Of course, Fred!"
Some people laughed. However, the laughter died down when the two of them began dancing. The music was a slow quiet tune, so they danced slowly and close together-cheek to cheek.
"When will you get the advance?" she asked him. She spoke quietly so that the guests wouldn't here it.
"Next week." He also spoke quietly.
"I can have the guests leave early. Then the two of us can have a little party of our own."
"Sounds good-no, great!"
"I'm sorry I didn't let you tell me the news a little more privately."
"It's ok. I guess if I stuck to that, it would have been close to midnight before I could tell you!"
"That's probably true!"
"Oh, and as far as reading it, there's going to be a special limited first edition of it. I'll let you have one of them-personally sighed, of course."
"Of course!" They chuckled. "Fred, do you really think my toes are pretty?"
H smiled. "Very pretty!"

Holly felt a rush of warmth run through her body. It was true that many men had complimented her body features, but hearing Fred say that her toes were pretty made her feel something that she hadn't felt in a very long time. She made a silent vow to take better care of her feet and to show them off as much as possible-at least when she was around Fred.
"I just can't wait to read your book." she said as quietly as possible. "I'm sure it will be utterly wonderful, even more so than 'Nine Lives'."
Paul laughed. "Well, I hope so. I worked hard enough on it."
"You certainly did and you deserve a break before starting your next book. So I propose that we have our private celebration as soon as possible!"

"And I second that proposal!"
Meanwhile, the music stopped. The crowd clapped at Paul and Holly's "performance." Mag walked over to them. "You two dance wonderfully together, darling!"
Holly smiled. "Thank you, Mag."
"Holly, there's some wicked gossip I wanted to tell you about!" She took her away from Paul.
He put his shoes back on. Then he made another plate for himself and got another wine. He sat in a chair and ate and drank.
He felt a little lonely without Holly close to him.

He watched her nodding her head in agreement while Mag went on and on about something that she seemed pretty intense. But knowing Mag (albeit not too well), Holly was probably feigning interest. After all, Mag was, as Holly put it, a "thumping bore". Deep down Paul was glad there was no sign of Jose or even Rusty Trawler. Holly didn't deserve them, no matter how rich they were. Holly deserved nothing but the best. Paul wasn't perfect and come to think of it, neither was Holly. But when it came right down to it, that's what made Holly and Paul perfect for each other.

He decided to "save" Holly. He walked over to where they were.
"Mark my words, Holly: That marriage will only last for six months, maybe a year at the most."
"Right."
Mags then looked at her. "You really should put your shoes back on, darling; it's inappropriate for the host to be barefooted!"
"I think she looks kinda cute, barefooted!" said Paul.
Holly smiled. "Thank you, Fred!"

He ushered her over to a somewhat quiet corner and took her hands in his. "Shall we dance, Miss Golightly?"
"I'd love to, Fred!" She slid her arms around his neck and they moved to the beat. But when the music changed to something much slower, Holly felt somewhat shy. She looked into Paul's eyes of blue and, with her arms still around his neck, moved herself closer to him. It was so nice, resting her head against his and if she closed her eyes, she could forget all of her troubles and pretend she was somewhere else; anywhere else. It wasn't that she didn't like her apartment or the party, but her parties were always the same; full of people she didn't know and the ones she did know were full of the same old stories. She wanted mystery and excitement. She wanted someone like Paul.

"I love you, Paul," she whispered to him.
This sent a thrill through him; she rarely called him Paul, and this was the first time she ever told him she loved him!
"I love you too, Holly," he responded.
Meanwhile, their dancing once again created a stir; all eyes focused on them. Eventually, the music stopped, and people clapped. Both of them smiled.

Holly looked into his eyes. "Well, Paul, what should we do now?"
He grinned. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."
"The guests look like they're beginning to wind down a bit. But I can't very well ask them to leave."
This made Paul laugh. "How can you tell? They look just as enthusiastic as they did hours ago!"
"Believe me, I can tell! I keep track of these things, you know?"
"Hmm... like the ninth richest man in the world under fifty?"
"Oh, that... Well..."
"Money isn't everything, you know. I mean, it's nice to have and it makes a lot of things easier, but-."
"Would you marry me for my money?"
"In a minute."
"Suppose I didn't have any money."
Paul touched his forehead to hers. "I'd marry you anyway."

"Well, it's nice that the two of us have money; then that issue won't need to be discussed."
"Good point, Holly."
At that moment, Mags came over to them, again.
"I've got to be going, darling. See you later."
"Goodbye, Mags."
She kissed Holly. "Oh, and I've changed my mind; I see nothing wrong with you being barefooted at your party!"
Holly smiled. "Thank you, Mags!"
The woman left.

"Well, that was certainly a change, wasn't it?"
Holly shrugged. "What can I say? I have that effect on people!"
"You certainly do!"
"It looks like the guests are starting to leave. Perhaps I should go and say goodnight."
"I should probably be going as well."
"Oh no, Fred, please stay, just for a little while?"
"You've twisted my arm. Besides it looks like you could use some help cleaning up."
"Who said anything about cleaning up? I want you to stay and keep me company!"

