Twenty two
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CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
The black stretch limousine arrived on time and whisked the couple to the new years celebration. The driver was happy to snap a few pictures of Tanya and Eddie standing next to and seated inside his luxury vehicle. Eddie’ s small camera barely fit inside her clutch purse with the lipstick and basic makeup. The day began with the trip to the beauty parlor. This was the first time Tanya let a man cut her hair. Derek quickly put her at ease.“ So what are we wearing this evening?” he asked. Tanya described the ensemble.“ Fabulous. Then we must show off as much as possible by getting this hair off your neck in a French twist and leave tiny loose curls to highlight the earrings. Should we add a hint of burgundy highlights to go with the dress, soft and subtle?” Derek queried, using some hair clips to give her a quick preview. Tanya nodded her approval.“ Then let’ s get started!” he exclaimed, taking her, gently, by the finger tips and escorting her to the wash basin.
Sam’ s champagne colored gown matched the liquid in her long-stemmed glass perfectly. She greeted them at the door. The large entryway, with the curved staircase, was lit by a three tiered, crystal chandelier that cast tiny rainbows on the white, marble floor.“ Oh my God! You need a glass of Cabernet to go with that dress. Tell me you like red wine.” Sam said, holding Tanya’ s hands and then giving her a twirl.“ I love a good Cabernet,” Tanya laughed.“ Eddie. Maurice will show you to the wine cellar. Pick something wonderful,” she said, gesturing for her butler. A small, gray haired gentleman in tails stepped forward.“ Maurice. This is Mr. and Mrs. Dodge. You are to make sure they have a good time,” Sam said.“ Of course madam. This way sir,” Maurice said, leading Eddie toward a heavy wooden door. They stepped into a room that was cool and dimly lit. The walls were lined with wine bottles. Light from the ceiling fixtures washed over the necks of the bottles. In the center of the room was an octagonal, granite topped table. A spotlight lit the surface.“ Please select as many as you like, so I may set them aside,” Maurice said. He was about to offer his assistance when Eddie reached for one of the bottles he would have suggested. Eddie handed Maurice a few more bottles he definitely wanted to try.“ Excellent choices,” Maurice said, and placed the bottles into a cabinet beneath the table.
The first bottle was opened and breathing while Eddie perused the extensive collection. Tanya and Sam waited.“ Are we the first ones here?” Tanya asked. Soft music drifted from somewhere in the home.“ Almost. There are a few couples who found the food. I would introduce you to my husband but he is out of town.”“ He left you alone on New Years?”“ I planned this at the last minute. I forgot he was going to Las Vegas. The trip is mostly business. I don’ t like to gamble and I have seen all the shows. John gets tickets to everything. I would be alone most of the time anyway. He is considered one of their high rollers and is expected to spend time at the tables. This is the first time since we have been together that I am doing what I want. I don’ t throw parties very often. This is only the second one in the five years we have been married,” Sam said, taking a sip from her glass. Eddie rejoined the pair of women carrying a glass of wine.
Maurice followed Eddie with a wine glass perched upon a small, silver serving tray. He presented Tanya the drink with a slight bow.“ Thank you,” she said, and sipped from the glass.“ Perfect,” she said, to Eddie.“ Let us go and get you two introduced. By the way, you look gorgeous in that dress,” Sam said, taking Tanya by the arm and leading them toward the back of the mansion.
The music came from a four piece band with only one small amplifier for the guitarist. The grand piano looked like it belonged in the large room. A drum set and bass fiddle added the beat. The volume was enough to add to the party and allow guests to have a conversation without being lip readers. Tables around the perimeter of the room were adorned with royal blue table cloths. Wall sconces above each table held fresh bouquets of cut flowers.