About the Author

KATLYN DUNCAN grew up in a small town in Massachusetts with her head always in the clouds. Working as a scientist for most of her adult life, she enjoyed breaking down the hows and whys of life. This translated into her love of stories and getting into the minds of her characters. Currently, she has published twelve books with HQ Digital and has ghostwritten over forty novels.

When she’s not writing, she’s obsessing over many (many) television series. She currently resides in Connecticut with her husband, kiddo, and adorable senior citizen dog (who will forever be a puppy at heart!).

Readers Love Katlyn Duncan

‘Perfect read … I couldn’t put it down’

‘I will definitely be reading more from this author again.’

‘Engaging and thought provoking.’

‘I was completely glued from page one and didn’t want to put it down.’

‘Gripping. Thrilling. On the edge of your seat exciting. I absolutely loved it.’

‘This story kept me guessing.’

‘Perfect for someone who wants a quick read that’s also gripping’

‘A thoroughly heart-warming and enjoyable read’

‘Gripping, funny and emotional’

‘A delightful read’

Also by Katlyn Duncan

The Life After Trilogy: Soul Taken

The Life After Trilogy: Soul Possessed

The Life After Trilogy: Soul Betrayed

This Summer

This Christmas

Darkest Dawn

As You Lay Sleeping

Six Little Secrets

The Sisters’ Secrets: Rose

The Sisters’ Secrets: Reen

The Sisters’ Secrets: Pearl

Wrapped Up for Christmas
KATLYN DUNCAN

HQ

An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd.

1 London Bridge Street

London SE1 9GF

First published in Great Britain by HQ in 2019

Copyright © Katlyn Duncan 2019

Katlyn Duncan asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

E-book Edition © October 2019 ISBN: 9780008364892

Version: 2019-08-26

Table of Contents

Cover

About the Author

Readers Love Katlyn Duncan

Also by Katlyn Duncan

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Acknowledgements

Dear Reader …

Keep Reading …

About the Publisher

For anyone who can get the Christmas feels no matter what time of year or how hot it is outside. This book is for you.

Chapter 1

The Christmas song blaring from the pocket of the man in front of Angie was the last straw. He turned off the ringer of his phone, but that was it for her. She hadn’t even reached the end of the jet bridge before heat surged behind her eyes for the dozenth time that afternoon.

Don’t you dare cry, Angie Martinelli.

At least not until she’d buried herself under the covers in the room she hadn’t slept in since high school.

A day ago, she had lain in her queen-sized bed with eight hundred thread count sheets. When she wasn’t in her apartment, she was in Brett’s California king, treating it like a twin. She recalled the firmness of his body, snuggling up against him—

‘No,’ she hissed, startling the family of four next to her. The parents tucked their children closer to them, away from the crazy woman talking to herself. ‘Sorry.’

The mother grabbed onto her daughter’s backpack and steered her into the airport.

Angie tried to take a calming breath, wanting to push Brett and his cheating self to the farthest reaches of her mind. She gripped her rolling carry-on bag and adjusted her handbag on her shoulder.

With her belongings accounted for, she swiped away a stray tear threatening to fall and dipped her chin against her chest as she made her way through the waiting area toward baggage claim. Angie was determined to keep everyone out of her business – even strangers. She was adamant that they weren’t going to see the tortured expression she wore on her face. As an only child, she prided herself on being a strong and independent woman.

Or at least, she used to.

Once she reached the food court, the scent of greasy cuisine filled her nose. Her stomach ached for something to eat; she had waited too long on the flight to get one of the prepared meals and they were sold out. Nothing on the plane went her way. She sat behind someone who reclined their chair the entire time and the three complimentary bags of chips did nothing to ease her emotions as her mind and stomach churned across the country.

Angie stopped in front of a pub and hesitated, thinking of her bank account. Dollar signs filled her vision for the charges she’d had to pay for the three extra suitcases she’d brought with her. Only one more deposit would come through her account for her severance pay and then nothing. She shook her head, her long dark hair swooping across her face. It clung to her damp cheeks as she tucked the stray strands behind her ears before heading to baggage claim. She could wait to eat until she arrived at home. No doubt her mom would have prepared a feast for her already.

As she followed the signs toward the first level of the airport, she managed to hold back the dam of tears that threatened to break. She was doing well until she saw a handwritten sign on lined paper which read ‘Aunty’ taped to the huge belly of her best friend standing next to the unmoving carousel.