"Oh, yeah!"
The guests started leaving. A couple of the drunker ones tried to stay, but Paul and Holly convinced them to leave at last.
She looked around. "This place is a mess, after my parties!"
"I'll help you clean up."
"That would be nice, Paul. But not quite yet; I want to relax, first."
"Ok."
"Let's have a bit more food."
"Good idea."
They made up plates with the rest of the finger food, and they also got fresh glasses of wine. Then they sat on the couch, together.
"Massage my feet," she ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!" he responded.
She began to take her stockings off. This shocked him a little, but she smiled. "There's no one here right now, Paul. And if someone comes, it doesn't matter; I've locked the door!"
"Oh, that's fine."
She put her feet in his lap, and he began massaging them.
"Now, tell me more about your book deal."

"Well there's not much to tell. I don't have a lot of details just yet, but it's exciting. And if this book sells well, there will be more in the future."
She turned to him and smiled. "Oh Fred, I'm so happy to hear that! If anyone deserves success, it's you!"
He popped one of the finger sandwiches into his mouth and took a gulp of wine. "That means a lot coming from you, Holly Golightly."
They were silent for a moment until he spoke again. "Holly? Would you do me a favor?"
"Anything. Anything at all."
"Tell me about your brother Fred."
Holly swallowed hard. This was not at all what she was expecting.

She straightened her legs.
"Sorry, Holly."
"It's ok. He and I were inseparable. We'd always turn to each other for solace when something bad happened. I guess you could say he was my 'best girlfriend'-except he was a boy!"
He smiled. "I see."
"And then, the army took him, and I haven't seen him since then. We still write frequently. Just a second, Fred."
She got up and went into her bedroom. A minute later, she emerged with a letter. She sat back down and put her feet back in his lap. He read it, while still massaging her feet.
"'Dear Holly,
'Just a short note to see how you're doing. Oh, hope you don't mind me calling you by your new name! Army life is pretty good. I finish up in a couple months, and I intend to come to New York and see you! Well, gotta go. I miss you, Big Sister!
'Love, Fred.'"
He nodded. "Nice. Oh, about the advance: I meet with my publisher next week, like I said earlier. How about you coming with me? We can have lunch, and perhaps go to your favorite place in the world!"
"You mean..."
"Tiffany's!"

"Oh Fred, that sounds wonderful! Of course I never need an excuse to go to Tiffany's!"
"Then it's settled. The meeting with my publisher won't take long and then we can spend the rest of the day with each other. We could even spend the day doing things we've never done before."
Holly lit up like a Christmas tree. I'll start making a list. Oh, this will be fun!"
"Your brother sounds very nice. I'd like to meet him someday."
"You will. As soon as he gets out of the Army, I'm going to have him come live here with me and you can see each other as much as you'd like."

"Think he'll like me?"
"I think so-you're both very much alike. That's why I call you by his name!"
"Oh, that's right."
"When's the day, exactly?"
"You mean that I meet my publisher? Wednesday at noon."
"Ok." She got up. "I need to clean up!"
He also got up. "Let me help you, Holly."

"Oh that's not necessary Fred. I'm sure you have other things to do."
"Nope, nothing at all. Well, until Wednesday at noon, that is."
"You know, I'm actually looking foreword to it." Holly beamed.
"As a matter of fact, I am too." Paul replied. "Are you sure you don't need any help cleaning up?"
"No, not at all. But you could stay and keep me company if you'd like."

"That I can do!"
He sat on the couch and ate a little extra of the snacks that were around, while she continued cleaning up.
"With the extra money you're getting, any thoughts about moving?" she asked.
"I haven't thought about that, yet. No, I'd better not-at least until I'm better established as a writer."
She nodded. "That's probably a good idea, Fred."
"You know what you said about doing things you've never done before?"
"Oh, yes."
"I think you're doing one, right now."
"What's that?"
"Cleaning up."
"I've done that many times before!"
"Barefooted!"

"You know what, you're absolutely right, Fred!" Holly grinned, kissing Paul on the cheek. "As much as I like walking around in my bare feet, I've never cleaned the place barefooted before. I don't know why it never occurred to me to do so! In fact, I'll get the vacuum and start vacuuming and-."
"And I'll take care of the rest."
"Oh, I don't want you to go to so much trouble."
"No trouble at all. It's the least I can do."
"But it's so late."
He took her hand and kissed it. "Holly, my dear... It's never too late for you."
"You're a darling man."
"Where do you keep your broom?"
"Over there, in the closet." Holly replied. But when Paul opened it, the closet was empty. She put her fingers to her mouth in confusion. "Or it was... Oh, wait, I know, it' s in the bathtub."
Paul laughed. "In the bathtub? What's it doing there?"
"Who knows... At my parties, anything's possible."

