The warmth and peace from Christmas did not last long when Solace was back in the office the next day.

It would not have been difficult to carry around the joy and cheer with the decorations and tree still up in Senator Moore's office space. The streamers sparkled when the sun hit it just right, the nutcracker figurines clanged their cymbals when you twisted them three times, and the miniature elf on her desk with big eyes and striped leggings offset the dull atmosphere. But Moore was even more insufferable after the holidays, voicing how it was crucial they got back on track as soon as possible.

Transitioning from spiked eggnog and lively celebrations with people you actually liked to a job with meager desks and glitchy computers was like attending a funeral for your happiness. No one wanted to be back here after the break, especially not with the senator on a raging path to instill inspiration back into his team.

Frank, the infamous man who was beaten up by his ex-wife and ex-mistress, appeared increasingly annoyed as if one wrong word would make him combust into a thousand fires. The senator aides were pouring coffee down their throats as if it was the last bit of caffeine left on earth, and the caseworkers jammed in their headphones to avoid any communication whatsoever as they mindlessly flipped through paperwork.

Solace would have wanted nothing more than to tune out the sounds of Wyatt and Miles as they rolled their chairs over to her desk, chattering about their joint family trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Everly seemed just the bit as annoyed as her, sharing tired glances whenever the boys said anything about hot girls in bikinis and lying on the beach as commoners – such as Solace – suffered in the biting cold.

"I much rather prefer a snowy Christmas," remarked Everly, turning up the notch of her snootiness, so it challenged theirs. "Besides, San Juan is overdone. Don't you think Solace?"

"Uh-huh, totally agree," she said mindlessly with a feverish nod of her head. A smile threatened to erupt at Everly's clear attempt to undermine Miles and Wyatt when Everly herself had gone to the Canary Islands for the holiday.

Wyatt folded his arms, careful not to crease his designer cardigan. "I hope you had a great time in the snow with your wet socks and fever," he fired back.

"I did indeed," Solace smiled, unbuttoning her black blazer, and patting down her matching pants.

"How was your Christmas?" Miles asked curiously. She sensed no malicious intent in his voice.

"It was fine," she said hesitantly. Solace wasn't quite sure how much she should share with someone who could barely be counted as an acquaintance. "A bit weird since I usually spend it with my family, but nice nonetheless."

"Did you spend it with Marco?" Everly questioned excitedly. This girl was far too invested in Solace's fake relationship.

Solace considered telling her that Marco and she broke up. That he had finally gained the courage to drop everything in his life and move to Russia to live in a monastery. How he realized the negative effects of materialism and his true passion for religion. That was the sane thing to do instead of continuing their lie. By lying even more.

"Yes, I did," Solace answered, her fake smile hurting her cheeks.

Miles coughed awkwardly. "Who's Marco?"

She did not have the chance to reply when Everly said, "Solace's boyfriend!"

"You have a boyfriend?" His attempt to sound nonchalant was feeble.

It was a dumb mistake on her part. She should have said they broke up. It would have saved her from building and watering this ridiculous fib. On the other hand, if she confessed her split, it would have led to a further line of questioning. When did it happen? Why? Who dumped who? Do you need a good cry? Either way, Solace was screwed.

A nod was all she offered.

Never had she been more thankful for Moore when he began to saunter over to the interns, an air of supercilious radiating off of him. The four of them quickly paused their conversation, swiveling into their seat, heedlessly typing gibberish on their computers or scribbling notes into their planners in the attempt to look busy.

"I hope all of you had a nice holiday," Samuel Moore announced, although it didn't sound like he cared.

A flurry of 'it was great' and 'thanks for asking' answered his question.

His bony hands straightened his tie that was hanging off to the side. "I'm glad to hear that." Are you really? "I stopped by to talk to the four of you."

Solace shared unsure glances with the other three. The senator had rarely discussed anything with all four of them. Most of the time, information was passed on from his assistants. He was always far too busy to deal with the likes of them. But now he stood at the desks, seats far away in the office where the only good view were of the printers. Was he about to deliver bad news? He couldn't fire them in public with dozens of eyes on them, could he?

"I don't know how it happened, but it seems that all of you are attending my New Year's Eve party." The moment he said that four pairs of brows shot up in surprise, all of them pointed at Solace and Everly. She knew the Miles and Wyatt probably had their daddies talk to the senator, but what had her desk mate done that acquired her a privy invite. Seemed like Everly had the same question with her curious look.

"I wanted to remind you that this is a rare opportunity for my interns," he continued, looking down at them. Literally and metaphorically. Moore's eyes flickered between them all. "I expect you to be on your best behaviour. Many important people will be there, and I am aware that not all of you are used to being in such company."

That comment was saved for Solace. He wasn't exactly wrong, but it wasn't like Solace was about to ask Bill Gates to buy her artwork or demand celebrities to take photographs with her. Okay, the jury was still out on the latter, but she would be sure to do it discreetly.

"We understand, Senator Moore," said Solace politely.

"We'll be on our best behaviour," assured Miles.

Everly and Wyatt hummed in agreement.

With a content nod, Moore stalked off to traumatize another member of his team. When he was finally out of earshot, all the chairs swiveled around to form a circle. Everly was the first to speak.

"How'd you get an invite?" she asked her.

Solace would stick with half-truths. She didn't need her friends and colleagues to think of her as some creep. "I found some information on Harrison Davis that the senator can use for his next campaign. You?"

"I assisted Mrs. Moore with planning the party by giving her the number of a renowned designer."

"You just gave her a number? That's it?" Wyatt said incredulously.

"The designer is Kenan Law. You have to book two years in advance to even have him consider," Everly shot back. "He planned my sixteenth birthday party, and he's a close family friend. I got Mrs. Moore moved up his list."

Solace nodded in understanding. She turned to the boys. "And I'm assuming your fathers had something to do with your invitation?"

Everly snorted. "Well, it definitely wasn't hard work."

That was what she liked about Everly. Neither of them had told one another about the invitations. It was an unspoken agreement that although they were work friends, both would do anything to move forward and gain Senator Moore's approval. There wasn't any bitterness or anger. Just respect for each other and respect for the brutal world of politics.

"Why work harder when you can work smarter?" shrugged Miles pretentiously.

Solace kissed her teeth, turning back into her seat so she could start completing her tasks for the next eight hours. "How does it feel to be a rich white man in America?"

"Pretty great, actually," he grinned.

She wanted to slap him, but at least he was self-aware of his privilege, so instead, she focused her energy on checking her emails, forcing her hands to stay within her personal bubble.

"I guess we'll all see each other at the party, then," smiled Everly, grabbing Solace's hand in excitement.

"I guess we will."

Little did they know she would be spending the entirety of the party playing thief and stealing a priceless painting.

***

Hello!!

So, double updates are back! I was having a rough day today, and I thought updating and writing would do me some good! We've got about two chapters before the heist and those two chapters are gonna be super cute, especially chapter 35.

Until next time – m.k.t