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  New Year, New Eve

  Hope Ford

  New Year, New Eve © 2019 by Hope Ford

  Editor: Kasi Alexander

  Cover Design: Cormar Covers

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  www.authorhopeford.com

  My ‘HOPES’ for you…

  I hope you love, and love hard.

  I hope if you are wanting to lose weight, gain weight or just change something about you, that you know right now, just the way you are, you are beautiful, you are special and you are worthy.

  And finally, I hope you chase your dreams. It’s a wild ride but it is 100% worth it. Don’t let anyone stop you. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. And don’t let anyone convince you it’s impossible.

  I hope 2020 is your best year yet!

  My theme this year is to work hard, love harder.

  What’s yours?

  Contents

  1. Eve

  2. Eve

  3. Eve

  4. Maxwell

  5. Eve

  6. Eve

  7. Eve

  8. Maxwell

  Epilogue

  JOIN ME!

  About the Author

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  1

  Eve

  “What do you mean, you’re breaking up with me?” John asks me for the third time.

  I get it; he probably had no idea it was coming. We’ve been together for four years, since our senior year of high school. We were forced together by our families and they all expect us to get married someday. Actually, if my dad had his way, we would already be married with two point five children and my family would be tied to the Walker family business and fortune forever.

  But I’ve known all along it wasn’t right, and I just recently got up the nerve to make the decision that now is the time to end it. It would be different if John treated me better, or if there was any passion in our relationship. But honestly, he treats me like shit and we have zero chemistry.

  He throws his hands up in the air in frustration. “What’s it going to look like if we break up? Our families are not going to like it. We have that contract that is up for renewal at the end of the month. Do you not think that ‘this’ is going to effect that?”

  I look at him blankly. I don’t want him to see the second thoughts I’m having. His family owns the second largest public relations firm in the city. They’ve done the PR for our sporting goods chain for years now. Heck, if we lose that contract, we will be in a world of hurt. Not to mention the fact that my family will probably disown me.

  I put my hand on my hip, mostly because I know he hates it. “I can’t be blamed for something your family decides to do. Our company, my parents’ company, has made your family a lot of money through the years. If they don’t renew the contract, that’s not very smart on their part.” I shake my head side to side. “Basically, you’re upset from a business perspective, not a personal one. That just goes to show you that this”—I gesture between the two of us—“is not meant to be.”

  I’ve known that fact for a while now. I’m just glad we never moved in together. But honestly, I should have cut and run when we first got together. It all started when we went to senior prom together. I wanted to dance, but he told me that no one wants to see a plus size girl shaking it on the dance floor. Then there was the time that I wanted to go hiking. He told me that with my weight, I probably shouldn’t. He doesn’t let me order for myself, make any decisions when he’s around, or take me out on dates. It’s almost like he’s ashamed of me. It started when I was standing in a department store in the mall two days ago, looking at myself in the mirror. I was trying on jeans and I loved them. I thought they made my butt look great. The saleslady went on and on about how perfect they were for me. But what did I do? I didn’t go straight to the counter to buy them. No, I picked up my phone and almost video called John to see what he thought. But I stopped myself. I knew if I called him, he would tell me that no one my size should be wearing jeans that tight. And I almost put the jeans back just knowing that. It was then that I realized I had completely lost myself.

  And it’s never been a question that I deserve more. I know I do. It was a question of going against my parents and what they wanted for me. So what did I do? I wish I could say I went straight to the checkout counter and bought the damn jeans. But no, first, I had myself a little cry in the dressing room. I gave myself a minute to mourn the woman I was and the last four years of my life.

  Then I made a promise to myself that this was not going to happen anymore. I walked to the front, bought two pairs of the jeans, both a faded and dark color, and carried my bag to the car like I’d just bought something really valuable instead of a pair of jeans. But heck, to me, they are pretty valuable.

  After four years, I’ve finally had enough. I’m taking my life back. I’m going to do all the things I want to do. I’m going to go out dancing, I’m going to go hiking, I’m going to buy whatever fucking kind of clothes I want to buy. I decided right then that I’m not going to let anyone try to hide the real me ever again.

  John snaps his fingers in my face and when I look at him, he rolls his eyes at me like some child. “Eve! Earth to Eve. I swear you never pay attention.”

  I take a deep breath and stand up a little taller. “Actually, I do pay attention. I pay a lot of attention. I know that you are unworthy of me. I don’t care how much money you have or how much prestige you have in this town. All I know is that you’re a shitty boyfriend—heck, you’re a shitty person.” I grab my purse off his counter and walk toward the front door of his house.

  He follows me and even opens the door for me. He obviously doesn’t believe that this is over. “Oh yeah, don’t forget that your sister is getting married next week. Do you know what that means? All of my family and all of yours will be there. You don’t want to ruin the wedding, do you?” He doesn’t even wait for an answer. He leans against the open door with a huge smirk on his face. “I’ll pick you up at four.”

