Page 65 of Noticing Natalie
“Can you give me a decision before March first?”
“Definitely,” I nodded. “Thanks so much for thinking of me.”
“Thank you for even considering us. We’ve heard great things about you professionally, and, of course, we all know you personally. Send in your resume to make the whole thing official for the practice manager, okay?”
I nodded and waved as he went back inside. I turned and stared up at the stars. They seemed extra bright tonight, and I wondered if my parents could look down and see me. I wondered what they’d advise me to do.
Follow my heart. It was the answer that came to my mind immediately. It felt like it was from them, and I suddenly felt happier than I had in a long while.
***
On the night of the ball, I put my arm through Heath’s as we made our way up the stone stairs to his parents’ entryway. The huge double doors were open as party guests filtered in. The house was lit up brightly, and I’d never seen more beautiful Christmas décor in my life. It was breathtaking. I turned to tell Heath and saw that he was watching me.
“I’m so glad you’re here tonight. It’s going to be very special.” He smiled and bent for a kiss.
Very special? Oh, shit. My stomach dropped. I hoped he was just speaking in generalities. Because this backdrop would be perfect for a proposal, I realized as we walked in. Everything gleamed and sparkled. There was an elaborately decorated tree in every room we walked through on the way to the ballroom.
“You look incredible in that dress,” he said, kissing my bare shoulder. He was being unusually affectionate in public. He hadn’t been that way since he’d flirted with me the day he hit me with the door, and I landed in the bushes.
“Thank you. Aunt Sabine brought it from Paris. She picks out the most beautiful things.” It was a velvet and satin evening dress in midnight blue. It looked amazing with the earrings he’d given me several weeks ago.
“I’m so proud to have you on my arm,” he said as we made our way to the front of the room to say hello to his parents.
It felt like they introduced me to half of Halliwell. There was no way I’d remember any of the names by the next day.
“Would you like some champagne?” he asked.
“Please.”
He looked around. “I don’t know where the waitstaff is. They should be circulating by now. I’ll be back.” He hurried off.
I looked around trying to see familiar faces amidst the sea of guests milling around.
“Natalie!”
I turned and saw beautiful Blair Hastings in a deep red evening gown that made her look like a model. I couldn’t believe how fantastic her figure still was considering all the children she’d had. I’d kind of lost count of all her kids, actually.
“Hey, Blair.” I gave her a hug.
“It is so nice of your boyfriend’s parents to have included us as part of your friends and family. It made me so happy.” She had the sweetest smile on her face, like always. I didn’t think I’d ever seen Blair have a frown on her face or say a bad word about anyone.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I said, feeling a little shy. I usually had Tim with me to be his normal outgoing self and draw me out. I hadn’t seen him yet tonight, though.
“Can you help me out?”
“Of course. What do you need?”
“The bathroom, but this place is huge. I asked someone who works here, and they told me. I got lost halfway there, and it was a struggle just to find my way back here.”
I laughed. “No problem.” I looked around for Heath, but saw he was talking and laughing with a group of guys he seemed to know well. “Let’s go.”
I walked her to the largest restroom that had been built exactly for occasions like this one. It had a few stalls, a sitting area, and seemed like it should be in a five-star hotel, not someone’s house in a neighborhood in Halliwell, Georgia.
“I might as well go while we’re here,” I said.
“Bless you for not leaving me here. I don’t think I could get back,” she laughed.
After we’d finished and washed our hands, we set back out for the ballroom. It was very crowded, though, and we were having trouble getting through the hallway.
