Dwight was here. And would likely be doing his normal shift, standing in the corner or along the wall and trying to keep out of anyone's way. But he had to get into the party first, which meant getting the approval of the hostess.

"Annie," he said with a small still somewhat awkward smile and a nod. "How are you this evening?" Yes, he was as Christmased as he would get. The only reason he was wearing the sweater at all was because he thought Lizzie would have gotten a kick out of it."