Getting To Know You Pt 12
Authors note: This and all other chapters of this story, previous and future, are based on my own thoughts and are purely fictional with no connection or representation of, or to, anyone or anything intended.
It's been a hectic week for the friends and especially for Rebecca as she has had to do some shifts at the bistro. They have all enjoyed themselves though and had some fun and become closer than ever before.
Following Jane and Mike's invitation for New Years Eve Sam has spoken with Lucy who is looking forward to coming to the party and staying over. She has also spoken with Alan after finally getting hold of him. He will come to the party but not sure if he will stay over for the night, it depends on his mum and dad who are celebrating New Year with friends of their own. Still, he is looking forward to coming over for the evening and seeing Rebecca again.
Jane and Sam do some shopping for the party together while Rebecca is at work one day during the week. Nothing elaborate, but some nibbles and snacks for people to help themselves and enjoy the evening. On New Year's Eve itself Rebecca and Jane are busy in the kitchen preparing the snacks etc while Sam helps Mike lay the table and set up drinks.
Late afternoon and Sam goes for a shower and to dress ready for the evening. She decides on wearing the new rara skirt she had at Christmas with black tights and black & red lace underwear. She has chosen a red see through blouse along with her gold locket and ear studs. Her hair is down, and she is wearing black open toed shoes with a small heel.
Mike also gets changed after a shower and is wearing smart pleat front trousers with black shoes and a pink shirt.
Once the kitchen work is complete Rebecca and Jane go for a shower and to get dressed. Jane has decided on a thin calf length red dress with a side slit, black stockings and heels, and the waspie she had for Christmas. She has her hair straight. She has also chosen gold jewellery, like Sam. The dress is flowing, and the neckline is low. Her make up is lightly applied eye shadow, mascara and subtle pastel shade of red lipstick.
Rebecca wants to impress but is unsure what to wear so she calls Jane in to help. Going through what she has available Jane suggests one of her own from her wardrobe. It's a long black satin dress and, like hers, it has a side slit. She puts on the new underwear she had for Christmas along with the fully fashioned stockings and heels. A black velvet choker with a diamond stud finishes off the look around her neck lifting the eyes from the ample cleavage she is showing. Subtle make up like Jane completes the look for her.
In the lounge they all compliment each other on how they look and then toast themselves with a glass of bubbly to get things going. As they sip their drinks the doorbell rings and Sam hurries to the door saying it's probably Lucy. When she opens it, Lucy is standing there with an overnight bag and is already dressed in a Red mini skirt, black tights, a loose very pale lemon blouse. She too has put on a little make up and has her hair in long plaits hanging over her shoulders to the front. Sam welcomes her and they hug. Jane goes to greet Lucy and Lucy becomes nervous as she gets a hug and kiss from Jane.
"Come on in Lucy and maybe Sam can show you where you are sleeping. I hope you don't mind sharing with Sam?"
"Oh, that's fine Jane, thank you for the invite, I am really looking forward to the evening."
Sam and Lucy run off to the bedroom where Lucy dumps her bag, and they have a natter.
The doorbell again and Rebecca says she will answer it and when she opens the door it's Alan who looks stunned as he lays eyes on Rebecca. "Hello Alan, nice to see you again" Rebecca leans forward to give him a welcoming kiss as he walks in.
"It's lovely to see you again too um, is it OK to call you Rebecca or should I say Mrs......?"
"It's Rebecca or Becky Alan, don't be shy, come on in."
They go through to the lounge and Alan says hello to the others though Sam and Lucy are still in their room chatting.
"I see you have a bag Alan, does this mean you are staying after all?" Mike looks down at the bag.
"Sorry, I am hoping to, but it depends if mum or dad have a drink or if one of them drives and can collect me, I hope that's alright?" Alan is very nervous and feels awkward because his mum and dad wouldn't just say stay and instead has made things difficult for Alan.
"Never mind mate, whatever happens will happen so don't fret about it, here put your bag in the hallway for now until things are sorted." Mike tries to make him feel more comfortable.
Jane looks at her watch "I wonder where Neal is Mike? He should be here by now."
"I'll go knock his door Jane, be right back" Mike goes over to Neal's house and knocks his door.
"Oh, Hello Mike, sorry I didn't realise the time. The truth is I fell asleep lol."
"That's OK Neal, just come over whenever you are ready" Mike returns home.
When he goes in, he sees Sam and Lucy back. He looks at Alan in his jeans and plaid shirt feeling a little sorry for him. He looks unsure of himself. "Come on Alan lets get a beer eh?"
Alan smiles at Mike and they go to the fridge and get a beer each. While in the kitchen Mike has a word with Alan and tells him to relax "we are all friends here mate just enjoy yourself. Help yourself to a drink when you want one and the same with the food in there on the table, just help yourself."
When they go back to the lounge Mike asks Jane to keep an eye on Alan and make sure he doesn't feel side lined as Lucy and Sam are talking about stuff and are not including him much. "I think that's a job for Rebecca Mike, he likes her. I'll have a word with her, and we can both have a chat with him and see how things go."
Jane and Rebecca get hold of Alan and start chatting to him, asking him about his studies, where he lives, general chat about him. All the time Alan is looing at Rebecca and feeling himself getting excited by her.
Meanwhile, Mike chats with Sam and Lucy. They then hear a voice call and it's Neal from next door. He has let himself in through the back door and Jane goes to greet him. In the kitchen where he has come in Jane and Neal hug and kiss. Neal is in casual trousers and a checked shirt looking clean and smart with polished brown shoes. He hands Jane a gift and holds onto her arms softly telling her he has missed seeing her as it's been a while. "You know me Neal, sometimes life can get extremely busy and with our new friends we are often committed to visiting them or they us. Never mind Neal, you have not been forgotten and I will make a resolution to ensure we see you regularly in the New Year but for now let's join the others in the lounge and get you a drink."
They go through and Neal says hello to all and is introduced to Lucy and Alan as Sam's friends from college. Neal is comfortable meeting new people and is soon chatting to the youngsters taking Alan away from Rebecca.
This is not so much a party as a get together of friends to celebrate the New Year and so is quieter than might be normal. Mike puts on some dance music to liven it up a bit and the youngsters are soon in the middle of the room dancing while the 'oldies' sip their drinks and chat as they watch the younger members of the group.