Christmas Therapy

“I thought you were excited about the party.”

Heather rolled her shoulders back. “I am. We will have fun like we do every year.” Allen was here. So what? Who cared if he showed up? It was an open invitation to the public.

“Maybe we’ll mingle,” Sonia said, with a hint of suggestion in her voice.

“Sonia?” Heather cocked her head towards her sister.

Her sister’s eyes glowed with a twinkle of mischief. “I said nothing. Let’s have some fun shall we?”

“Don’t try anything, please. I’m begging you to let this go.” They both exited her car.

Sonia then walked over and looped her arm through her sister’s. “Let’s go inside. I’m only here for the food.”

Chapter 4

A chamber quartet played music in the background. Wait staff dressed in black and white uniforms carried trays, while guests gathered around white tall tables, helping themselves to the hors d’oeuvres. Heather never expected the town’s annual Christmas festivities would expand to black tie events, but once the Sawyer’s moved to town ten years ago, they embraced the holiday spirit, allowing their fortune in oil to be put to good use. Chandeliers illuminated the room, while garland decorated the curved stairways and railings. The staff murmured with the guests as they served

the appetizers.

For a town of fewer than ten thousand people, Sawyer oil put Maple Meadow, Texas on the map. Businesses boomed in all directions without diminishing the sense of community. Heather didn’t want to live anywhere else. Maple Meadow was home.

She loved her students at the gym along with the children she volunteered with at her church’s tutoring program in the summer months. Heather never desired city life. Her heart belonged to the people who gathered every year for their Christmas tree lighting ceremony. She bounced on her toes at the thought. Heather couldn’t wait for the celebration.

Sonia nudged her sister’s shoulder. “This gets better every year.”

“Pretty fancy.”

“At least it’s for a good cause. The Sawyers donate money to our community and health center. Better U Fitness benefits from all this, remember?”

Heather sighed. “I know. I love it all, but this is a lot.”

“You’re just cheap.”

“I like nice things. Practical things.” She ran a hand down her neck. “Besides, I know how to let go and have a good time.”

Sonia scoped the room. “I wonder if there are any eligible bachelors we haven’t—”

“Sonia, please?”

She etched her eyebrows together. “I mean for me. I’m going to go mingle.” Her sister scurried away.

“Sonia,” Heather whispered through gritted teeth. She stopped in her tracks to follow her, spotting an ice sculpture. Heather smiled and walked around, waving to the familiar faces.

The scent of fresh red roses, her favorite, filled the air. Ms. Hattie outdid herself with the floral arrangements and the perfume relaxed Heather even further. She twisted the stud in her ear as she perused the living room, noticing an area designated for dancing. She swayed to the music as she scanned the room.

She spotted Spencer, the Sawyer’s youngest son, talking with Sonia. Her sister didn’t seem interested as she tapped her foot on the floor rolling her eyes. Spencer didn’t take the hint since he kept talking. Heather thought of rescuing her sister, but Sonia was old enough to take care of herself. Spencer was harmless anyway.

“Having fun yet?” A familiar voice asked.

Heather pivoted to see Terrance. “Not quite. My sister ditched me but she needs a ride home.” She played with the bracelet on her wrist. “How are you?”

“You never cease to speak your mind, Heather.” He adjusted his bow tie. “I’m doing well. Nice turn out don’t you think?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I guess so. I’m not one for these fancy parties. I only come because of the Sawyer family. They may be rich, but they’re the nicest people I’ve ever met. The town loves them.”

“So you’re a simple girl at heart? You just go along with events like this,” he said.

She held a finger up to her lips. “Don’t tell anyone.”