Writing Prompt: The champagne was frosty.

Oddly appropriate sentence as we head towards New Years. Let’s see what comes out of the brain as we set the timer for fifteen minutes. 

Not as festive as I thought it would be. And I suspect I will be thinking about this until lunch time and then making notes on what happens next.

Thursday, December 28^th: The champagne was frosty.

The champagne was frosty.  The chocolates were looking decadent on their silver trays.  The decorations were perfect.  Susan wasn’t exactly sure what this party was in celebration for but when hired to plan it, she was told it should be like a romantic valentine’s party.  She asked for more details but was given none.  She asked if anyone had food allergies and the question was laughed off.  She was told to prepare a variety of finger foods both hot and cold and to have plenty of chocolates and champagne.

She was given the number of guests and she was paid well for the service.  Susan was a little nervous about the lack of details but when the host walked in she looked thrilled.

“It is perfect, my dear,” she said.

“You ae certain, Mrs. Oliver?” Susan said.  “There is still time to make changes should anything need adjustment before your guests arrive.”

“No dear, it is perfect as is,” Mrs. Oliver whipped out her phone and pressed a few buttons.  Susan’s phone dinged.  “There you go dear, final payment and a bit of a tip for all of your hard work despite the lack of details.  I will take it from here.”

“You don’t need me to stay and assist with keeping the trays filled?” Susan asked.

“Filled?  You mean there is more?”

“Yes,” Susan said.  She gestured towards the temporary wall that separated the staging area from the party zone.  Mrs. Oliver walked over and peered behind the wall. 

“Excellent.” She said.  “We are sure to have plenty. My staff will take it from here.”

“Okay,” Susan said.  “Do you need me to arrange clean up for the morning?”

“I don’t believe that will be necessary.  But a nice thought for next time.  I wasn’t aware that was a service you offered.  But for tonight I have promised discretion and that means no one other than my personal staff.  Even for clean up.”

Sosan nodded and reminded Mrs. Oliver that there was extra champagne chilling in the fridge should they run out.  She was hustled out of the door and suddenly found herself standing on the side walk.  It was strange.  She had never been ejected from a party before, let alone from a party she planned.  She was used to coordinating behind the scenes so the host could enjoy the event as much as the guests. 

Susan heard the lock to the door click.

‘Well I guess I am done for the night.’ She walked down the sidewalk and away from the venue.  It was early and most of the venues were night time places that looked their best after dark. Some had lights just beginning to flicker on as the staff prepared for customers while others were still dark.  Not entirely comfortable going directly home, Susan sent to the coffee shop on the corner.  It was in transition mode.  Right now it was still a coffee shop but in an hour or so it would shift into a bar, the coffee replaced with spirits.