Her Own Fairy Godmother

by Marie Higgins

“Wow. Look at you.”

  Cyndi’s cheeks heated. “Yes, I’m aware I’m out of character, but—”

  “You look fabulous.” Amanda grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed. “You’re going to knock ‘em dead tonight.”

  Cyndi let out an uneasy laugh. “Oh, let’s hope nobody dies. That wouldn’t be a good thing, especially with my luck.”

  She scanned over her friend’s attire. Amanda always looked great in dark colors, and the silky forest green dress fit her personality. Although the dress covered most of her neck and arms, the satiny material flattered her figure.

  “So, Cyndi, have you seen Max yet?”

  “No. Have you?”

  “No.”

  Cyndi frowned and clasped her hands against her stomach. “I hope nothing has happened to him.”

  Amanda laughed and waved her hand through the air. “Oh, you know Max. He’s got to make a grand entrance.” She reached out and touched Cyndi’s sleeve. “But I think you’ve taken that special moment away from him. You look good, woman.”

  Cyndi placed her hand over the deep opening in her bodice, hoping it hid the cleavage her push-up bra displayed. “Thank you.” She shrugged. “This is my neighbor’s creation.”

  Her friend’s eyes widened. “Really? He helped you get ready for tonight?”

  “Yeah, can you believe it?”

  “Is he gay?”

  Cyndi snorted a laugh. “He’s far from it. He just works at GIO Products, so he knows all about a woman’s needs.”

  Amanda shook her head and whistled softly. “He’s good.”

  “Hey, are Fran and her daughters here?” She did another quick scope of the large room.

  “No, not yet. Why?”

  “Because Fran almost made it so I couldn’t come.”

  “What?” Amanda’s voice was louder than normal.

  Cyndi flipped her hand. “I’ll tell you later.”

  From behind her, someone called out Max’s name. Cyndi sucked in a breath. Had her heart stopped beating, too? Slowly, she turned, and as her gaze rested on his form, she exhaled a sigh.

  Max looked as if he’d just walked off a magazine cover. In the latest style of clothing, his navy blue jacket and matching trousers practically shimmered. Naturally, he took the spotlight. His white straight-collared shirt complimented his tanned skin, and when he smiled at his friends, her heart raced. What could she do to get him to look at her like that?

  But best of all...he was without a date. Amanda’s plan must have worked.

  He stood not more than ten feet away. She longed to walk over and talk to him, but the more she stared at him like a rock-star groupie, the more she lost her nerve. Just like high school.

  He moved away with his friends to the punch bowl and she grumbled under her breath. Missed my chance, again.

  Amanda nudged her arm and Cyndi glanced over her shoulder. Her co-worker nodded in Max’s direction. “Go speak to him.”

  Cyndi scowled. “I can’t. I wouldn’t know what to say. It’s not like we chat on a daily basis.”

  Amanda rolled her eyes heavenward. “You may not know him personally, but you know Ted and Gary. Act like you’re going to talk to them.”

  Cyndi’s heart hammered against her ribs like a tom-tom. Her throat tightened and she couldn’t swallow. It’s that chicken-out disease again. What did she have to lose? If she didn’t go over, she’d be upset with herself. If Max shot her down, at least she’d know he wasn’t interested.

  Besides, this wasn’t high school anymore. The woman she’d turned into was more self-assured. Right?

  She nodded to Amanda. “Wish me luck.”

  Taking a deep breath, she pulled back her shoulders and began her walk across the room, trying her hardest not to look like the coward she’d always been. Max’s deep baritone voice rang out in laughter, and tingles shot up her spine.

  Give him compliments. Tell him he looks nice. His hair does look good tonight. And yes, heaven help me, I like his butt. Thanks a lot, Damien.

  When she drew near, Max’s gaze touched and vibrated through her. His attention roamed over her from the top of her wild hairdo and down to the toes of her squishy heels. She couldn’t breathe. He looked into her eyes and smiled.