Tears burst from her eyes as Angie sagged into Reese’s arms and sobbed against her shoulder. The ugly, snotty cry that only a best friend or mother could take without feeling utterly disgusted.

Reese patted Angie’s back. ‘Let it all out, girl.’

‘How was the flight?’ her husband, Jeremy, asked.

Angie choked out a laugh and wiped her nose with the sleeve of her shirt. ‘Hi, Jer.’

The tall and still handsome high school football champion of their day stood a few feet away, clearly freaked out by the tears coursing down her face. Ten years after graduating, he had aged well. His mother always said youthful genes were a blessing in their family despite the lighter strands now peppered throughout his jet-black hair.

Men had it so easy.

A flash of Brett’s blond locks and million-watt smile threatened to crumple Angie’s composure.

Reese flipped her caramel hair over her shoulder. It seemed smoother than ever. Reese had been over the moon when she found out what pregnancy hormones did to her body. Her warm brown eyes peered down at Angie, filled with concern and warmth.

Angie couldn’t imagine starting a family, never mind getting married, since her life was already over. The dramatics were unnecessary, but it was hard to think of anyone but Brett at the moment. He had been the vision of her future. Now what?

‘Why don’t you grab Angie’s bags?’ Reese said to Jeremy.

He backed away as if Angie was a bomb ready to go off.

Angie stood straighter and wiped her face with her sleeve again. ‘Do I look okay?’

Reese raised an eyebrow. ‘I mean, I could lie and say you look great.’

Angie snorted a laugh, and more tears streamed down her face.

Reese folded her arms over her chest. ‘There are only two ways that dating your boss could go. Unfortunately, you got the short end of that deal.’

‘I never thought it would end like this.’

Reese patted Angie’s back before pulling her as close as she could, avoiding the basketball-sized lump under her shirt. ‘Love is a funny thing. Sometimes it blinds you.’

Angie wrinkled her nose at her friend. ‘That still doesn’t make me feel any better.’

Reese gently scratched the side of her belly. ‘It’s not supposed to. You’re hurting, and nothing I say is going to help until you start to heal. Right now, you can’t do anything about it. Brent—’

‘Brett,’ Angie corrected, even though the sour taste of his name made her already sensitive stomach quiver.

Reese waved her hands dismissively. ‘Brett lied to you. Now you need to learn from it and move on. You’ve been on the go since you graduated from college. Take some time for yourself. Slow down and appreciate life.’

‘I can’t,’ Angie said.

‘Why not?’

‘Keeping busy is going to help me forget about him.’

‘Why not enjoy the time off and a chance to have a break? It’s Christmas, and you haven’t been home in forever.’

Angie shouldered her overpacked handbag she’d dropped at Reese’s feet. ‘Is any part of this conversation going to be helpful?’

Reese’s smile fell. ‘Were there any signs?’

Angie considered that question. It was all she had thought about when he informed her the day before Thanksgiving that they weren’t going to work out because of his fiancée. Fiancée!

The return to work was incredibly awkward. Angie didn’t flatter herself to think that every employee knew about her breakup, but all she could think about was where Brett was in the building and how she could avoid him. There was no way that she could watch Brett and his fiancée – soon, wife – strut around the hotel in front of her. Determined for them both not to get the better of her, she decided to quit and demanded proper severance pay to tide her over the Christmas period.

The signs, though? Angie spotted them immediately after coming out of her love cloud to stare them in the face.

Brett was away at least two weeks a month on business. She had made excuses for him, putting it down to work since he had a hotel to run. It had worked out well for her as she was busy planning events. Her work had started to pick up as Thanksgiving approached; everyone wanted a holiday party in the hotel during December. Every night she had passed out fast asleep well before ten to get up and do it all over again the next day. But that had been their routine.

‘He wasn’t around much lately,’ Angie admitted.

‘I guess absence didn’t make the heart grow fonder.’

Angie shot her a look.

‘Sorry,’ Reese said. ‘I can’t control it sometimes.’

When Reese’s family moved to Brookside, Connecticut when they were in the second grade, Angie liked her plucky attitude immediately. Her best friend’s sarcasm didn’t earn her many friends in high school or beyond. But Reese’s bluntness kept Angie down to earth, giving her a reality check as her mind tended to float up to the clouds. Even though it hurt to realize how idiotic she had been with Brett, she needed the truth now. It was the only way she could move on.

They walked over to Jeremy as he searched through every bag that passed him on the baggage carousel, much to the annoyance of the other travelers.

