Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“Hey, your outfits are wonderful!” Essie said to greet them.
“Sorry we’re late. These costumes took a while to figure out how to get everything on. How did people wear all these layers?” Tiffanie asked.
“And breathe in the corsets? That’s probably why smelling salts were so popular years ago,” Essie said.
“Ivan is ready to attack that dead tree in the back lawn,” Zander teased. “Seriously, though, could you put those guns away? You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
“We should start an arm-wrestling contest. That would be a fun competition,” Tiffanie suggested. Her hand tightened on Ivan’s arm as if she’d lost her balance or had gotten dizzy.
“Tiffanie, let’s grab that cluster of chairs, and we can people-watch,” Essie suggested. “The guys could grab some snacks and drinks for us.”
“That’s a great idea,” Ivan agreed immediately. His gaze met Essie’s over Tiffanie’s head, silently thanking her with a small nod.
When they had settled, the men headed for the appetizers and dessert displays. Tiffanie glanced at Essie and waved a hand toward the party. “I had a good feeling that this room would look so special when you finished decorating. I had no idea the ballroom could take on this fantasy theme so beautifully.”
“The room is amazing, isn’t it? I had my doubts leading up to today. Then, all the decisions we made came together, and the final results are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your ideas. Those twinkling lights overhead set the decorations off and created a magical mood in here.”
“I’m so glad. I’m sorry we weren’t here to see everyone’s reaction as they entered. Today’s a tough day for me,” Tiffanie confessed.
“That sucks. I’m sorry. I am glad you got here to see the ballroom with all the guests. The crowd milling around makes this space come alive. Believe it or not, the organizer approached me tonight, wanting to make this an annual event. That means we’ll have to come up with some tweaks to this evening’s plans.”
“Congratulations. And really, how could they not decide to do this again?’ Tiffanie asked.
Essie wanted to suggest that next year, Tiffanie would have recovered from her cancer treatments and could enjoy the dance more. A small voice in the back of Essie’s mind told her not to say anything. Who knew if Tiffanie would survive to attend again? She crossed her fingers, hoping to celebrate the next fairy ball with Tiffanie with some glasses of champagne.
“Practically the whole town is here. Check out the mayor! Is he wearing a leprechaun outfit?” Tiffanie asked.
“I think he’s supposed to be a druid, but I like your idea better. I wonder where his pot of gold is?”
“That money would come in handy,” Tiffanie confessed. “The doctors have a new medicine they want to try. It’s experimental and not covered by insurance. The cost is too high to me, but Ivan is determined that I should take the medicine.”
“Oh, Tiffanie. I’m so sorry you’re having to make tough decisions like this. I wish I could help in some way.”
“Oh, I wasn’t asking for money. I apologize for dumping sad information on you.”
“Tiffanie, we’re friends. Friends talk to each other. You can always tell me what’s going on.”
“Thank you, Essie. You’ve helped so much already by having jobs for Ivan. And giving me fun things to think about.”
“He’s so good at everything. I’m in awe of someone so handy.”
“Ladies, we are back!” Zander announced, balancing small plates on top of two glasses of punch. Ivan followed behind him with bottles of water and servings of snacks.
Essie noticed Ivan frequently focused on one section of the room as he took his chair and dispensed the food and drinks. She followed his line of sight, asking, “Is everything okay, Ivan?”
“I’m sure it is. I walked through a cold patch on the edge of the dance floor. You haven’t had any other problems with the air conditioner, have you?” Ivan asked.
After knocking on the wooden arm of the chair she sat in to ward off bad luck, Essie glanced in that direction. She had to squash her natural reaction to the sight of Edmund and Esther dancing around the room. If she smiled, Ivan would ask what was going on.
Quickly she answered, “No. No other problems at all. Perhaps when the French doors open onto the balcony, that creates a draft. I’ve noticed several couples heading out for some fresh air.”
“And some privacy. The last guy came in wearing more lipstick than his lady friend,” Zander observed, watching Essie too carefully. She suspected he had guessed she’d spotted the ghostly visitors.
“Love is definitely in the air tonight,” Tiffanie said. “My heart is happy for all the couples.”
Edmund and Esther waltzed by, waving to the small group. Essie raised her hand to return the greeting but froze when the others looked at her strangely.