The Christmas Party by Carole Matthews Page B

taken with the single ladies – and some of the gay men. They’re causing quite a stir and are doing great business posing for photographs on the over-the-top Christmassy set. I daren’t let my mother see a picture of this backdrop or, I tell you, she’ll be recreating it in our living room.
    When we reach the head of the queue, Karen pulls at my arm. ‘You and me with the firemen,’ she says.
    ‘No, no, no.’ I sound like my father. I tug from her grasp. ‘I’ll sit this one out, if you don’t mind. You go ahead and fill your boots.’
    The last thing I want is for Tyler Benson to see me in a photo with either of these two hunks. I don’t want him to think that I’m available or looking for some fun. Because I’m
definitely
not.
    ‘Spoilsport,’ Karen says, but she’s still grinning when she totters forward in the fake snow and on to the wintry set.
    Immediately the firemen hoist her into their arms and hold her aloft between them. She squeals with delight, posing and pouting for the camera.
    They put her down and she weaves her way back to us, now completely giddy. ‘That was amazing!’ She jiggles her boobs back into her dress. ‘You don’t know what you’re missing. Your turn.’
    I hold up a hand. I can’t go up there on my own while people are watching. Even if the firemen are out of the picture. ‘No. It’s not for me. Honestly.’
    ‘Do it! Do it!’ she urges.
    ‘Have your photograph taken with me,’ Josh says. ‘It’s not often I have the chance to be snapped with the most beautiful woman in the room. We should have something to remember this party by. I think it will be a very special night.’
    I shrug my acceptance. This I can manage, and I’m glad he’s stepped in to rescue me from Karen’s excesses. ‘OK.’
    So he takes me by the hand and leads me into the little slice of winter wonderland. We stand amid the snowy trees, the fake icicles and polystyrene snow. Josh gently slips his hand round my waist and we smile nicely for the camera.
    Even in my high heels he’s taller than me, and I feel ridiculously protected by this kind gesture. Though, it’s fair to say, I can feel Karen’s eyes boring into me.
    When the photographer has finished we go to make our escape.
    ‘Oh no you don’t,’ Karen says to Josh. ‘You’re not getting away that easily. Now it’s my turn.’ And, while he smiles apologetically at me, she clamps his hand in hers and whisks him back on to the set so that she too can be photographed with him.
    She does full-on pouting and preening, draping herself over Josh while he stands looking a lot more uncomfortable than he did with me.
    At the other side of the room a gong sounds and someone announces that dinner is served. The crowd surge forward and I get swallowed up as people jostle towards the front of the queue.
    Karen and Josh leave the winter wonderland and are carried forward in the crush towards the marquee where the main party is to be held. I’m hemmed in and can’t reach them. I see Josh glance back, but he doesn’t see me. Then Karen links her arm into his and he’s gone.

Chapter Nine
    Kirsten stood alone, self-consciously fiddling with the stem of her glass. She was trying to make this drink last, but the temptation to grab another one from the stream of waiters passing by was almost overwhelming.
    Tyler had been waylaid by some sweating old man whose cummerbund had rolled itself to a thin, tight sausage across his stomach. It was a revolting sight to behold. They were head to head, deep in discussion. Lance had also drifted away to talk to other members of staff and was currently doing what he did best, slapping backs and guffawing loudly.
    When they were left by themselves, she’d turned to Melissa. ‘Thank you for the recommendation of the Christmas planners. They’ve made a wonderful job of the house.’
    ‘You’re more than welcome,’ Melissa said, but her eyes travelled the room and Kirsten could tell that she was