  She was going to faint...but no, she couldn’t. Too embarrassing. Then again, if she did, he’d come pick her up, take her in his arms and hold her in his strong arms. Since her lungs didn’t work, he’d have to give her mouth-to-mouth. The thought made her lightheaded. But it was just a thought, right?

  She groaned and closed her eyes. Dizziness overwhelmed her and her stomach lurched. Please no! Not here. Not now. Not with Max watching.

  Before she knew what was happening, the room tilted and her legs gave out beneath her. Her head connected with the floor like a bowling ball starting its run down the lane to the pins. Sounds faded except for the ringing in her ears. Someone slipped an arm beneath her shoulders, lifted her, and lightly tapped her cheek.

  She raised her heavy eyelids and focused on the person who held her. Max! Wishes do come true. She smiled.

  Worry etched a crease in his brow. “Are you all right?” His voice overrode all of the bells clanging in her head.

  She nodded, ignoring the pain shooting through her temples.

  Give him compliments. Tell him he looks nice. His hair looks good...his butt—

  “Max, thanks...” She paused, trying to think of a compliment. “Um...did I ever tell you...I think...your butt has an intoxicating smile?”

  That didn’t sound right. Had she said it wrong? Why weren’t her mind and mouth cooperating tonight?

  Max’s eyes widened and snickers exploded from the crowd who had gathered. Oh gads! Why hadn’t she noticed the others?

  Think! She had to say something to cover herself. “Um...I mean, your smile is outfitted in style...I mean your butt looks stylish.” She shook her head and inwardly groaned. “I think you really look good tonight.”

  Open mouth—insert foot. Heat flooded her cheeks, spreading quickly down her neck. The corner of his mouth lifted in a grin. She struggled to sit, but he tightened his hold.

  “Cyndi, I think you hit your head pretty hard. You might want to rest a second before standing.”

  She squeezed her eyes tight. Where’s the nearest hole? Maybe if she thought hard enough, she’d be back home and all this would be a bad dream. This can’t be happening. Mentally, she tapped her heels together three times. There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home. Then she realized her heels were not ruby. Thankfully, being made of glass, they hadn’t shattered when she’d fallen, either.

  From the whispers around her, more people had gathered. Amanda’s voice boomed loud and clear. “Here, Cyndi, drink this. You’ll feel better.”

  Without opening her eyes, she reached blindly for the drink then curled her fingers around the stem of the glass. The chill of the flute soothed her hot skin. Another hand helped raise the glass to her lips as strong fingers guided it to her mouth.

  The arm behind her shoulders lifted her even more. She peeked underneath her lashes just as the glass touched her lips. The strong scent of alcohol assaulted her senses mere seconds before the liquid slid into her mouth. She didn’t drink alcohol, yet spitting out the vile stuff wasn’t a good pick-up tool when flirting with men either.

  She swallowed hard, trying not to gag. The liquid burned her throat, cutting off her air. Gasping, she sat up, clutching Max’s arm as she continued to choke.

  “Oops,” Amanda said, giving Cyndi an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I forgot you don’t drink champagne.”

  Cyndi cleared her throat and glanced at Max, who thankfully, still held a concerned gaze on her. His forehead creased. “Are you feeling better?”

  She shook her head. “Now the burning in my throat is competing with the throbbing in my head.”

  His expression relaxed into a grin. “You’ve got your sense of humor back. That’s good.”

  Her heart picked up
rhythm. He thinks I have a sense of humor? Cool!

  She looked around at the large crowd and groaned. Her hand massaged her temple. “I’ll be fine in a minute.”

  “Here, let me help you over to the table.”

  The moment she’d dreamed about for weeks came when Max’s arm slipped down her back and hooked around her waist. Hesitantly, she circled her arm around his neck, holding him close as he helped her off the floor. As soon as her feet touched the ground, her weak legs buckled and she stumbled into him, her face pressing into his neck.

  Oh, he smells good—so incredibly male. So like Damien. Did they buy their cologne from the same place?

  Together, they walked to the nearest table, and he guided her onto a chair. He crouched beside her, his hands resting on her knee. Warmth spread from that spot throughout the rest of her body. “How do you feel now?”

