The Christmas Tree Guy by Railyn Stone Read Free Book Online

of line. And, just what’s wrong with my blouse?” Sara stopped, looking down at the cobalt silk shirt she wore.
    “It’s no big deal.” Sydnee shrugged and waved off Sara’s apology for her cousin’s remark about her ex-husband. “And nothing is wrong with it, Sara. You look great. You know how Mina is. She’s probably just jealous she couldn’t pull it off like you. She wasn’t here more than ten minutes so why did she even come?”
    “Just so she could name drop and get a little gossip in and remind us that we don’t live her absolutely fah-bulous life dahling .” Sara winked, imitating Mina in her haughtiest voice before they both dissolved into a fit of laughter.
     
    ###
     
    Later that week, Sydnee found herself out again with Sara, but this time she’d been talked into going to hang out with her at a club. Sara had begged Sydnee for months to get out and at least have a drink with her and she finally broke down. It had been ages since Sydnee graced the inside of a club and she was a little out of her element to say the least. Entering the place, she was instantly impressed by the chic surroundings. The club had three floors and Sara decided since Sydnee hadn’t been out in a while, she would immerse her slowly back into the feel of things so they headed for the lounge level. Sydnee was grateful. At least there she could hear what Sara said, since the dance floor level was so loud with the constant beat of the bass in the music. She didn’t quite remember how Sara talked her into it and she was starting to have second thoughts. Everyone in the club seemed younger than thirty and she fidgeted with her blouse, watching the eclectic mix of people milling around.
    “Calm down. You look fine and you’ll have fun.”
    “Sara, I don’t know about this. Maybe I should call and check on the boys.” Sydnee said, reaching for her phone in her purse.
    “Would you stop? They are fine. Leanne and Charles have them so hopped up on sugar by now that they wouldn’t be able to talk to you in coherent sentences. Relax, okay?”
    “You really come here a lot?” Sydnee asked, taking a seat in one of the plush deep purple suede booths to the side of the bar. She sat back to observe the crowd and was silently appreciative the crescent moon shaped booth was somewhat dark and provided a bit of cover. She had to admit the decor was spectacular and she could understand why the place was so popular. It had such a downplayed modern look with the sleek lines of the bar and the contemporary artwork that hung on the walls. The florescent decorative lighting cast off a greenish blue haze, giving the overall lounge a really sexy feel.
    “Yes. And I know what you’re thinking. It looks like there are a lot of young people here, but there are a lot of guys our age too.”
    “Yeah, they are here to pick up younger women. I wonder if this is where Matt met Cassidy.” Sydnee murmured, surveying the crowd and the various older gentlemen that seemed to be focused only on the younger women in the room. And why wouldn’t they be? The women in the club looked like something out of a magazine. Perfect hair, perfect makeup and perfect perky little young bodies.
    “Okay, stop it. We’re not going to waste a wonderful evening thinking about that scumbag and his trollop.”
    As the evening continued, they were approached by a few men who offered to buy their drinks and would sit for a while to talk. Sydnee found it interesting they would stay long enough to find out her name, but once she mentioned she had children, they would soon find a reason to excuse themselves and move on to the next woman. She was in no way offended by it at all. She wanted to be honest with any man approaching her that she had children and they came first in her life. She and Sara sat and talked and did their share of people watching, and as the night progressed, Sydnee relaxed. Soon, she excused herself to check her makeup and as she exited the ladies’ room,