‘What color are your bags, Angie?’ Jeremy asked over his shoulder.

Angie wiped the residue streaks of tears from her face. ‘Green.’ When she had left for college, her dad insisted she had a set of suitcases for coming home. Even though they were a hideous shade, it was his way of helping her out when she traveled.

Jeremy rocked on his heels. ‘How festive.’

Reese lifted a small bag of trail mix from her back pocket. She ripped it open and started to snack. ‘I bet your mom is thrilled you’re coming home for Christmas. What did she say when you told her?’

Angie chewed on her lip. For the past five years, Angie had flown her mom out to visit her in San Diego for Christmas. It wasn’t the white Christmas they were used to at home, but for Angie, it was better than returning to a place which reminded her of her dad’s absence. Her mother didn’t complain too much when she sat on the terrace of Angie’s apartment, soaking in the sun. If all had gone well with Brett this year, everything would have been the same. It would have been the first time that Brett had been able to meet her mom.

‘Considering she hates flying, she was thrilled,’ Angie said, picking up one of her bags as it came by. Jeremy took another. ‘It finally gave her a chance to decorate the house. The Thompsons next door helped her with the tree and lights.’

‘The Thompsons?’ Reese asked with a snort. ‘I bet that was a struggle.’

Angie laughed and lunged for another of her bags.

‘I’ve got it!’ Jeremy appeared beside her and grabbed the handle before she could.

Angie stepped back and glanced down at Reese, licking her fingers for the last morsels of salt. ‘How are you feeling? Are you ready for the baby?’

Reese answered without looking up. ‘As ready as we’ll ever be.’ Reese snaked a hand around Angie’s waist. ‘I’m glad you’ll be here to meet her first.’

‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

Reese raised an eyebrow.

Angie sighed. ‘It was going to be a surprise, but I did book a flight home after New Year’s.’ Another plan in her life she had to cancel.

Reese snorted. ‘You better have. Or else I would have kicked Brett’s butt for keeping you across the country.’

A break from California would get Angie’s head on straight again. Her life couldn’t get much worse, and she was determined to break her unlucky streak as soon as possible.

***

‘They’ve outdone themselves this year.’ Reese craned her neck to peer around the driver’s seat. The Thompsons next door spared no expense to make their house light up like a Christmas tree from December 1st through mid-January every single year.

Angie had forgotten how brightly their house shone and the memory caught her by surprise. Each polished ornament from her childhood stood in the same place as if they were stored in a snow globe. Though there were a few new ones, including the six – no seven – elves appearing to prance along the sidewalk. She didn’t need to roll down her window to hear the joyous ‘ho ho ho!’ from the mechanical Santa surrounded by his famous reindeer.

Angie’s mom had always tried to keep her dad away from accepting Mr Thompson’s annual request for assistance with their display for fear of him breaking his neck falling from the roof. Her mom had aligned their Christmas tree shopping that same weekend for many years to avoid the argument. As a child, Angie had sometimes woken weeks after Christmas, hearing the sound from the Santa on the neighbor’s roof.

As they drove by, Angie smiled, fondly thinking about her dad grumbling to himself for the entire month and a half about the outrageous display. The image of his face burned into her eyes, imprinting on her memory as Jeremy pulled into the driveway of her childhood home.

Colored lights climbed the highest peaks of the house and sloped toward the ground. A swooping sensation filled her, stealing her breath. Coming home was what she needed. She knew that now more than ever.

A familiar station wagon sat in her old spot on the driveway. The rusted edges of the wheel wells had extended to the back bumper. She was surprised it still ran. Angie’s mom must have invited her nonni over for dinner, knowing Angie was coming home. She braced herself for tight embraces and sloppy cheek kisses, but couldn’t help smiling. Her home had been a place to run away from for years. Now she wanted nothing more than the familiar.

Reese yawned and turned in her seat as much as she could. ‘We would love to visit, but I’m exhausted. This little angel sucks up all my energy. Let’s meet up tomorrow?’

Angie leaned over and kissed her friend on the cheek. ‘Definitely.’ She opened the door and hopped out of the car. ‘Thanks for picking me up.’

Jeremy grabbed two of her bags before they walked together to the porch with Angie rolling the last, and her carry on. She wasn’t sure where she was going to put everything.

‘How is she doing?’ Angie asked as they approached the house, out of Reese’s earshot.

‘She’s having trouble sleeping,’ Jeremy said, massaging the back of his neck. ‘I’ve been on the sofa.’