  I swear I growl at him. Like I could forget my sister is getting married – I just found out yesterday. I want to stomp my feet, flip him off and leave. But no matter how this ends, and it will end, I still have to at least try to make it cordial so our families can continue to work together. I sling my purse over my shoulder, and without responding to him or even looking at him, I stalk out the door.

  Once in my car, I barely contain the scream that I have been wanting to let out. He does this to me. He drives me crazy, and not in a good way. He’s controlling, manipulative and I’m a fool for staying with him as long as I did. Well, it’s over now. It’s almost the new year, so I’m gearing up for a new Eve.

  2

  Eve

  A Few Days Later

  Standing in the corner of the large ballroom, I watch everyone having a good time. It’s New Year’s Eve and the celebration is just getting started. This is the first party I’ve been to in a long time, all part of my plan of the ‘New Year, New Eve.’ However, I’m finding that maybe parties are not my thing. I danced, just to prove to myself that I could do it.

  There are couples on the dance floor and people are talking and laughing, but I really don’t know a lot of people here. Most of them are acquaintances of my parents. It is the elite of the elite and I don’t know why I thought I would fit in. Technically, as a schoolteacher, this really isn’t my crowd. But my family is a part of it. And when they get invited, the invitation always extends to me. They are not here, they are at home, but t
hey made sure to tell me I would be representing the family tonight and not to do anything ‘stupid.’ I’m not sure exactly what they thought I would be doing, but I’m used to their controlling ways and their need to always be the “perfect” family.

  I thought about bringing a friend, but all of my teacher friends are married with kids. I didn’t let that stop me, though. I was going to come to a party and I was going to dance.

  I walk to the edge of the dance floor and order a water from the bartender. He looks at me strangely, but I know that I don’t want any alcohol being at a party alone.

  I take a sip of the water and look around the room. A man sitting at the bar starts talking to me. Even sitting, I can tell he’s a shorter guy. He’s thin, but still handsome in his suit and tie.

  “You here alone?”

  I look at him and although he looks harmless enough, I still decide to lie. “I’m meeting friends.”

  He nods his head. “Maybe you can save me a dance?”

  “Sure,” I tell him.

  He starts to say something else but stops suddenly. I then notice him staring over my shoulder and when I turn to look, another woman is smiling at him. She turns to walk away and his eyes follow her. He tells me with a grunt, “I’ll be right back.” And I watch him follow the woman down the hallway.

  I shake my head, thinking I dodged a bullet with that one, finish off my water, and begin to wonder if I should head on home. I went to a party and I danced. That’s accomplishing more in one night than I have in the four previous years. I’m about to pick up my phone and call an Uber when I stuff it back into my purse. I climb down from the high barstool and, spotting a door that leads outside, I decide to take a breather.

  I walk out to the balcony and look at the thousands of sparkling lights lighting up downtown Los Angeles. Leaning on the banister, I think about this past week and wonder if maybe going out so soon after the breakup was a good idea or not. Of course, as I look over my shoulder inside and then back again, this is exactly what I wanted. I can feel the excitement surging through my veins. This is the year that I am going to say yes to opportunity. To be free, to do what I want when I want, to go out and see the world. I’ll never tie myself to someone that wants to hold me back again.

  * * *

  Maxwell

  Sitting in the shadows on the balcony of the Hotel Marrimont, I lift the glass of whiskey to my lips. I’m here for appearances only. I’ve already made my rounds and been seen. Now I’m waiting it out here in the peace and quiet, until I make another round to talk to people and then I’ll be heading home.

  I can think of a dozen ways I would rather be spending my night. Especially after the shock I got from my daughter today. Let’s just say I found her and my stepson from a previous marriage in a compromising position. After the shock wore off, though, I came to my senses. Josh is a wonderful young man. And he loves my January. They’ll be good together, happy.

  A movement in the shadows catches my eye and I stand up and walk around the corner to lean against the stone wall. The hair on the back of my neck stands up and my heart starts racing. My palms start sweating and I set my glass down and wipe my palms down the leg of my pants. I instantly think of my first wife, who passed away when our daughter was a baby. She was the love of my life and just like now, the first time I saw her, I had this same heart pounding, punched in the gut reaction. But I shake my head. No way. No way does a man have that happen twice in their life. A woman is standing at the edge, with her arms up on the railing. She’s looking out at the town below and even from here, I can tell she’s deep in thought. Her blond hair is piled on her head. From the side where I’m standing, I get a good view of her curvy body. She’s beautiful in her short, blue dress. It’s fitted along her curves and flares at her hips. Her legs are long and she’s standing with them spread shoulder length apart. The inclination to walk up behind her and stroke my hand up her thigh, to grip her hips and pull her against me, has my palms itching and my mouth salivating.

