The silver-veined marble table gleamed, at least wherever there wasn’t a silver dish filled with tasty treats. Cupid felt better about attending the dinner and seeing Rudy, thanks to Blitz. The food was delicious, the mulled wine and champagne making everyone merry. Everyone was having a wonderful time. Dasher was a little quiet, which was unlike him, but soon Comet, Dancer, and Prancer had convinced him to play their games. It was odd to see Jack smiling so much. Cupid was happy for him. At times he almost appeared shy when Rudy would stop to whisper in his ear or give him a kiss. Tim and Noel—Rudy’s dear friends and helpers—were also in attendance. At least Cupid wasn’t the smallest elf in the room, not with Tim here. The tiny elf stood on his toes to kiss his sweetheart Noel when they walked under the mistletoe, not that the two needed an excuse to be affectionate. While Jack had his hands full teasing Noel, Rudy took the opportunity to get in a quiet word with Cupid. He tried not to appear so disheartened by Rudy’s hopeful smile.