He got up and went into the bathroom-and was treated to a little surprise! He immediately went back into the living room.
"Speaking of 'anything's possible,' at your parties, Holly!"
"What is it, Fred?"
"There's a man sleeping in your bathtub!"
They quickly went back into the bathroom.
There was indeed a man asleep in her tub! He had taken his shoes off, but was still wearing his black suit.
She sighed. "Ritchie!"
"Ritchie?"
"Ritchie Lawler. He always gets drunk at my parties. I'd rather he not go to them!"
She put the plug into the tub drain. Then, she turned on the water!
Paul smiled. "Holly, you are so naughty!

Ritchie gasped and sputtered, flailing his arms and legs as water rushed out of the tub and spilled onto the floor. "Wh-what? Wha? What's going on?"
Paul couldn't stop laughing. "Ritchie, I'm afraid the party's over and so is your bath!"
Ritchie tried to stand but slipped a little as Paul grabbed his arm to steady him. "Easy, there! Take it easy!"
But Ritchie didn't join in to Paul and Holly's laughter. "Was this your doing?" He snapped at Holly.
"You're drunk, Ritchie."
"Who the heck scares if I am... drunk that is... which I ain't!"
"Which you're not." Paul corrected. "But in fact you are."
"So I suggest you dry off and go back to where you came from this instant!" Holly said.
When Ritchie was safely standing ion the bathroom floor he began to make his way into the living room. "Um, which way is the door?"
"That way." Holly pointed to the door.
"I'll call you a cab." Paul offered.
"Why? You can't do that!" Ritchie slurred.
"Why not? I certainly hope you're not driving but staggering down the streets of New York at this hour isn't smart either."
"Or safe." Holly added.
"You c-can't call me a cab.. because I ain't one! I ain't a cab!"
"Okay, suit yourself." Paul said.
"But please be careful darling. Do you need help getting down the stairs?"
"No I can make it."
Paul and Holly watched as Ritchie staggered down the three flights of stairs. The front door of the brownstone opened and then closed.
And then Paul and Holly laughed until their stomachs ached.

"That's it, I'm not inviting him to anymore of my parties!" said Holly.
"And if he shows up, and I'm here, I'll throw him out!" added Paul.
"You're always there for me, aren't you."
"Yes, I am, Holly!
They went back into the bathroom.
"I see the broom," said Paul. It was in a corner. He went over to it.
"Just a moment, Fred."
She sat on the side of the tub-and put her feet in the water!
Seeing her surprised expression, she said, "I sometimes like to take foot baths after one of my parties."
He smiled. I see!

"Well for a real foot bath, you need some essentials..." Paul said.
"Essentials? What do you mean?"
Paul began rummaging through the drawers in the bathroom until he found what was was looking for. "Aha!"
"What are you doing?"
"Bubble bath will do just the trick!"
"But I can't very well fill the tub with water just to use up my lavender bubble bath."
"Then I'll tell you what. You've worked really hard, cleaning and catering to your guests. Now it's time for some relaxation. I'll finish cleaning up and you just enjoy a nice long bubble bath."
Holly threw her arms around him. "Oh Fred, you're so wonderful!"

He spent the next few minutes cleaning up in the living room and kitchen. He didn't completely finish, but he did a good 90% of the work. Finally, he went back into the bathroom.
"I'm done-oh!"
She was in the tub, encased in soap suds! Her clothes were on the floor.
"Hi, Paul!"
"Well, hello!"
She draped her soapy legs over the side. "Massage my feet some more!"

He knelt down beside her. "With pleasure."
Holly sighed and tilted her head back. "Oh Fred, that feels wonderful. This was a perfect idea. Are you sure you don't want to join me?"
He swallowed hard. It seemed wrong to say that yes, oh yes he wanted to join her, more than anything. But it would also be the truth. Still, he couldn't do that to her. Holly may have been flirtatious but she was also vulnerable. It was something she never really displayed, but he knew her well enough to know that it was there, waiting to come out at a moment's notice.
"Well, are you coming?"
Paul laughed. "You know, I'm having the time of my life just watching you. Is that all right?"
"Of course it's all right. But I don't know how much fun it is, just watching me take a bath."
"Holly, every moment with you is fun."

"You're so sweet, Fred!"
"Hey, maybe we should give a back-handed 'thank you' to Ritchie for causing this to happen to us."
"Good idea, Fred!"
He continued his massage for a couple minutes. And then he scooted over to her face and kissed him. But she became naughty; she grabbed him and pushed him into the tub with her!

"Holly!"
Holly was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. For a split second she feared that Fred might be angry with her but to her relief he was laughing as well. "Oh dear, what a mess I've made!" She laughed.
"I think we both contributed quite a bit!" Paul replied, still laughing. "Oh I haven't had this much fun since... well, I can't remember!"

He looked at himself. "This is the same suit I wore at my publisher's!"
"So, you're getting it washed!"
"Yeah, I guess I am!"
He took his coat, tie, and socks off (he already had his shoes off) and put them over the side.
"I'll get you back, sometime!"
"You will?"
"I'll push you into a tub with your clothes on!"
She smiled. "I'll let you do it, Fred!"