Chapter 12: Holiday Party

On the third Saturday in December Tonya and Austin woke early, got their must-do chores completed, then took a nap when the kids did in anticipation of the party at Rachel’s house. At 5:30 their doorbell rang was rung by the sixteen year old daughter of a neighbor.

“Hi, Mrs. Hilton, you look great,” said the neighbor’s daughter when Tonya opened the door. Tonya was wearing a light sweater with a low-cut neckline, pants, and pair of cowboy boots.

“Thank you, Carolyn. We really appreciate you babysitting tonight. Seems like it has been years since we had a night out.” Tonya paused, then said, “And in effect, it has been over a year with the pandemic.”

From the kitchen they hear Austin, “Is that Carolyn?”

Tonya called back, “Yes,” as she ushered the teen into the house.

The twins came running around the corner to see who was at the door, and at the sight of the stranger dove behind a chair to hide. One peeked around the corner so Carolyn got down on her knees and smiled as she said in a sing-song voice, “Hey, kiddo, you probably don’t remember me, do you?”

Jasper just looked at Carolyn without moving. Suddenly she was displaced as Jeremy nudged his way between Jasper and the chair to poke his head out.

“And there’s number two!” called out Carolyn. Jeremy giggled, which caused Jasper to laugh, too, and then they both broke away from the chair and ran toward Carolyn.

“That was fast,” said Tonya. “We were afraid they wouldn’t accept a stranger.”

Carolyn had rolled onto her back with the charge of the twins, but spun back onto her knees.

“I think we are going to be fine,” Carolyn said as the two clamored for her attention.

Austin entered the room and said, “There is money on the kitchen table, along with a handful of menus. Feel free to order whatever you want for dinner. The kids are eating pretty much everything, but give them a small portion first. Not only to see if they like it, but also to avoid a limited clean-up if they don’t and decide to throw it on the floor.”

Carolyn stood, though a bit stooped, as both her hands were entwined with a hand of her new best friends.

“Got it,” she said.

Tonya added, “There is also a sheet of paper with our cell numbers and emergency numbers. Call if you need anything.”

“Of course,” said Carolyn. “Now go, you two deserve a night out. By the way, you look great, too, Mr. Hilton.”

“Doesn’t he?” said Tonya. He was wearing a button-down shirt with a jacket, jeans, and cowboy boots.

“It’s been way too long since we were able to dress in anything other than shorts and t-shirts,” lamented Austin.

With that, Tonya and Austin said their thanks again, then headed to the garage and their night out.

The drive was about thirty minutes and the two enjoyed the time in the car alone. When they arrived Tonya was surprised to see a locked gate at the neighborhood entrance.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Yeah, Rachel’s email said her neighborhood has a locked gate. She also said it is a kind of a joke since every food and product deliveryman in town has the code, and the gate stays open for almost a minute after each car passes, which means anyone could easily slip inside if they wanted.”

Austin pulled up to the small keypad and rolled down his window. He entered the six-digit code he was given and watched as the gate slowly swung open.

“Ta-da,” he called as he waved his hands at the windshield.

“Good job, Houdini,” said Tonya as she rolled her eyes.

Rachel’s house was almost a mile into the neighborhood. When they pulled up they were duly impressed. The house sat on over an acre of land, with a large circular driveway that gave easy access to the front door. Two other cars were already parked.

“Looks like we’re the last to arrive,” said Tonya as they approached the front door and rang the bell.

Rachel opened the door. She was wearing a light colored blouse that was mostly transparent, but only the edges of a lacy corset were visible. Light gray pants and high heels completed her outfit.

“Austin,” she said as she stepped onto the patio and gave him a hug. “It is so good to finally see you in person!”

Austin awkwardly returned the hug and then stepped back to introduce Tonya.