8. Lee Enjoys the Christmas Party

Chapter eight

Lee Enjoys the Christmas Party

Whatever I was expecting for a company Christmas party, this was not it. Drew, the owner of the firm where Danny worked, had thrown the affair on his private yacht. The gangplank had garland draped along both handrails, and Christmas lights had been strung everywhere. As we boarded, we were directed to the back of the ship, where a large outdoor area had more decorations everywhere, complete with a gigantic tree flashing red, green, white, and blue. We walked up to the open bar, which served Christmas cocktails and traditional drinks. “What would you like, Danny?”

“I know it’s not all that cold, but a mulled wine is pretty festive.”

“Go mingle, I’ll bring it to you.” I kissed the top of his head. My boy was all smiles and prepared to enjoy the festivities. And I wanted him to be happy. I ordered his drink and a spiked cider for myself. It didn’t take long to find Danny chatting with Royce and Skyler, his other friend from work. If Royce was here, Quinn had to be nearby. I gave Danny his drink and searched him out. “I’m going to go talk with Quinn, baby.”

Danny turned his face up for a kiss, so I gave him one. “Okay…”

I shook Quinn’s hand and said hello to Drew and his partner Justin who were standing with him. “Quite the shindig you have going on, Drew.”

“Thanks. I only take credit for the idea. I hired people to do the rest.” We all chuckled, though I wasn’t entirely sure why that was a joke.

The conversation turned to yachting as I watched Danny across the deck. Royce’s friend Jax showed up and bounced over to their group while his husband, Ward, searched out Drew. They were best friends, from what I’d learned. And Jax and Royce owned the yacht company that hosted the PRIDE Cruise last June. All the connections linked together in my head like a vast web.

I was more interested in watching Danny interact with his friends than listening to the conversation. He seemed happy. In his element. I was happy for him, but I was also jealous. My work party for the holiday wasn’t until January, and to be honest, I didn’t want to go. It would be utterly boring.

I grabbed another drink at the bar, this time something stronger. Then leaned against the far railing. The salty December air over the water felt nice on my face. Thinking about life was depressing. What did I want? The promotion was dangling in front of me like a carrot, but it was already costing me. What would happen to the rest of my life when I actually got it. That carrot might taste bitter in the end. Especially if it cost me Danny. I had no clue how I would balance it all. But for now, I didn’t have to. I should enjoy the party. The setting was amazing, the drinks were strong, and food was around here somewhere. I searched out Danny to see if he wanted any, but I stopped for a refill at the bar on the way. Or two.

“Danny?” I put my arm around his shoulder. “You good? Need a drink?”

“Uh…Lee, are you okay? Want to sit down?”

I took a deep breath, still enjoying the night breeze. “I’m good.” But I was warm. I rolled up my sleeves. “I’m fine. Don’t worry ‘bout me.”

Danny snickered and leaned into me. “I think you’re drunk, Daddy.”

“Nooo. No-no-no. I’m fine.” I squeezed his shoulder to reassure him. “Let’s get another drink.”

“Mm-hmm. How many have you had?”

“Don’t know. But I’m fine.” I closed my eyes and mumbled, “I’m fine.”

“Excuse us, guys. I think I need to take my daddy home now.”

I started to protest, but I had Danny whispering in my ear, telling me everything was alright. And that was apparently what I needed to hear. I let go for the first time since I could even remember. Although, remembering was not a priority in my brain function at the moment. But I had Danny. Always. Right?

Too many things were said, though I couldn’t quite remember since everything started blurring together.

How did I get to the car? How did I get to bed?

I tried to get up, but my head hurt, and the room spun.

I was not fine.