Holiday Chapter 10 -- Leigh's Stories

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Date Posted: 16:37:59 09/13/01 Thu
Author: Leigh
Subject: Holiday Chapter 10
In reply to: Leigh 's message, "Holiday" on 22:56:37 09/12/01 Wed

Chapter 10.

Nikita grinned at Carla's whispered comment on the suspicious absence of any mistletoe in the room's Christmas d�cor.

"Just because you've sworn off love doesn't mean you have to spoil it for the rest of us," Carla said. "I've seen quite a few of your employees here that I wouldn't mind being caught under a mistletoe with."

"Yeah, well that's why I specifically asked that it not be included," Nikita retaliated. She was still grinning as she turned and finally caught sight of Michael standing at the doorway and looking at her. Her breath caught in her throat, much to her annoyance, and she felt a tremor of excitement wash over her.

"Oh, my god." Carla was at her side, her hand on Nikita's arm. "Who is that?" she asked.

Nikita didn't need to look at her to know whom Carla was referring to. Being careful to keep her voice level, she said, "That, my dear, is Michael Samuelle."

"I think I've died and gone to heaven."

You and me both, Nikita thought wryly. Michael was still looking her way. Be professional. Nikita smiled at him and raised her hand to give him a polite wave. Michael inclined his head in acknowledgement, the corners of his mouth lifting in an answering smile.

Beside her, Carla fidgeted and jabbed a finger into Nikita's side making her jump slightly. "So are you going to introduce me?"

"Patience," Nikita hissed, still smiling as she turned and glared at her friend. A tiny little part of her was regretting having told Carla about Michael. "You'll meet him, don't worry. I've seated you two at the same table."

Carla cooed, "Oh, you're so smart -- and sly. You think of everything, don't you?"

Nikita frowned inwardly. Everything - right. She turned so that she wasn't facing Michael any more. Carla, seeing her expression, became concerned.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Yes." Nikita forced a smile that she was far from feeling. "Just a little tired, I think. I'll be fine."

At Carla's continued worried glance, Nikita took her by the elbow and slowly made their way around the room, eventually ending up where Michael and Chris were now standing and talking with Madeline and Paul. The latter waved Nikita and Carla over when he caught sight of them. "Look who's here," Paul said.

Nikita held her hand out to Michael, willing her nerves to be calm as she wondered just what the hell was going on with her. "I'm glad to see you made it," she said to him.

"I was just thanking your mother for her gracious invitation," Michael replied. His touch was firm, warm, and much too brief. Nikita felt Carla nudge her and, remembering her earlier promise, introduced her to Michael.

Michael smiled politely and extended his hand to Carla. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said.

Carla's eyes sparkled as she said in a slightly breathless tone, "Oh, I love your accent."

Paul and Madeline exchanged secret smiles, well aware of Carla's appreciation for handsome men. Michael, too, smiled at Carla's openness.

He likes her, Nikita thought. Good. They could keep each other company tonight. Something akin to disappointment though formed in the pit of her stomach as she reminded herself that this was what she wanted, right?

"Nikita?"

"Hmm?" She blinked in surprise and looked at her mother. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Isn't it about time we started dinner, darling?" Madeline repeated.

"Oh, yes. Certainly." Nikita took a deep breath, smiling again at everyone. "I'll have the announcement made. Excuse me."

She retreated, grateful for the few seconds to pull herself together. Get a grip, she scolded mentally. What the hell's wrong with you?

Nikita felt a light touch upon her arm and was relieved to see it was Chris at her side. Not that she expected it to be anyone else in particular� "Hey, Chris." She relaxed and smiled at the tight look on his face as she reached over and straightened his jacket. "Tux looks good on you."

"Yeah, right."

"It does!" Nikita grinned, knowing very well how much he hated being all decked out. Chris was much more comfortable in jeans and a pullover. If the occasion warranted it, he'd add a jacket. But being spruced up in formal duds, she knew, was something Chris preferred to avoid. "Relax, will you?" she said. "You look good. Take that worried look off your face and have some fun."

Have fun? Chris doubted he could do that, especially when the one person he was interested in -- and the real reason he'd even considered coming to the ball tonight -- was gushing all over Section's latest client. Damn that Carla. And double damn on me too for being such a coward, he thought. He'd been attracted to Nikita's Hispanic friend since the first time they'd been introduced - two years ago - yet he hadn't done anything about it. It wasn't that he was shy, well he was a little, but it was just that Carla was so - different. She was lively, her eyes always full of laughter and mischief. She'd never be interested in someone as boring as him.

Heaving a sigh, and still looking very serious, Chris said to Nikita. "Is there anything I can do to help?

This made Nikita laugh and she gave her serious colleague a brief one-arm hug. "You're not on duty here, buddy. You're supposed to be having fun."

Chris arched his brow at her, his face still every bit as serious. "I am having fun."

Nikita snorted and hooked her arm through his. "I see I'm going to have to work on you. Show you what fun really is. Come on. Since you insist on being of service, you can escort me into dinner. I just need to make an announcement first."

Across the room, Michael was answering an art question Carla directed at him. He looked over her shoulder as he spoke and saw Nikita straighten Chris Davenport's tux. A few seconds later she smiled at him and linked her arm with his and they walked together side by side towards where the band was playing. Surprised, Michael stopped mid-sentence.

Carla waited expectantly. "Michael?"

"I'm sorry." He smiled apologetically and turned his attention back to the woman in front of him. "What was I saying?"

Carla looked over her shoulder to see what -- or rather, who, had caught the Frenchman's eye. Her brow lifted curiously when her gaze settled upon Nikita. >Could it be?

Carla turned back to Michael, an inquisitive look in her dark eyes. But Michael's eyes held no clues to his thoughts as he offered her his arm.

"Shall we?" he asked, nodding towards the dining room.

She hesitated a moment, an absurd little thought forming in her mind. No. It couldn�t be. Could it?

Her lips curved into a smile as Carla placed her hand upon his arm. "So tell me," she said with renewed interest, "what made you choose Section to handle your promotion?"

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Replies:

Holiday Chapter 11 (long) -- Leigh, 19:08:35 09/13/01 Thu