"What does the girlfriend of a paleontologist wear?" Rachel asked critically looking at her overflowing closet. She smiled, remembering Phoebe's quip about being the first girlfriend of a paleontologist at a previous work function of Ross'. At Ross' insistence, New Year's Eve was going to be a formal affair, but he wouldn't tell her where. Too tired from working at her new job at Fortunata Fashions, Rachel didn't protest. Just before Christmas, she found herself trading one mind-numbing job for another one, moving from serving coffee and pastries at Central Perk to making coffee, supplemented by fashion-adjacent tasks like untangling wire hangers at Fortunata. Her first day at the discount fashion seller, she regretted taking Chandler's advice and quitting the coffee house. But after making a showy speech about never serving coffee again, she didn't have the heart to go back – though Gunther did promise to save her job if she ever wanted to return.
Rachel reached a midnight blue spaghetti strapped dress adorned with delicate glitter patterns that would shimmer if the lighting was just right. "Something formal, just us," was all Ross told her that morning right as she was heading into work. Being the newest hire meant Rachel was guaranteed to work New Year's Eve and was told to be grateful to have the night off. Rachel could only grimace in agreement, her main resolution for the New Year being to get out of Fortunata and into something more in the fashion industry – her true passion.
"I will pair the dress with black heels," Rachel decided, being assured by Monica that the plans with her brother would be indoors. "Which leaves me with one of my favorite subjects – jewelry," she clapped, amusing herself.
"Hey, Rach, are you in there?"
Rachel ran her fingers up to her hair. Apparently, she had been having more fun than she thought. "Yeah, Ross it's me. But don't come in, I'm not quite done yet."
"That's okay," Ross laughed, settling in with a magazine. "Monica's already gone so it's just me here. We've got time."
"Out in 15," Rachel said, moving to her hair accessories.
Ross smirked to himself, assuming it would half an hour for Rachel to finish with her hair. "I was able to talk with Ben this afternoon on the phone."
"Oh how is he?"
"Carol says he is enjoying all of the stuffed dinosaur toys I got him for Christmas."
Rachel opened the door to her bedroom and stood in the doorframe. "Is this okay for tonight?"
Ross stood up. "It's perfect," he promised, greeting her with a kiss. "Happy New Year's Eve."
"Happy New Year's Eve," Rachel murmured, taking Ross' hands. "Now do I get to know where we're going?"
"Almost," Ross said, grabbing Rachel's wrap and placing it around her shoulders. "There's a cab waiting outside."
Rachel followed Ross' lead into the waiting cab and leaned against his shoulder. "You know this is our first official New Year's together as a couple."
Ross adjusted his side so that Rachel had ample room. "I was just thinking about that this morning. Although technically speaking, this is our third one together since…"
"Ross," Rachel interjected gently. "Don't spoil the beautiful moment," she requested, closing her eyes.
"Sure thing," Ross agreed, not wanting to ruin a perfect night with overthinking and semantics.
The car arrived at the destination, and Ross gently prodded Rachel awake. "You must have had a long day at work."
Rachel offered Ross a tired smile. "Both Mr. Kaplan Jr. and Sr. were in rare form today – very specific about their lunch orders and nap schedules."
Ross stepped out first offering his arm for Rachel. "No fashion work yet?"
"I refuse to count untangling hangers and picking lint out of old housecoats fashion work," Rachel grimaced.
"There's always next year," Ross assured her. "No more talk of work."
"No more," Rachel agreed, looking up at the beautiful Plaza Hotel. "I had dreams of living here when I was a little girl – just like Eloise," Rachel exclaimed, recalling one of her favorite children's books.
"For one night, we can pretend that we live here. I had Monica pack an overnight bag for you this morning; it's already in the suite."
"A whole night at the Plaza," Rachel gushed, squeezing Ross' arm.
"There's only one New Year's Eve a year," Ross said, escorting her to the front door where an eager bellhop greeted them. Ross checked back in at the front desk, and Rachel admired the beautiful Christmas decorations. "We've got a special night planned," Ross said, escorting her to the ballroom area, where live music was already in full swing.
"Very nice," Rachel said with approval.
"I'm glad," Ross said. They took their seat at a center table and were promptly greeted by their server.
Rachel perused the menu and placed her order, waiting patiently as Ross placed his as well. "This is the nicest place any of my boyfriends have ever brought me to," she whispered into Ross' ear.
"I want us to have a night to remember." The drinks arrived, and conversation moved to Ross' various exploits with Ben. As the first course arrived, Rachel closed her eyes to remember the night. "Can I interest you in dance?" Ross asked.
"Dancing?" Rachel repeated with a smile. "I don't think I've ever seen Ross Geller move on the dance floor.
"Well let me show you what I've learned," Ross suggested, offering her his arm.
Rachel graciously accepted, and they joined a few other couples on the floor. "My senior year, I wanted our prom to be here but got shot down."
Ross pulled Rachel close, his hand at the small of her back. "The museum has had a few fundraising events here over the past few years, but this is my first time on the floor."
"You move well," Rachel complimented.
"Well I did a little competitive dancing with Monica when we were kids," Ross said bashfully. "Nothing formal like this though."
"You are doing amazing," Rachel promised as Ross dipped her backwards at the conclusion of the song. They went back to their table for the main course, roast duck.
The holiday lights from the viewing window rivaled the lights in the ballroom. The orchestra continued in full swing with various couples mingling while dining.
"Shall we move to the outdoor balcony?" Ross suggested as the minute inched closer to midnight.
Rachel agreed, finishing her last bit of dessert, a tiramisu. "I think this New Year's Eve is going to be one of my favorites."
"Better than the one with the split lip from two years ago."
"And the lost pin from the year before," Rachel laughed. "And all of those lame parties that I attended in high school and college." Rachel shook her head. "I don't even think I'm that person anymore."
Ross nodded as he opened the door to the balcony area, accepting two glasses of champagne from a tray. "The Rachel from high school wouldn't have even looked in my direction, unless I was in her way or something."
Rachel accepted the flute, scrunching her eyes at Ross' statement. "Was I really that horrible?"
Ross reached for Rachel's arm. "I shouldn't have said that. We're both having such a good time."
"But it was true, wasn't it?" Rachel insisted. "All I saw was Monica's geeky older brother, the strange guy with the keyboard and curly hair." Rachel squeezed Ross' hand. "I am so sorry for how I treated you in high school."
Ross kissed Rachel's hand. "I think we've both come a long way since high school."
"Except maybe career wise for me," Rachel added on quickly.
"1997 is only a minute away. A whole new year."
"I don't see how you're going to top all of this," Rachel gestured.
"Well I have several months to think of something Ross grinned." In that moment, life was perfect; they were frozen in time together.