“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 163

**Chapter 35: The Christmas Party Part 1 (A moment of peace.)**

Christmas was just a few days away as the team entered into the final phase of their plan. Marlon decided to throw a Christmas gathering for Josie.

*“She hasn’t had a Christmas in over four years. I think a party would be good for her. What do you think?”*

Marlon looked at Emily with a weary expression. Now that the competition date was near, Josie had been more focused than ever! She left little room for downtime as the final preparations began. Marlon worried that by throwing her a surprise party, she may be resistant. He decided to speak with Emily about it considering she'd spent the most time with her.

*“Honestly, I think that would be great idea for her. She’s been so consumed with all of this; it would be nice to give her a moment to breathe and moment of peace.”*

Marlon nodded in agreement, he’d felt the same way, he just needed reassurance.

*“I’m going to call Josh; I’m sure he would love to be apart of this. Do I just invite the whole group?”*

Emily smiled warmly, she loved the way Marlon took care of his cousin. Over the past several months, Josie became somewhat a little sister to Emily, more than just her employer. She knew better than anyone what the Taylors were capable of.

*“I’m sure he will! I’ll notify the others; let’s plan a great party for us all!”*

\----------------------------------------

Josie sat quietly as Joshua drove them to their destination. The sound of music being the only noise. With the past few weeks being so dedicated to the plan; there was little time for Josie and Joshua to focus on their relationship since confessing their feelings. The evening before, he'd finally convinced her to go on a date.

*“You want to go out on a date?”*

Her eyes deepened in confusion as she and Joshua ate together in her office.

*“Yeah. Tomorrow’s Friday and we haven’t had the chance to really do anything couple-ish. Besides, I think a change of dinner scenery would be good for us both.”*

Josie tilted her head, she didn’t have much experience with dating, and unfortunately her introduction into intimacy had been ruined by Tillman. After solidifying their relationship; Josie decided to follow his lead on the whole *‘dating’* thing. Still, she’d never actually been on a date; so this might be kind of fun.

*“Okay! Let’s do it! Let’s go on a date!”*

Josie smiled brightly as she continued eating her dinner. Joshua’s face instantly lit up into a huge grin. After dinner, when Josie excused herself to the restroom; Joshua decided now would be a good time to text Marlon.

***………..***

***\[Mar….Josie is good to go for tomorrow! I’m going to take her to an early dinner. We should be back about 7pm.\]***

***……….***

***\[Yes! My man! Me and Em will have everything set up! I’ve already told everyone else too, so they’ll all be here!”***

***………..***

***\[😊 okay cool!\]***

***………….***

***\[Oh! She loves steak!\]***

***……….***

***\[LOL yeah I gathered that! I have the perfect spot!\]***

Friday finally came, and Josie found herself in a bit of crisis.

*“Em….I’m sorry for asking at the last minute…but…can you help me?”*

Josie looked at Emily with panicked eyes. As they headed out for work that afternoon.

*“Sure! Is everything okay?”*

Josie looked to her left; her face filled with slight embarrassment.

*“Jojo?”*

Emily was now worried, what could be troubling Josie at this moment? Taking a deep breath, Josie smiled nervously.

*“Yeah….it’s just….I don’t know how….well I’m not really sure what to wear for a date.”*

Emily’s eyes widen before a warm smile spread across her face. In so many ways, Josie was mature beyond her years. The cruelties of life forced her to grow up both fast and harsh. However, there were still some moments where Emily could tell she was just a young woman and in many ways still that eighteen year old girl. Emily gently placed Josie’s hands into hers.

*“I’d love to help you.”*

Josie’s face beamed with excitement as they headed home.

Joshua arrived at 4PM just as Emily was finishing Josie’s makeup. After finishing, Emily took a step back to admire her work.

*“Well…Ms. Josie….you look absolutely stunning.”*

Josie’s eyes shot up in surprise. Slightly nervous, she slowly turned around to face the mirror. Shock immediately filled her face; she couldn’t believe the person looking back at her was her own reflection. It had been so long since she felt beautiful. During her time in prison, it seemed as if her beauty had become more of curse. Between inmates hating her for it; wanting to *‘ruin that pretty little face’*, and Tillman using it as an excuse to sexually assault her; Josie began to almost hate her face. But now, now before her was a beautiful young woman ready for a date.

Standing slowly, she turned to face Emily; without saying a word, she embraced Emily tightly.