  I’m drawn to her and I walk up to her slowly. It’s only when I get close that I notice the glint of a tear on her cheek.

  “You okay?” I ask her huskily.

  Her hand slams to her chest, her mouth falls open and her eyes get wide. “Oh my God, you scared me.”

  She starts laughing and I can’t stop the chuckle that comes from deep in my chest.

  She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “Yes, yes, I’m fine. It’s been a rough week, but I’m fine. What are you doing out here? I didn’t see you when I came out.”

  I shrug my shoulders. “Parties are not really my thing. I’m here more for appearances than anything.”

  Her head rolls back and she looks at the sky, then back to me knowingly. “Yep, I know all about keeping up appearances.”

  I take a step toward her and stand at the railing looking out. “So what about you? What are you doing out here?”

  Her smile is small, but she doesn’t look at me. “Oh, you know, saying goodbye to 2019.”

  I appreciate the sentiment. We all want to start new in 2020. I wonder what she has planned. I look at her, trying to read her look, but she’s giving nothing away.

  I look back at the party and then to her. “Will you dance with me?”

  She looks taken aback. “You want to dance with me?”

  I don’t even hesitate. “Right now, I can’t think of anything I want more.”

  I expect her to refuse. Even in this light she'll be able to see that I'm considerably older than her. Plus, she’s a knockout. She probably has a man waiting on her inside.

  Instead of answering me, she asks a question. “What’s your name?”

  She’s shy, by the way she hoods her eyes at me. “Maxwell. Maxwell Jones. What’s your name?”

  “I’m Eve, and uh, yes, I’d like to dance with you.” She finally answers me, causing me to release a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

  I hold my arm out to her and she slides hers through it. The feel of her pressed to my side makes my whole body fill with warmth. I shake the feeling of rightness from my mind and remind myself, This is just a dance.

  As we walk through the door, people try to stop us. They want my attention, but I merely wave and keep moving. I won’t stop until I have her in my arms.

  Once I’ve reached the center, I pull her around and wrap my arms around her. In the sparkling light of the ballroom, I discover just how beautiful she really is. The music changes to something slow and I can’t help but think the universe is working for me tonight.

  She smiles up at me. “I’m not much of a dancer.”

  My hands slide down her back to grip her waist and her body shivers. “That’s okay. Neither am I.”

  Her hesitant hands slide up my arms to rest on my shoulders. We move together slowly and I pull her closer to me. I lean in and take a deep breath of her rose scent. With my head close to hers so she can hear me, I ask her, “What do you do, Eve?”

  Instantly, whatever it is, I can tell she loves it. Her whole face lights up and any insecurity or shyness vanishes. “I’m a kindergarten teacher.”

  I pull back from her slightly with surprise on my face. In a room full of CEOs, doctors and lawyers, it’s refreshing to have found her here.

  She must see the shock on my face, because she instantly starts to defend herself. “I know, I don’t really belong here. My family is invited every year and well, this is the first time I’ve been able to come.”

  She looks down instead of at me and I hate that I’ve made her feel insecure.

  I lift her chin with my finger. I try not to stare at her cleavage exposed by the cut of her dress. Her breasts are large mounds that any man would be blind not to notice. I train my gaze on her eyes. “You’re beautiful, smart and classy, Eve. You belong here more than most of these people.”

  Impulsively, I slide my hands up her back and rest them on her shoulders, wrapping one around the back of her neck. “Let’s get out of here. Would you go to dinn
er with me?”

  “They have a buffet right over there.” She gestures to the corner of the room.

  I lift my shoulders. “I know, but I want a place a little bit quieter… so we can talk.”

  Before she can answer, someone taps me on the shoulder. “Hey, can I cut in?” he asks me and then looking at Eve, he tells her, “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. How about that dance?”

  Eve stiffens in my arms and automatically my hold on her intensifies. I don’t know why. She’s not mine and I’m not looking for anything long term. I’ve learned my lesson in that department, but I don’t have time to question these feelings now.

  3

  Eve

  I am having a perfectly good time dancing with Maxwell when the guy from the bar earlier interrupts us. Obviously the woman he had followed shot him down and so he’s coming back to me now… his second choice. Well, I’m done being anyone’s second choice.

  “Sorry, but uh, we were just leaving,” I tell him and look up at Maxwell. He smiles and puts his arm around me.

  We start to walk away, but the man doesn’t give up. “But you told me you would dance with me.” I can hear the whining in his voice, which only confirms my thoughts from earlier… I definitely dodged a bullet with that one.

  I have every intention to keep walking and ignore him, but Maxwell pulls me to a stop. He turns back to the man. “When you have a beautiful woman by your side, especially one as beautiful as her”—he gestures toward me and I can feel my face heat—“you don’t leave her alone in a room full of men. It sounds to me like you had your chance and you blew it.”