Christmas Drabble series
Title: Ghostwriter
Author: Aussie
Rated: T
(300) word a/u drabble series
Laura’s pulse quickened when Bill appeared in the restaurant’s doorway.
She’d realized quite soon after their call that her awkward reaction had been unjustified. She knew if Bill was seeing anyone romantically he would simply tell her. It had probably been Kara. Or Sharon? The fact that the woman sounded older was irrelevant.
“Laura.”
She looked up at the familiar voice. “I didn’t think you were coming,” she said.
“You invited me,” he replied peevishly. “But apparently you’re not discerning when it comes to invitations.”
His eyes traveled up and down the restaurant’s tables. Best selling authors, media and bloggers, editors, cover designers, financial officers. Yes, it was an eclectic group, but everyone in the room had their part to play in the success of her business.
All except him.
“I invited you, Richard, to be polite. Since your resignation, Presidency Publishing has flourished. Your presence at our Christmas party is immaterial. You can either take a seat and enjoy a free meal and drinks, or you can leave.”
At this point Bill also reached her side. The nod he gave Richard was courteous yet completely dismissive and, to her surprise, held a distinct warning. She saw it; as did Richard.
Her ex-lover’s face flushed, and she thought he was about to bluster some more, only he didn’t have the chance. Bill had taken her arm and was leading her toward the dance floor.
“Hey,” Bill murmured in greeting as the music’s tempo slowed. A currently popular ballad began to play.
Determinedly, Laura dragged her eyes away from Bill’s intimate gaze. Only, as she did, her focus somehow settled on his chest.
They stood, without touching or making any attempt to dance, for an excruciatingly long period.
Until finally, disconcertingly, she succumbed to temptation, and fell into his warm bulk.
Author: Aussie
Rated: T
(300) word a/u drabble series
Laura’s pulse quickened when Bill appeared in the restaurant’s doorway.
She’d realized quite soon after their call that her awkward reaction had been unjustified. She knew if Bill was seeing anyone romantically he would simply tell her. It had probably been Kara. Or Sharon? The fact that the woman sounded older was irrelevant.
“Laura.”
She looked up at the familiar voice. “I didn’t think you were coming,” she said.
“You invited me,” he replied peevishly. “But apparently you’re not discerning when it comes to invitations.”
His eyes traveled up and down the restaurant’s tables. Best selling authors, media and bloggers, editors, cover designers, financial officers. Yes, it was an eclectic group, but everyone in the room had their part to play in the success of her business.
All except him.
“I invited you, Richard, to be polite. Since your resignation, Presidency Publishing has flourished. Your presence at our Christmas party is immaterial. You can either take a seat and enjoy a free meal and drinks, or you can leave.”
At this point Bill also reached her side. The nod he gave Richard was courteous yet completely dismissive and, to her surprise, held a distinct warning. She saw it; as did Richard.
Her ex-lover’s face flushed, and she thought he was about to bluster some more, only he didn’t have the chance. Bill had taken her arm and was leading her toward the dance floor.
“Hey,” Bill murmured in greeting as the music’s tempo slowed. A currently popular ballad began to play.
Determinedly, Laura dragged her eyes away from Bill’s intimate gaze. Only, as she did, her focus somehow settled on his chest.
They stood, without touching or making any attempt to dance, for an excruciatingly long period.
Until finally, disconcertingly, she succumbed to temptation, and fell into his warm bulk.