*“Thank you so much Emily. I’d almost forgotten what I use to look like.”*

Emily hugged Josie tightly, mentally telling herself not to cry.

*“You deserve it ma’am. Now…go show your date why he’s about to be the luckiest man in Bridgeton.”*

Emily winked at Josie causing her to blush. As she made her way downstairs, Joshua was finishing up a call. Just then, he caught Josie in his sight. Joshua couldn’t believe it! Though he’d always thought Josie was beautiful, tonight she looked like a stunning goddess. Suddenly, a huge smile appeared on his face as she made her way over to him. Josie could hardly keep eye contact as the thought was making her blush.

*“Well….that’s a hell of an apron miss baker.”*

*“Thank you….you look quite handsome yourself.”*

Smiling brightly, Josie took Joshua’s arm as they exited the condo. Deciding to break the silence in the car, Josie spoke first.

*“So….where are we going?”*

Josie had a mischievous smile on her face as they made their way to the restaurant. Matching her grin, Joshua winked his eye.

*“That’s a surprise my little baker.”*

Josie raised an eyebrow; though she was curious, her excitement overrode it.

As they stepped out of the car so that the valet could park; a magical aroma filled Josie’s nose. Anxious, she looked around for a sign of the restaurant. Finally able to locate it, Josie’s eyes widen with glee.

*“Azriel’s Steakhouse!!! That’s where we’re eating!!”*

A low and excited squeal escaped Josie’s lips. Joshua inwardly smiled with smug. He knew this was the right choice. Extending his hand with a grin, Joshua reached for Josie.

*“Shall we?”*

Josie grabbed Joshua’s hand with excitement as they made their way into the restaurant.

\-----------------------------------------------------------------------

*“See! I told you all. Bilique is one of the best party planning committees around!”*

Adrianna smiled as she looked around the intimate banquet hall. Since the group was small, Marlon didn’t want to rent a place too big. Emily was able to secure a spot at the last minute at Elevance, one of the most prominent hotels in Bridgeton. As the party designers finished the final touches, Emily did a walkthrough to make sure everything was perfect.

*“Just an FYI, I booked us all rooms on the executive floor as I plan to get completely drunk tonight.”*

Adrianna smiled as she walked towards Emily. Before anyone could answer, the doors to the hall opened. Georgia and Evelyn walked in along with their spouses, Adam, his fiancé, and an older handsome gentleman. Marlon, Emily, and Adrianna began to make their way over to the group. Adam spoke first.

*“Hey, I hope everyone is okay with me inviting my uncle Oliver to the Christmas party! He’s in town for a few more weeks helping with the investigation on Tillman.”*

Marlon walked over to shake both men’s hands; with a slightly puzzled expression.

*“Pleasure to meet you Oliver. Thank you for assisting us, if you don’t mind my asking….what exactly do you do?”*

Oliver shook Marlon’s hand. An apologetic expression on his face.

*“That’s quite alright Mr. Bowen and allow me to apologize for not reaching out to you sooner. My sister-in-law only reached out to me a few days ago and I’ve been busy ever since. I’m actually a P.I.”*

Emily and Adrianna made their way over as Georgia began to explain.

*“Everyone, first…this is my husband, Victor. He works at the precinct assisting Glendale in the Tillman murder, and from what I’ve learned so far, the case is hitting a wall. So I asked Evie’s brother-in-law to lend us a ‘less than bound’ hand.”*

Everyone understood exactly what that meant. Oliver would be able to get into places and find out information cops may have trouble with obtaining. Suddenly, Emily looked down at her watch.

*“We’ve got about thirty more minutes before Josie and Josh arrive; we’ll go over things quickly and then no more business talk. We want her to just enjoy this evening!”*

Everyone nodded in agreement as Oliver and Victor led the conversation.

As Oliver was wrapping up his progression, Marlon received a text.

*“Okay guys, that was just Josh! Him and Josie are about to enter the hall! Everyone in their place!”*

The group all began to shuffle as they made their way to their hiding spots before Marlon turned off the lights. After setting up the hall, one of the reps provided him with a light dimmer control.

*“Everybody shhh!”*

Marlon whispered as they could hear sounds coming from the other side of the door. As soon the doors opened, you could see the silhouettes of Josie and Joshua. Suddenly, the room lights came on displaying a beautiful Christmas theme. Before Josie could say anything, the group all jumped out.

*“SURPRISE!!!!!”*