Angie spotted movement from behind the living room curtains. ‘Let me know if you need help with anything.’ Not like I have much to do anymore. I’m jobless, homeless, hopeless … She shook the negative thoughts from her mind.

‘Sure thing,’ he said. ‘It’s nice to have you back. Reese will never say it, but she misses you. Even more now with the baby on the way.’

‘Hormones?’ Angie tried to make light of the conversation. She hadn’t been the best best-friend since moving to California.

‘She’s become more emotional. It’s an adjustment for everyone.’

Angie sighed. So much had gone on the last few days, she wasn’t sure if she could handle more emotion from herself or her friends. ‘Thanks again for the ride. I’ll come by the house soon.’

‘No problem.’

Jeremy leaned forward, and they awkwardly hugged. Even though Jeremy and Reese had been together for years, he and Angie had never quite mastered the closeness either of them had with Reese. She was their glue.

The front door opened just as she reached for the knob. Donato grabbed his chest as if she’d knocked the wind out of him. His wheezing breath billowed above them. ‘Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, you scared me. I thought you were a damned ghost.’

Angie smirked. ‘I’m not a ghost, Nonno.’ She took the cigarette and lighter from his hand and put them in the pocket of his thick knitted sweater. ‘Those things are going to kill you, you know?’

‘That’s what your nonna says, but my ticker is as strong as it was when I was fifteen!’

Angie steered him inside and closed the door behind her, taking in the blazing heat of her home. It was worse in the summer as her mom insisted on cooking the same amount of food all year round. At least since Dad died. He had always been the grill-master, and after he had passed away, her mother saw no reason to change her cooking habits away from the kitchen. She hugged Nonno, sturdy as ever.

A loud cackle caught her attention.

Angie’s nonna, Emilia, held her hands in front of her, gesturing for Angie to come closer. As if she hadn’t been the one creeping behind the curtain. ‘Angela! Angela!’ The thick Brooklyn accent filled Angie with a warmth she hadn’t expected. The round woman pressed herself against Angie’s middle and squeezed. Even now, in the later end of her seventies, she still made Angie breathless with her hugs.

Angie leaned her cheek against the top of Emilia’s head. Her gray-streaked hair was shorter than she remembered.

‘I think you’ve shrunk.’

Emilia pressed her hands against Angie’s waist. ‘You too.’

‘It was so nice of you two to come and visit me,’ Angie said. ‘I missed you.’

Emilia stiffened and took a step back, keeping her hands on Angie’s waist. A version of the terrible stink-eye that could send any man in a ten-foot radius skittering away had befallen Angie.

‘What’s with the face?’ Angie looked at Donato who suddenly found his hands fascinating.

‘Maria!’ Emilia barked, making both Angie and Donato jump.

‘You’ve done it now.’ Donato rubbed a hand over his stubbled cheek.

‘What did I do?’ Angie asked.

Emilia darted from the room, and Angie followed her toward the kitchen. She barely had a moment to take in the boxes of Christmas decorations on the floor before approaching the raised voices of her mother and her nonna going at it.

Angie peered into the kitchen, not wanting to get in the middle of whatever was happening. ‘Ma?’

Emilia placed her hands firmly on her hips, and her bottom lip jutted out. ‘Tell her.’

Angie’s heart warmed when she saw her mom, pear-shaped as ever, holding a wooden spoon tipped with gravy. Her mouth watered thinking of a home-cooked meal for once instead of take-out or airplane food.

‘Tell me what?’ Angie thought of all the possibilities of horrible situations. Was one of them sick? Dying? Did it have something to do with her coming home?

Maria rolled her eyes. ‘Mom, can you give me a minute to say hello to my daughter?’ She darted across the room and kissed Angie on the cheek. Her skin was softer than Angie remembered. ‘Welcome home, Angela.’

No one could stop Emilia when she was about to scold someone. ‘You had plenty of time to tell her, now you’re going to disappoint your only daughter.’

Angie huffed. ‘Can someone fill me in?’

Emilia crossed her arms and avoided eye contact by staring at the ceiling.

Maria took Angie’s hands in hers. They were warm. ‘I told Nonna it wouldn’t be a big deal to you.’

Angie’s gaze darted between her mom and Emilia. ‘What wouldn’t be a big deal?’

‘Nonno and Nonna had to leave their apartment.’

‘Rodents!’ Donato said from the doorway.

