It was the grand opening celebration of the London Cosmopolitan Hotel, and I couldn’t have been more excited. And proud.
Alex looked so handsome in his tuxedo. I decided on a simple, yet elegant, floor length black velvet gown, diamond studs, and strappy black heels.
Alex gives me his arm, and we enter the hotel. It is breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. In the front lobby, an enormous bouquet of white roses and pink lilies is displayed as the centerpiece. Beyond that is the checkin counter, tastefully built with rich mahogany wood. Overhead, a crystal chandelier hangs, its lights twinkling around the lobby. Cream colored candles held in glass votives are scattered throughout, casting a warm glow.
I turn to Alex, who is taking it all in, his discerning eye examining each aspect of the front lobby.
“It’s gorgeous, Alex. It really is,” I say, squeezing his arm.
“Yes, it turned out well,” he says, nodding. “I’m pleased.”
We walk outdoors to the hotel pool, the pale blue water lit up with underwater lights. There’s a band playing, with a sultry lounge singer singing in the background. A waiter comes by with two flutes of champagne.
“To the London Cosmo,” Alex says, as we clink glasses.
I take a sip of the champagne, the delicious bubbles tickling my tongue.
“I couldn’t have done this project without you,” Alex says. “I want you to know that.”
“Thank you, Alex. That means a lot to me. And I’ll always be grateful for being a part of this hotel.”
Alex smiles, a playful look in his eyes, and says, “You can show me how grateful you are later.” He winks at me, and we both laugh.
Alex leans closer, and says, “Time to mingle.”
“Of course. I’m just going to go to the ladies room. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” I kiss him lightly on the cheek, smiling.
As I walk to restroom, Sandra comes up to me. “Can we talk?” she asks, tentatively.
I give her a warm smile, and say, “Yes, of course. Let’s go over here.” We walk over to a quiet spot, away from the crowd.
“Katherine, I just want to say I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to interfere, I just – ”
“No, I’m sorry,” I interrupt. “I shouldn’t have gotten so upset. Whatever happened between you and Alex is in the past. I know you were just concerned.”
A wave of relief washes over her face. “Thank you, Katherine. And I want you to know that I’m so happy for you and Alex. You both deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you. You are too sweet,” I say. Sandra starts to tear up. She blinks rapidly, trying to keep the tears from spilling over.
“Don’t cry! You’ll make me cry, too!” I laugh, hugging her tightly.
The rest of the evening goes by smoothly. I drink more champagne, laugh with Sandra and her husband, and slow dance with Alex.
At the end of the night, Alex and I walk home, strolling along the banks of the Thames River. The moon is full and high, casting its silver glow on the river. We stroll along, hand in hand. I take a deep breath of the damp night air, exhale, and feel as though I don’t have a care in the world.
“Are you happy?” Alex asks, wrapping his arm around my waist as we walk.
“Happy? No. I’m deliriously, blissfully, joyfully happy,” I say, laughing, throwing my head back. “And what about you? Are you happy?”
“Hmm…….no. I’m deliriously, blissfully, joyfully happy,” he responds. “And in love with you.”
“Me, too,” I say softly, turning to face him.
“If I recall, Miss Harris,” he says teasingly, his eyes sparkling, “didn’t you say were going to show me just how grateful you are to be part of the London Cosmo?”
I narrow my eyes, trying hard not to grin. “Did I say that?”
“Yes, you did,” Alex growls, bending down to kiss me. Our lips lock, kissing each other deeply.