1. Alex

1

Alex

There's a buzzing all through the lobby as I walk to the elevator. I like to think that Young and Associates is a pleasant place to work, but there is something different in the air this morning.

Hushed whispering follows me in the elevator. I try to focus on what they are saying, but my hearing must not be as good as I thought. "Is someone going to fill the boss in on the gossip?" I ask with a grin.

A junior analyst laughs, "Sorry, Mr. Young, we're all just so excited and it's just a rumor. Someone heard that The Pandemonium Pixies have been booked for the Christmas in July fundraiser gala. Can you tell us if it's true or not?"

I suddenly feel very old. I have no idea who they are talking about, but everyone under thirty looks very excited. "Um, I don't know. I will find out and make an announcement as soon as I know."

The excitement in the elevator deflates, and I can feel their disappointment. I hope that Liz, the best party planner in the city, really has booked these pixies and that I can come through for my employees.

The Christmas in July gala is a fundraiser for the Hope Foundation. This one party, plus the matching donation from Young and Associates, funds Hope for the year. It's important for our community, but it's also a lot of fun and my employees look forward to it every year.

Floor by floor the elevator empties, until I'm standing alone. Pulling out my phone, I look up The Pandemonium Pixies, and my whole life changes.

The elevator door opens into my office, and I smile at my assistant. I'm a pleasant person, but my smile must look deranged. "What's wrong with you?" Sam asks.

"I need information and I need to talk to Liz immediately," I command as I walk by Sam's desk and throw my stuff on my desk. "Reschedule anything I have in the next hour."

I sit at my desk, still staring at the picture I had pulled up in the elevator. This pixie was a goddess. Bright red hair, curves, and the most crystal blue eyes. I can feel my cock hardening.

"Um, Mr. Young," Sam hesitates from the doorway of my office. "Liz is on the phone, but I need a little clarification about what information you need me to get for you."

"Sorry, Sam, I don't need anything yet. I was really talking to myself. I will let you know when I need something specific from you. Sorry if I was a little abrupt this morning."

"It's okay, thank you, Mr. Young."

I pick up the phone as he shuts my door. I pride myself on being a good boss and I hate that I made Sam feel uncomfortable this morning.

"Hi, Liz?"

"Hey, Alex, everything okay? You sound a little overexcited."

I've known Liz for a long time. She's planned the last ten years of parties both big and small for Young and Associates. We've become friends in that time, so I'm not afraid that whatever I say to her will get out to the public.

"I'm fine. I just have a couple of questions about the party," I hesitate for only a second, taking one more look at the gorgeous woman on my cell phone. "There's a rumor going around my building that you've booked a music group called The Pandemonium Pixies. Is this something you can confirm or deny?"

"I'm surprised it got out. I will have to figure out where the leak happened. I knew the girls when we were in school, and I called in a favor. It will make the RSVPs and donations go through the roof."

"Wow, really working to hold on to your crown as the best party planner, huh," I joke, even though she is the best.

"Absolutely. I hate to rush you, but I have a meeting in thirty minutes. Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?"

"Well, I was wondering if you could tell me anything about Rosie." It's the first time I've said her name out loud. My heart beats faster as I wait for Liz to answer.

"Rosie Stone? She's great, very sweet and a great singer. What do you want to know?" Liz sounds very confused.

This was a bad idea. "Never mind, forget I asked."

"Oh my God, you wanted to know things about her. She's single," Liz laughs. "She's also really hot, but you knew that already, right?"

"Yes, I knew that. Again, forget I asked."

"Not likely friend." Liz laughs and then hangs up without another word.

I don't know why I thought that was a good idea, but I've felt a little crazy since I saw Rosie Stone's blue eyes staring back at me from my iPhone screen. I always look forward to our Christmas in July party, but the wait this year might drive me insane.