‘Disgusting,’ Emilia spat.

‘So, they’re staying with us for a little while.’

Angie waited yet no one else spoke. ‘Is that all?’

‘Well,’ Maria said, dragging the word out longer than necessary. ‘They’re staying in your room. It’s bigger and more comfortable for them.’

‘I told Maria we could stay in the guest room,’ Emilia offered.

Maria glared at her mother.

Angie mustered a smile to appease her family. ‘I’ll stay in the guest room while I’m home.’ She had no intention of staying longer than necessary and moving her nonni out of the room for a week or so didn’t make any sense.

‘See!’ Maria shrieked and pointed the spoon at Emilia. ‘I told you it was fine.’

Emilia grunted and sat at the table set for four.

Maria led Angie to the chair she had sat on since she was a kid, gesturing her to sit. ‘Tell us all about your trip. I’m almost finished with dinner. I made your favorite.’

Angie sat at the table, allowing the warmth of the house to envelop her into a tight hug. She was used to the wide-open space of her and Brett’s apartments. The house where she grew up felt smaller than it had the last time. But the laughter and happiness shining in her family’s eyes lulled her into a sense of security she hadn’t realized she had missed.

***

Angie could barely keep her eyes open during dinner, even though her brain was three hours behind. She guessed the exhaustion from moving her life across the country and breaking up with the man she had expected to marry had finally caught up with her. At least she would soar over the potential jet lag.

After saying goodnight to everyone, Angie headed upstairs to the guest room. She wearily carried her heavy feet down the long hallway toward the last door, lugging her suitcase behind her.

Angie had slept in smaller confines in college, so she didn’t mind the change in her plan. The moment she pushed open the door, it rebounded back, smacking against her arm. Pain zipped through her elbow and she frantically rubbed the spot to make the radiating ache stop.

Angie pushed the door open again, slower this time, and flicked the light switch. Against the back of the door, a folded-up treadmill blocked her way. She squeezed into the room, turning her suitcase to pull in behind her.

In the far corner was a table, covered with scrapbooking supplies, and on the floor were about twenty photo albums. Next to that were even more Christmas decoration boxes, which her mom usually stored in the attic. Angie guessed that she hadn’t dared to pack them away since her dad had died. The rickety pull-down ladder to the storage space always terrified her mother.

A headache formed behind Angie’s eyes and she rubbed the side of her temple, willing for it to go away. Adding physical pain to her mental anguish wasn’t going to help her get any sleep. She abandoned her other suitcases in the hallway, turned the light off, and flopped onto the bed. Moonlight poured into the room, throwing shadows across the walls.

It wasn’t long before a single tear slipped down her cheek. Even in her own home, she couldn’t help but feel cast off. Days ago, she was a successful event planner for one of the most prestigious hotel chains in the country with a sexy, wealthy boyfriend and a fantastic apartment. Now she was back at home, in the town she had always wanted to escape from.

Angie thought of the giant rock on Brett’s fiancée’s finger, and her skin prickled. Hot tears coursed down her face and she tightened her grip on the blanket around her as the memories of her relationship with Brett flooded her mind. He was the perfect boyfriend. When they were out together, he never seemed interested in other women. Though, they did keep their relationship a secret since he was her boss. Was that the appeal for him?

Angie wasn’t the type to throw herself pity parties, but her chest had felt empty from the moment she boarded the plane in California.

Gathering all the memories of Brett, she mashed them into an ugly ball and shoved them into the darkest reaches of her mind. Her breathing slowed as her eyes became heavy.

Angie was a list-maker, which was a big part of her job. If there was ever a time to make one, this was it. Her eyes squeezed shut as she worked out the next step of her plan. She was on the other side of the country, so she doubted she would see Brett again. Not that she ever wanted to. Before she left, she had demanded a glowing recommendation letter to help in her new job search. It was part of her request in the severance package.

Her job had been a coveted position at the company, and she knew the vultures would be there after the holidays picking up the pieces of her previous life. This was a tough time of year to search for another job. But, with the New Year on the horizon, there wasn’t a better time to start over.

First, she would update her resume and scour job openings in New York City and surrounding areas.

Angie never intended to stay on the East Coast, but it would have to do while she could get back on her feet. After bouncing back from this, she would leave again on a new adventure.

This was all temporary, and with a plan in mind, she snuggled under the covers with visions of job offers dancing in her head.

