The New Year's Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

black, white, and silver she’d been contemplating. Colorful was more fun, especially with all of the kids in attendance.
    When she’d originally thought about a New Year’s Eve party for the Harrises, she’d envisioned a stuffy, formal affair, reminiscent of her father’s parties, where everyone sat around properly and tried to connect with anyone they thought might further their career. But once it was completely up to her and she wasn’t worried about impressing Ms. Harris, she decided to go out with a bang.
    She smoothed down her dress and stepped up to the bar. “Hi, can I have a bottle of water, please?” The bartender handed her a bottle. “Thank you.” She thought about dragging Garrett onto the dance floor as she turned away from the bar.
    â€œOlivia.”
    She jumped, startled by the firmness and the close proximity of the voice. Olivia cringed as she stopped short to keep from running into the other woman. “Uh . . . Ms. Harris. Hi.”
    â€œYou know, you really shouldn’t have gone behind my back and planned this party.”
    â€œNo, ma’am.” A shiver ran down her back.
    â€œEspecially if you’d planned to use my credit card.” Ms. Harris lifted an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side.
    Olivia winced. “No, ma’am. I mean . . . yes, ma’am. I . . . uh . . . I mean . . . uh . . .”
    Ms. Harris pursed her lips and examined Olivia as if she were a bug under a microscope. Olivia prayed fervently she wasn’t about to get squashed.
    â€œBut, then again, I’ve always appreciated employees who show initiative and ambition.” She smiled, and Olivia almost dropped her water. “If Garrett would like to keep you on as his assistant, I’d like you to return to work at Harris and Harris. Marty actually gave her notice the other day; she’s decided to stay home with her baby indefinitely, so the position is permanent at this point.”
    â€œI . . . thank you, Ms. Harris.” Did she want to return to work with Garrett? Absolutely. She looked around at the party she’d planned and a sense of pride crept in. For the first time in her life, she’d accomplished something, seen something through to the end. She liked the feeling.
    Ms. Harris extended a hand, and Olivia took it. “Wonderful party, dear. I hope to see you at work next week.” She moved off into the crowd, working the room like a pro.
    Gracie grabbed Olivia’s hand. “I’m having so much fun, Livvie. Thank you.” A radiant smile flushed her cheeks. “Too bad Barney couldn’t come.”
    â€œHe’ll be okay. He’s tuckered out from playing with you guys all week. I think he’s probably taking a nap.”
    â€œWell . . .” A mischievous grin lit her eyes as she looked around before leaning closer to whisper conspiratorially. “I didn’t want him to miss out on everything , so I saved him some.” She opened the small bag that hung from her wrist and matched her dress.
    Olivia peeked in. It was filled to the brim with hors d’oeuvres. Laughter bubbled up and joy filled her. She brushed a hand over Gracie’s hair just before Gracie skipped happily through the crowd.
    Olivia scanned the crowd in search of Garrett. Her gaze caught Jill’s and held as the other woman stared at her and started pushing her way through the crowd.
    Great. Just what I need.
    She plastered a phony smile on her face and waited for Jill to reach her.
    â€œHi, Olivia.” Jill smiled, and Olivia waited for whatever scathing comment would follow. “Great party.”
    Confusion caused her to hesitate for just an instant. “Thank you.”
    â€œListen, I know we didn’t get off on the best foot, but . . . well . . . I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” Jill shrugged. “Rumor has