  “A little better, thanks.”

  His gaze bore deep into her eyes. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded.

  “You still think my butt has an intoxicating smile?”

  He grinned, and heat consumed her face again. She closed her eyes, covered her face with her hands, and groaned. His chuckle made her peek at him between her fingers.

  “That’s okay, Cyndi.” His hands grasped hers and pulled them away from her face. The touch warmed her again. “I appreciate the compliment no matter how it came out. I have to admit, nobody has ever said that to me before.”

  Through her embarrassment, she forced a smile. “Well, anytime you want to hear something out of the ordinary, you know where my office is located.”

  “Yes, I do.” He laughed. “You know, I haven’t seen a fall like that since the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team took the cup.”

  “Oh, thanks.” She rolled her eyes. “I feel so much better now.”

  He stood. “Take it easy from here on out, okay?”

  She nodded and watched him walk away. Giddiness sprang to her chest. It’s working!

  Eight

  Cyndi nibbled on another carrot, not caring if she looked like Bugs Bunny. She leaned her hip against the buffet table then quickly pulled away before the table came crashing down and the food decorated the floor in a huge mess. Her night had been full of blunders so far, and she didn’t want to chance another one.

  When Fran and her daughters had arrogantly waltzed into the party, Cyndi hadn’t been paying attention—because of embarrassment—and missed their stunned reactions. And right now, she really didn’t care. She’d made a complete fool of herself in front of Max, and there wasn’t anything she could do to repair it. From now on, he’d only think of her as the class clown.

  Out on the dance floor, smiling couples moved together with the rhythm of the music. Others wandered from group to group, visiting. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

  Everyone except her.

  She’d been left alone. Even Amanda had abandoned her, chatting with a group of editors on the other side of the room. Her co-worker batted her long eyelashes and let out a husky laugh from time to time. Why can’t I be as carefree? And to think it didn’t even matter if Amanda wore a wedding ring.

  Cyndi turned her attention from her friend’s crowd and searched for Max. He was in another woman’s arms, dancing in the middle of the ballroom. The bubbly blonde who worked in sales had her head resting on his shoulder, a wide, satisfied smile pasted to her mouth.

  That should be me pressed against him while we dance. But no, she had to bite the big one and faint just because he smiled at her.

  I’m an idiot.

  She reached for another glass of punch and sipped. Max hadn’t looked her way since he’d left her at the table. Perhaps she should faint again, just to have him come to her rescue.

  She scowled. How pathetic.

  “You should have stayed home.”

  The scratchy tone of the woman’s voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard, making Cyndi cringe. She wondered when the witchy-sisters would come taunt her.

  Cyndi sighed in defeat before turning to look at Anastasia. As Cyndi figured, Drizella was right beside her sister. Both of them wore expensive gowns, but they looked utterly ridiculous. Ana wore a gown that hugged her over-sized body, showing all of her many curves. Driz wore a pastel green gown that made the poor woman look as if she was on her deathbed. Of course these two would come over to bother her. They knew they didn’t look as pretty as Cyndi and they wanted to ruin her moment.

  “Oh, if it isn’t the twinkie-twins.”

  “Oh!” Drizella gasped. “How dare you say that.”

  Cyndi shrugged. “I couldn’t think of anything else.”

  “What are you doing here, anyway?” Ana snapped. “Have you cleaned my desk?”

  “Yes.” She drummed her fingers on the counter. “And I made all of Drizella’s appointments?”

  “What about Mother’s assignment?” Driz snapped.

  “Done, and the paperwork she requested is on her desk.”

  “I can’t believe it.” Ana shook her head. “How could you have done that so fast?”

  Cyndi shrugged. “I don’t care what you believe. They are done.”

  The sisters exchanged heated glares, so Cyndi prepared for more of their insults. Perhaps they were right and she should just go home.

  “Well,” Anastasia said, returning her sour expression back to Cyndi, “I suppose if you got everything done then you should be here.”