Chapter 2

The pounding of Nick Bower’s feet against the ground and the tinkling of dog tags next to him created a monotonous sound in his head. It was the perfect rhythm to help him free his mind and think more clearly. The temperatures had dipped over the last week, and it was almost cold enough outside to decide against taking his morning run. But he couldn’t disappoint the most important girl in his life, Charlie. At least that was what he told himself. Running cleared his head and helped untangle any family or work issues and working with his father led to a lot of those. It also helped ease his guilt during his busiest season when he couldn’t be there for Charlie as much as he wanted.

After his second lap around the park, he headed home. Charlie trotted next to him, her tongue lolling to the side.

Nick had found the golden retriever at a dog rescue event three years ago during one of his solo runs. She’d howled for him, louder than the others in her litter, until he’d walked over. The moment he’d looked into those brown eyes, it was love at first sight.

The duo came to an abrupt stop at the front door to Nick’s apartment building, where the doorman, Frederick, stood between the outer and inner doors rubbing his gloved hands together.

‘Good morning,’ Nick said, pausing to stretch his hamstrings.

‘Getting a little cold out,’ Frederick said, blowing air into his fists.

‘Not for this girl,’ Nick said, scratching Charlie’s head. She pushed her nose into his hand, demanding more love. ‘She’s the only one who matters.’

‘Until you find a lucky woman.’ Frederick winked.

Nick smiled, tighter this time, and walked inside. Frederick wasn’t the only person in his life pushing for him to meet someone else. Heat clung to the sweat on his forehead. The uncomfortable change in his temperature wasn’t all from the exercise.

As he trudged over to the elevator, thoughts of his ex, Molly, filled his mind.

The doors opened, and he stepped inside, trying to shake her out of his head. The ‘lucky woman’ Frederick described was a myth. At least based on his most recent history. Charlie was non-negotiable in his life. Even with the sweetest dog on the planet, Molly somehow couldn’t stand the hair on her clothes and Charlie’s kisses were as horrifying to her as dunking her face in a toilet. For a while, he chose to ignore her many ultimatums. But with his work schedule taking over his life, he didn’t quite understand Molly’s real disgust until he came home to a half-empty closet and a confirmation of their breakup via text.

It wasn’t much after nearly a year of dating. But when Molly wanted something, she went after it. Molly didn’t shy away from letting everyone know how much ‘better’ she had done lately. She had filled her newsfeeds with vacations and events with her new boyfriend.

Eventually, Nick deleted his social media accounts to keep his head in the game and from falling through the black hole beckoning him to search through more of Molly’s pictures.

No one had been more excited about the breakup than his dad. He didn’t appreciate distractions from work, and according to him, Nick’s girlfriends were the biggest. He’d been out on dates a few times since their breakup, but he wasn’t interested in any of the women long-term. Thirty-two was young enough to make these mistakes, and he was going to be more careful this time.

When Nick opened the door to his apartment, Charlie pulled away from him and took off toward her water bowl. She stood by the bay windows which overlooked the city he’d lived his entire life.

Charlie padded over to Nick with dripping jowls as he headed for the coffee maker, nudging his knee with her snout. He scratched her head and reached for the container on the counter.

Nick scooped kibble into her bowl. He knelt, offering the perfect opportunity for a quick lick on the cheek. ‘You must be hungry, girl.’

The scent of percolating coffee moved through the apartment and snapped Nick back to reality. Molly was five months ago. He had moved on, and he tried to forget the memories as quickly as they had appeared.

Nick sat on the couch glancing out at the city waking up around him and sipped from the steaming mug of coffee. His phone buzzed from the table next to him – six-thirty on the dot. His dad was already at the office. Work didn’t start until eight, but his father liked to make a point of showing up before everyone. It was a mix between wanting to show off and proving that he was worthy of being the boss. Not that anyone ever challenged him.

When Charlie finished her food, she hopped onto the couch and curled her body around herself, bumping Nick’s arm. He absently rubbed her head while admiring several of the apartment buildings across the way that had already decorated their windows and trees with twinkling colored lights.

It was the second day of December and people were ready for Christmas. Last year, Molly had hired a company to decorate the apartment for the holiday. The fake fir tree and poinsettias didn’t bring him the Christmas spirit at all. He preferred the scents and warmth of the season surrounding him. The only time he experienced a sliver of that was at his parents’ house, or his brother David’s, around Christmas.

Nick leaned over to grab his phone. Charlie lifted her head and plopped it down on his lap, looking for more scratches. He couldn’t help but laugh; she knew he was leaving soon and wanted to get as much time with him as possible before Mrs Wilson arrived to take Charlie to her apartment for the day.

