Love In The Empire State

Chapter 1 - Kate

24th December - 8:00 pm -10:45 pm

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

That's right folks, it really is the most amazing time of the year. It's Christmas season. And I love it.

The scent of pine needles and cinnamon hangs heavy in the air and there's something of a heavy cheer in the atmosphere.

I’m slightly leaning on a beautifully decorated banister, its vibrant Christmas colors clashing spectacularly with my sleek black turtleneck. The resort's newest manager, Roger, whom I've known since high school and who for some inexplicable reason has allowed me to set up shop here tonight, is standing across from me.

He is practically glowing with lively energy and grinning from ear to ear with a beautiful Christmas hat adorning his neatly combed and gel-styled hair.

"Thanks again for letting me do this here, Roger," I murmur, my voice a low whisper amidst the silent trudging of feet up and down the aisles of the lobby from guests and workers alike. "I really appreciate it. You're a lifesaver and I owe you one.”

Roger, whose enthusiasm far outweighs his experience, beams at me. "No problem at all, Kate. Are you kidding me? Anytime. You never ask me for anything and this is the least I can do.”

“I hope you don't get in trouble for this, honestly. I would really hate for that to happen."

" You worry too much Kate, it's all good.

Roger has always been a very good friend but lately, he's begun acting a little weird in my presence. I'm not one to listen to gossip but everybody’s been saying he's a little bit in love with me.

Well, maybe not a little bit. I feel bad for using him like this but I really have no choice, I need to get this done and cross it off my list, besides it is for the kids, so I really didn't have a choice.

His gaze lingers a beat too long, making me acutely aware of the way that he's looking at me and causing me to feel a tad uneasy and self-conscious. Internally wincing, I clear my throat.

"Oh, right." Roger stammers, snapping out of his reverie. "I’m sorry, I should probably leave you to it and get going."

Relief washes over me, but I know it won't last. "Yeah, yeah," I say, forcing a smile. "Wouldn't want to distract you from your duties. I'm sure you have lots to do.”

A strangled laugh escapes him. "That's alright. We have a full staff at our disposal and everyone else is super busy tonight so I really do not have that much to do." He takes a hesitant step back, then another, his gaze flitting between me and the entrance.

Just when I think he's finally going to turn around and leave, Roger stops abruptly. "Actually," he blurts out, "I could stay and help you set up if you wanted."

My heart sinks. While Roger's eagerness is endearing, I feel like I have already committed my own fair share of mistakes and I do not want to encourage him any further. "Honestly, Roger," I say, my voice firm but kind, "letting me use the space is more than enough help. You have a resort to run. These people are all depending on you. Besides, I wouldn't want to impose.”

He shuffles his feet, a crestfallen expression settling on his face. "Okay, okay," he mumbles. "Suppose I could check on you later, after my rounds and welcoming the guests."

"Alright then, no problem.” I smile wryly, signaling him to leave with a small wave.

He marches away but stops halfway and calls my name. I bring my face up, fearing he might start confessing his feelings to me, but something flickers on his face, and he says instead,

"It's nothing," he mumbles, a flicker of something akin to disappointment crossing his features. "Just wanted to say Merry Christmas, Kate."

A small and sincere smile escapes my features. He is honestly a sweet guy and he would make some other lady very happy someday. "Merry Christmas to you too, Roger," I say sincerely, as he finally disappears into one of the elevators. With a sigh, I gather my things and start setting up.

I cannot begin to explain why it is that I love Christmas so much. I mean, no other holiday gets me this excited and there are lots of them but I just know that for as long as I can remember the Yuletide has always induced in me a kind of reverence and a desire to live life to the fullest and that's exactly what I’m doing here at Aurora Valley Resort this evening.

How can this even be called a holiday resort if no lively Christmas songs are playing in the background? It feels like this is the place where the joy of the season comes to die and I’m not finding it amusing at all.

It's a good thing that can be fixed without a hassle, I think to myself as I crank up my old jam box, letting out the old and famous rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" waft through the air.

I see a few guests stop and stare at the corner of the lobby I’ve taken up and quite a few join in singing, whistling, and nodding their heads as they see fit. Even those just checking in have a pep, a new spring to their step and I'm glad that I put it there. This is why I do this.

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I’ve changed my outfit to a hand-knitted Christmas-colored sweater with an elaborate design at the front of Santa, mid flight in his sleigh, surrounded by his team of elves holding on for dear life.

The lobby echoes with the playful pluck of my harp strings as I strum a lively rendition of “O Little Town of Bethlehem."

My voice, a crystal-clear soprano, soars above the melody, filling the air with Christmas cheer. It's a one-woman show, a bit goofy but undeniably charming.

I can already tell that it's working, that my voice is catching their attention because heads turn in my direction, drawn by the unexpected melody. A group of guests pause mid-conversation, their gaze fixed on my vibrant sweater and captivating performance.

Even those leaving the reception desks to get to their rooms are not spared from witnessing my beautiful and melodious Christmas rendition of various Carols. They stop and stare in awe.

Picking the lobby for my performance was such a good move and very strategic on my part. I couldn't have chosen a better place to do this because here I have so much access to most if not all of the guests passing through.

Taking a breath between songs and taking a moment to catch my breath and adjust my Santa hat, I beam at the gathering crowd.

"Hello everyone," I announce, my voice carrying across the entire room. Wow, the reverberations. "I'm Kate Jessup, and some people say I'm the very embodiment of the spirit of Christmas present!" I say, followed by a playful wink.

A ripple of laughter fills the lobby, a warm, welcoming sound that washes over me, calming my nerves in quick succession. Emboldened, I launch into a passionate explanation of why I'm doing this.

“I know a great number of you are wondering why instead of being out on the town like girls my age because it is a Friday night, I choose to be here instead of serenading you all with my beautiful voice.” I pause a little and then continue, my tone turning serious yet laced with warmth, “As you might know, the holidays are a time for giving, especially for our children." My gaze sweeps across the faces, searching for connection.

"Well, a group of amazing young folks in Coopersville have decided to put on a Christmas talent show this year," I announce, my voice brimming with admiration. "They're calling it the 'Coopersville Christmas Special' and let me tell you, it’s going to be the highlight of the season for those of you who will be staying in town for the holidays. And it promises to be a sight to behold. I should know, I am their instructor.”

A mischievous glint dances in my eyes. "Now, this isn't your average school play," I tease. "These kids are bursting with talent, and they're putting their hearts and souls into making this show truly unforgettable. But there's more to it than just entertainment."

I lean forward, my voice dropping to a lower, more heartfelt tone. "The proceeds from this show will go towards building a brand new student recreation center here in Coopersville. This center will be a haven for kids, a place where they can go to have fun, play games, and just be kids." I gesture towards the stack of flyers sitting on a stool beside me."Imagine a space where these children can hone their skills and share their gifts with others.”

I straighten, my voice regaining its cheerful lilt. “I can guarantee you won't want to miss it!" I wink once more. "Mark your calendars and get ready for a truly spectacular night!”.

With a final flourish on my harp, I conclude my performance with a rendition of "Deck the Halls." A smattering of applause erupts when I finish and I can't help but feel a smattering of pride.

A few of the guests want to meet with me to talk about the charity but I desperately need to pee so I make my sincere apologies and ask Roger where I can do my business, he points in the direction of the staff bathrooms and I go tearing through the lobby when I collide face to face with a gentleman who looks at me with such bitterness and smoldering fire in his eyes, it threatens to consume me.