Chapter 9

A Snowy Evening

Snow gently fell, covering the grime of the city with a layer of pristine white. Multicolored lights twinkled in windows, the smell of evergreen wafted on the air, and carols and bells permeated the cold, crisp evening, mingling with the normal traffic sounds.

High above the city streets, a dark figure dropped silently onto a balcony. Soft light from living room lamps filtered through the sheers on the windows as he listened for sounds from within. A soft tap on the glass alerted the apartment's occupant to his presence and within seconds he was being drawn into the warmth of the dimly lit room. Removing his cloak and laying it across a kitchen chair to drip on the tiled floor, he closed his eyes and remembered other evenings in this apartment.

He raised his glance to see laughing brown eyes looking up at him, and a mug of marshmallow-topped hot chocolate being offered. He took the mug and followed the dark-haired woman back into the living room. Settling on the floor before the fire, he sipped the steaming drink, allowing the warmth to flow through him. Seeing his companion's smile, he cocked his head inquisitively, inviting her to explain the cause of her amusement.

"I was imagining how Cathy felt when you visited her here like this. I guess this brings back memories for you, huh?"

He smiled. "Yes. However we normally stayed on the balcony during my visits. It was a rare occasion when I would intrude into what I perceived as her private space."

"But it's freezing out there! You mean that she would hang around on the balcony in the cold because you didn't want to 'intrude' into her home? Boy, that's love!"

He chuckled. "Yes, it was love, I just couldn't accept it. I kept expecting her to realize her mistake and leave me."

"You men can be so dense sometimes." Dark curls shook in the lamplight. " Oh well, at least you finally came to your senses. It does give me hope that there's someone out there for me."

"You're very special . . . I know you'll find someone who deserves you and can share your happiness." He reached over and squeezed her hand. She didn't realize how complimentary her criticism of men was; that she included him in that group was remarkable to him.

Sighing, she changed the subject, "Not that I'm unhappy to see you, but what brings you out so secretively in this weather? I get the feeling that Cathy doesn't know you're here . . . am I right?"

"You're correct."

Rising from the fireside, he went into the kitchen, returning with his cloak. He removed an envelope from its pocket and handed it to Jenny.

"I need something for Catherine's present, and I was hoping that you would buy it for me."

After explaining to Jenny what he wanted her to buy, he donned his cloak and headed for the balcony doors. As he disappeared from view, Jenny smiled.

"Well, Cathy, a prince charming did drop over my balcony walls. Unfortunately it wasn't my prince charming. "

Sighing, she quietly shut the doors.