He scrolled through his phone until David’s name came up in his messages. The last discussion they’d had was about the timing for Thanksgiving dinner. His parents always hosted the holidays, so David scheduled his dinner later to make sure Nick wouldn’t have to choose between his parents and brother.

The rift between his father and David had gone on too long, but their dad would never concede. When David chose to leave the company to pursue his passion, it severed the ties between their family. Well, mostly because their dad couldn’t let go of the fact that David no longer wanted to work for the family business. Nick was never going to abandon his older brother, his wife, and two nephews, but their father made every holiday more complicated than it needed to be.

Their mother met with David and the kids often, but no one talked about it. To his father, it was as if David never existed. When Nick had tried to bring it up with his dad, he’d attempted to convince him many a time to build bridges, but the results were always the same – stern glares and long strings of uncomfortable silences. David had contested it wasn’t worth making Nick’s work-life a living hell, so the silent barrier carried on.

An alarm blared from Nick’s phone, catapulting him back to the present.

Charlie looked up at him with wide dark eyes.

‘Don’t look at me like that.’ Nick got up and walked toward the bathroom while Charlie plodded over to her bed to wait for him to get ready.

***

On the way to work, Nick’s shoulders lifted slightly. He tried to hold onto the loose feeling in his body from the run, but it proved to be a challenging task. His fingers tensed around the steering wheel of his Lexus as lyrics of a magical snowman floated from his speakers. The town had started its transformation into the holiday season. Workers stood on cherry pickers, placing lit snowflakes against tall poles. Wreaths hung from most of the business doors while artificial snow collected at the corners of the windows.

A text came through on the console in his car, and Nick glanced at the name.

‘I’m on my way,’ he said into the speaker before the phone sent the text off to his dad. He’d never been late for work but always had to be on his toes.

The mall loomed next to him as he drove past the entrance toward corporate parking. Knowing he had a meeting with his father in about a half hour, Nick needed more coffee to lubricate the conversation. A pastry would help too.

The valet lot was in the back of the mall. Nick stepped out of his car and straightened his tie. A young guy dressed in a puffy vest and hat branded with the Westford Mall logo walked over to him.

‘Good morning, Mr Bower,’ he said, as a white cloud billowed from his mouth. It seemed to be colder than earlier that morning during his run.

‘Morning,’ Nick said, handing over his keys before rounding the lot toward the street.

The sign for Kevin’s Café beckoned Nick to pick up his pace.

Years ago, Nick had negotiated the contract for the café. At the time, his father took a lot of convincing that the café wouldn’t take money away from the food court, and that it would be a draw for the mall instead. Patrons loved the coffee, so they tended to stick around to shop while sipping from their lattes.

Entering the café, the strong scent of freshly ground coffee filled his nose. The light from the hazy December sun cascaded down through the front windows. Nick unzipped his coat and stepped into the line already six people deep.

While waiting, he scrolled through several emails to get a head start on work.

‘Two everything bagels with extra cream cheese,’ the woman in front of him ordered.

While Nick only really wanted to order for his dad, the thought of a bagel made his stomach growl.

Vickie, the twenty-something barista, caught his eye as she started on the food. She winked her false eyelashes at him. ‘The usual?’

‘Yes,’ Nick said. ‘Also, a scone and a wheat bagel with lite vegetable cream cheese.’

‘Toasted?’ she asked.

‘No,’ Nick said, checking the time on his platinum watch.

The woman in front of him glanced over. She did a double take and her eyebrows arched before she turned back to Vickie.

Nick had no idea what that look was for, but he couldn’t help moving closer to explain himself. ‘Your order sounded good.’

‘I can’t stand wheat bagels. I mean, what’s the point if you’re not going all in?’ she said.

Nick smiled at her. ‘Should I change my order?’

The woman smiled, and her light green eyes crinkled at the corners before she turned back to her phone. ‘Do whatever you want.’ She was several inches shorter than him, wearing workout gear and a puffy red jacket. Under a knitted gray hat, her shiny dark brown hair almost reached the middle of her back. The same style of gloves peeked out from her pockets.

‘Are you starting your Christmas shopping early this year?’ Nick couldn’t help himself. He wanted to think it was more because of his line of work than wanting to talk to her.

‘Already done,’ she said. ‘I’m an online shopper.’

