Chapter 2
"Ana, Oh my gosh, you look amazing girl, I'd say his brother might fall in love with you but I don't think he likes women and he's an arrogant prick" she smiles and I giggle.
We head out the door at 7:30 in Kate's car. She has all her luggage and gifts packed in the trunk, she's staying over at Elliot's tonight because their flight is at 5am. I do not have a suitable coat to wear with this dress and I'm not wearing my cheap jacket so I'll have to manage without one despite the 25 degree weather and a light dusting of snow. We get into the car and I turn up the heat and shiver as Kate laughs at me.
"I offered you my other coat, but I'm sure the Grey family has paid their heat bill this month so you'll survive" she teases sarcastically and sticks out her tongue.
We speed off into the dark and I smile as we pass through town and see all the beautiful holiday lights and decorations. Everywhere you look there are Christmas trees, twinkling lights and Menorah's lighting up windows. Santa's at every corner shaking Salvation Army cans and store windows are showcasing their finest decorations.
Every radio station is filled with holiday sounds and red nosed reindeer songs. I have to admit it really truly is the most beautiful time of year and the loneliest, well for me at least. I have spent the past two Christmas's prior to this alone. Last year my stepdad Ray got bronchitis and the year before I had to work to pay my student loans. Kate usually goes on a family vacation to somewhere exotic but this year she chose a romantic setting. I am a little jealous, it's always been my dream to go to Europe and one of these days I'll find my way there.
We arrive at just around 8pm to the Grey's house or mansion really. It looks like a modern take on a French château. Oh fuck what the hell am I doing here? This is a mistake. As we drive down the intricately paved cobblestone driveway I am breathless. The landscaping looks like it could be a picture spot at the botanical gardens and the home is adorned in holiday lights that are fit for a princess's castle.
I can only imagine what the inside must be like if this is just the shell. As we pull up in front of the house two valets in a red coat opens the doors for us and takes Kate's keys and drives off. I swallow the lump in my throat and take a deep breath. I am freezing and should have worn that coat. Kate rings the doorbell and Elliot who just walked in seconds before us is waiting by the door still in his jacket and whisks her into a passionate embrace and kisses her while he dips her low to the ground.
"Hi Ana" he winks at me while he's still holding Kate,
"Hi Elliot, Merry Christmas". I mutter uncomfortably knowing I have to spend an awkward evening mingling with strangers, very rich out of my league strangers.