Sweet Indulgences 1 by Susan Fox

Dawn of a New Year
    Sarah and her mother squeezed the last carton of Christmas leftovers into the fridge and heaved identical sighs of relief.
    “Fantastic meal, as usual,” Sarah said.
    “You did a good part of it, honey. I’m grateful you could come over for the day.”
    Sarah gave her a hug. “It’s not like I had anything else to do.”
    “Have you found yourself missing Barry a lot over the holidays?” her mother asked. “It is your first Christmas since the divorce, after all.”
    “Yes and no.” Sarah untied her apron and slipped it off. “Sometimes I think about the wonderful times that we shared in the first couple of years, but mostly I remind myself of what a jerk he turned out to be. No, I don’t miss that jerk.” Still, after five years of marriage, living alone had taken some getting used to.
    “Want to come over on New Year’s Eve?” her mother asked. “Just you and Dad and me?”
    “Oh, uh…” Sarah hadn’t thought ahead to New Year’s Eve, but now that she was, she knew exactly how she wanted to spend it. “That’s a sweet offer, but I’d really like to be on my own. I have the whole picture in my head. Flannel pajamas, a couple of sentimental old movies on the tube, a pan of brownies, a half bottle of champagne. I’ve come a long way this year, and I’ve learned that I really enjoy my own company.” She gave a surprised laugh. “You know, Barry actually did me a favor. I’m happier and more self-confident than I’ve ever been.”
    “I’m so pleased, Sarah. That’s the best Christmas present you could have given me and your dad.”
    * * *
    When her girlfriend Caitlin asked Sarah if she had plans for New Year’s Eve, Sarah said, “I certainly do.”
    “Really?” Caitlin cocked her head. “What plans? You didn’t tell me you were dating.”
    “It’s not a date. Well, it is, but it’s with myself. I’m looking forward to it.”
    Caitlin shook her head. “That’s no good, Sarah. You haven’t been out with a man since Barry left. I know you were in shock and had issues to work through, but come on, girl, it’s New Year’s Eve. You can’t stay home alone. Hank and I are going to this great big party, and he knows this great guy who split up with his girlfriend a couple of months ago who’s into sports like you are—”
    “It was Barry who was into sports, not me. I prefer movies and books and long walks.”
    “Just give this guy a chance.”
    Sarah reflected. Her friend was right; it was time to get back out there. “Ask me again next month. But I don’t want to go out on New Year’s Eve. There’s so much pressure. Everybody’s trying so hard to have a wonderful time. I don’t want to be part of it. Besides, you know I don’t like parties. I’m going to have a great time doing exactly what I want, all on my own.”
    Caitlin squinted at her for a long time. “You really do mean it.”
    “I certainly do!”
    * * *
    When Jean called on December 30 and said in a desperate tone, “Tell me you haven’t got plans for New Year’s Eve,” Sarah guessed she wasn’t going to suggest another blind date. Her sister was a caterer and always worked on holidays.
    Sarah sighed. “I did. Good plans. Don’t tell me you’re going to ruin them.”
    “Henriette got pneumonia. She’s confined to bed.” Henriette was Jean’s most competent assistant.
    “That’s why you have a list of fill-ins,” Sarah reminded her.
    “I’ve called them all. Every single one has a date for New Year’s Eve, and they refuse to break them.”
    “And you thought of me,” Sarah said resignedly.
    “You’re the only person I can count on, sis.”
    * * *
    And so, on New Year’s Eve, rather than slipping into comfy flannel pajamas, Sarah donned a tailored white shirt and a black skirt, tamed her long auburn hair into a neat French braid, and put on a touch of makeup. Although she regretted the loss of her peaceful evening alone, she really didn’t mind helping her