  “Ha!” Drizella released an evil laugh. “I know I wouldn’t want to be here if I were her. I mean look at her.” She picked at the sleeves of Cyndi’s gown. “She looks like she walked out of a historic era. Look at how old-fashion this dress is. Just awful.”

  Cyndi wondered when they’d say something about her dress. She didn’t have the energy to argue with them. Not now.

  Ana joined in the laughter. “Oh, I know. In fact, she looks like Cinderella.”

  Driz laughed harder. “She is! From now on we’ll call her Cydi-rella.”

  Cyndi rolled her eyes. These two sisters were so immature. Why in the world were they working for a television station? “Yeah, whatever.”

  “Well, if I were you,” Ana said, “I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a dress like that.”

  “Lucky for Cyndi, you are not her.”

  When she heard Damien’s voice behind her, she jumped and swung in his direction. He stood looking twice as yummy as he had earlier this evening. Wearing a dark colored suit jacket and trousers, he appeared to be going to his own elaborate function. He glared at the two witches by her. Cyndi’s heart soared with happiness. He’d come to her rescue yet again.

  “Who are you?” Drizella asked.

  “I’m Cyndi’s date.” He moved closer. “She knew I was coming late because of work.”

  She didn’t dare contradict him. Not when he scowled at the other women as if they would combust into flames at any moment. She quickly looked at them to see their reaction. Their gazes slid up and down Damien’s frame as their mouths hung open in awe. Score!

  He slid his arm around Cyndi’s waist. “Shall we move to a table? The company you’re keeping now will spoil the food.” He motioned his head toward the buffet table.

  She bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. Nodding, she grinned.

  “Don’t bother,” Ana snickered. “My sister and I were just leaving.”

  Cyndi waited until the other women were far enough away before she laughed. “Oh, Damien. You saved me again.”

  “As I always will.”

  The musky scent of a man’s cologne surrounded her, and just his presence put her at ease.

  “What are you doing here?” she wondered as she stepped out of his arms.

  “Just passing by.”

  She gave him a playful scowl and folded her arms as she tilted her head. “Since when do you pass by this way?”

  “Since I couldn’t stop wondering how your evening was going.”

  Heaving a big sigh, she shook her head. “Not as well as
I’d wanted.” She looked over her shoulder at Max still dancing with the blond. “As you can see, he’s over there, and I’m here.”

  Damien leaned to the side, looking around her toward Max. He snickered. “You know, they must put a lot of makeup on him so he can appear handsome on the television. He doesn’t look anything like he does during his sports segment.”

  She slugged his shoulder. “Be nice. You’re insulting the next man in my life.”

  He frowned. “Sorry.”

  “So, really, Damien, what are you doing here?”

  “It’s like I said, I came to check on you, perhaps give you a little nudge in the right direction.” He shrugged. “Isn’t that what fairy godmother’s do?”

  She shook her head. “You could shove me clear across the room and it wouldn’t help.”

  “Have you talked to him?”

  “Sort of.”

  His gray eyes widened. “And? What happened?”

  “Instead of making him melt, he made me melt—all the way to the floor.”

  A smirk crossed his face, and he quickly covered his mouth with his hand. “You don’t say.”

  She hit his shoulder again. “Be nice.”

  He nodded and dropped his hand. “So what do you want me to do?”

  She glanced at Max. “Well, since you’re my fairy godmother, could you go sprinkle a little love dust on him?”

  “I’ll do one better.” Slipping his arm around her waist, he pulled her next to him once more. “Let’s make him jealous, shall we?”

  She widened her eyes for the second time in five minutes. “You?” She rubbed her head, thinking she heard wrong. “I’m supposed to make him jealous with you?”

  His black eyebrows creased in a scowl. “Don’t you think I’m handsome enough?”

  “Well, yes...but...”

  “Then let’s try, shall we?”

  “What about...um...well, you know.” She paused, hesitating on how to say it without sticking her foot in her mouth. Men like him just didn’t do things like this unless they wanted something in return. Perhaps he was just being nice. “What about your reputation?” she finished.

  “What reputation?”

  “Well, guys like you only go out with—”