"The Coldest New Year's Ever" - Ms. Deborah

​New Year's Eve 2000.
 
The snow that fell from the bluish gray sky overshadowed the bright lights and musical sounds of cars and people.  The snow covered the bare trees in Central Park and I watched in awe through the window of the Royal Suite in the Ritz-Carlton. The snowfall felt as if magic touched the Big Apple. A few friends told me that New Year's Eve in New York City luxury is beautiful but seeing it in person was breathtaking. I stood by the window in my bathrobe taking in the view when Joseph came behind me and gently kissed me on my cheek. The warm touch of my husband of 20 years melted my heart.
 
"Bonjour, cheri! (Good morning, darling)" Joseph said as he handed me a mimosa.
 
"Good morning, dear," I responded and took the mimosa.
 
I turned around and looked at my husband. Joseph looked debonair in his gray Calvin Klien slim-fit pinstripe suit. His suit was paired with a Saks Fifth Avenue checked dress shirt and a Lanvin silk tie. The vibe that he conveyed was of power.
 
"What are you doing up so early?" he asked me.
 
"I could ask you the same question," I responded.
 
"8 am is not early for me, cheri. It is the hour of business men solidifying deals of advancement."
 
"I thought this trip was about us celebrating our anniversary."
 
"It is but you know, business never sleeps and neither do I. Today will be a short day for me, though. I'll be back by 1 pm. Then we can celebrate the rest of the day and bring in 2001 together."
 
"Promise?" I asked.
 
"I promise, cheri," he responded. "If I'm not here by 1 pm, then you can go to Saks and get a mink coat." He kissed me on my cheeks and walked down the hallway to exit our suite.
 
"As if I need to take a mink coat back to Louisiana!" I yelled just before he opened the door.
 
"Well then, you know I'll be back by 1," he said smiling and walked out the door.
 
I smiled and turned back to the picturesque view of Central Park. My thoughts wandered to my life with Joseph. 

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