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stumble through the foyer. The place is so packed that the path through the living room and into the kitchen is barely maneuverable without dropping my plate of brownies. Three guys stand in the corner while futzing with a keg, unable to grasp the concept of a tap. Now I really wish Sally was here.
    My cell phone still reflects a lack of reply from Donovan while the morons at the keg wonder if they need an ice pick to open it. I flee the kitchen on a quest for familiar faces.
    When Gina sees me, she waves wildly and tries to dodge her way over like she is about to burst with news. “Lily! I have been looking for you. I thought you’d never get here. I have a message for you.”
    I knew Donovan wouldn’t fail me.
    Gina’s dress is flattering as the emerald green accentuates her lime eyes and dark features. She made a great choice. “Hi, Gina. Happy New Year. Great dress!”
    “Thanks, you really like it?” she asks with a crooked beam darting out of her eyes. There seems to be a source of alcohol other than the keg.
    “I do. You look fantastic. What’s the message?”
    “Jim Douglas is looking for you. I think he likes you.”
    Ugh. How is that for irony? Sally probably got the word out, thinking she was doing me a favor. He’s cute, but there isn’t an interested bone in my body.
    After a little small talk with Gina I visit with the rest of my friends before excusing myself to the bathroom. On the way, I peek into my purse only to find there are still no messages.
    Well, when in Rome… I’m relieved that someone got a clue with the tap and didn’t attack it with a fire ax. I start partaking in a small cup when none other than Mr. Douglas himself approaches me.
    “Hey, Lily. I was wondering if you were coming. How was your Christmas?”
    I tingle at the memory of that amazing day that filled me with hope for the New Year.
    “Oh, the usual. How about you? Did you get everything you wanted?” I repress a gag while taking a sip of beer. I’ve heard of two-dollar wine, but if they paid more than that for this keg they were robbed.
    “Not quite. I did pretty well, but I’m hoping to make up for it tonight. You didn’t bring a date, did you? Maybe we can hang out a little.” He asserts himself by touching my arm and playing with the short sleeve of my dress like his only thoughts are of removing it. This guy is as transparent as egg whites. For his sake, I hope he doesn’t possess their other characteristics as well.
    “Sounds great, Jim. Oh, my phone is buzzing. Will you excuse me?” Talk about saved by the bell. Donovan never fails me.
    Pulling out my phone I feel tricked. The buzz was a text from Sally wishing me a happy New Year. While returning the sentiment I notice that it’s 11:46 P.M. If Donovan is going to show he doesn’t have much time.
    My eyes begin to sting, signaling that it’s time to stop kidding myself. Denial has been my best friend tonight, and it just ran out on me. It’s far too obvious that the man who, in sixteen and a half years, has never let me down has just stood me up.
    Desiring to hide my forming tears, I grab my coat and sneak outside, calling Donovan one last time before conceding to the truth. The phone rings its full length before going to voicemail.
    “Donovan, it’s Lily. It’s obvious that you aren’t coming. If you want to chicken out, I get it, but at least tell me. You’ve never left me hanging before. Please don’t do it now. Not over this. If there has ever been a time I needed you to talk to me it’s now.”
    Leaning against a lamppost, my body shivers as I watch the fog in my brain respire through my mouth. The party holds nothing worth returning to. I’m less than two miles from home, and I just want to curl up in bed and cry. Taking off my new shoes that beautifully match the outfit I was so proud of, I begin my walk home, my feet feeling numb on the snow covered sidewalk.
    Shortly into my journey, my phone buzzes with a text from Donovan.
    “ I