Nick winced. Not what he expected, but at least she was honest. She also had no idea what he did for a living. ‘Are you from around here?’

The woman cut a look his way. ‘I grew up in Brookside.’

‘A local?’

‘Does that surprise you?’ she asked, finally putting down her phone.

He cleared his throat, lifting his hands in surrender. ‘You have enough outerwear for a trip to Alaska.’

Vickie came back with her order and rang her up. The woman handed over her card to pay.

The woman pulled the hat from her head, smoothing her hair back. ‘I’ve lived in California for years. I’m so not used to the cold anymore.’ She unzipped her jacket, revealing another layer.

Nick wanted to ask her where in California, but Vickie spoke first. ‘It’s not working.’ She held the card between them.

The woman wrinkled the paper bag of bagels she held close to her chest as if she wasn’t willing to let it go without a fight. ‘Please try again.’

The door opened, letting another gust of cold air into the café, and three more people joined the already growing line.

Vickie shrugged, holding the card between two fingers. ‘I’ve tried it twice, and it’s not going through.’

The woman lowered her voice. ‘Please try it one more time.’

Vickie sighed and tried again.

The same double beep sounded from the machine.

Vickie raised her thick eyebrows at the woman. ‘Do you have cash?’

The woman blew out a breath. ‘I can’t believe this.’

‘Do you have another card?’ Vickie made a point to examine the line behind them. It was almost to the door now.

‘What’s the hold-up?’ someone behind them asked.

Nick glared at the guy.

The woman at the counter looked as if she wanted to crawl into the bag she gripped in her hands.

‘Here,’ Nick said, handing his card to Vickie.

The woman scowled at him. This time her eyes held an edge of skepticism. ‘You don’t have to do that.’

‘It’s fine,’ he said.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked him up and down. ‘No, really.’

‘You need to pay for your stuff,’ Vickie said.

‘Just take the card,’ Nick said, handing it over. ‘It’s no big deal.’

Vickie swiped the card and handed it to him.

‘I’m paying it forward—’ Nick’s words dried on his tongue as the woman was already halfway to the door.

Vicki turned to the next customer as she slid Nick’s bag across the counter. ‘See you tomorrow.’

The woman was already at the door before Nick caught up with her. Couldn’t she even thank him? He misjudged the distance between himself and the door as two teens rushed inside. The door swung so quickly that the collision was inevitable. He braced himself as he gripped his coffee. The door nailed the lid, and the flimsy cup buckled under the weight. The searing hot liquid splashed his shirt, coursing down his chest.

The two teens linked hands and joined the line as if they had no idea what they had done. Apparently, it was a day for rude people.

The woman whipped around, and her jaw dropped at the sight of him. She gave an apologetic smile and wave before taking off across the street. The countdown of the walk signal at the traffic lights wasn’t enough for him to safely catch up to her.

Nick wasn’t about to get into another accident on her account. He curled his lip and sidestepped the door, grabbing several napkins from the nearby dispenser. He could go home and change, but his dad would never forgive his tardiness. There was no separation between family-dad and professional-dad. He was all in, all the time, and held Nick to a higher standard.

It was a good thing Nick liked to be prepared and had backup clothes at the office. All he had to do was make it there without his dad spotting him.

***

Nick trudged through the office, holding his coat against his sopping wet shirt.

‘What happened to you?’ Maya asked, sipping from her snowman-shaped mug.

Nick turned toward the head of Human Resources. Her cubicle was across the hall from his office. He didn’t have a lot of time to delay before the morning meeting with his father. ‘Someone rushed the door as I was leaving the café.’

‘People are insane around the holidays. Do you have an extra shirt?’ she asked.

‘In my office.’ He didn’t want to talk about the mishap anymore – though he had a few words for the woman who left him dripping wet. ‘How are the Christmas hires going?’

Maya smoothed a chunk of black hair from her face. ‘Only a few more spots to fill.’ Maya had come in as an assistant right out of high school and made her way up the ladder quickly.

Nick’s dad, Quinn Bower, popped his head out of his corner office and spotted him.

Nick’s entire body tensed as Quinn’s eyes met his. ‘I should go. Have Carrie send me the numbers at the end of the day.’

‘I know how to handle my assistant, thank you,’ Maya said to his back.

Nick smirked. Maya never let him get away with anything. After David left his position, Nick was there to swoop in. As the son his dad had never intended on working with, Nick’s first year was harder than all the rest. With David as a manager, Nick had passively sat by while his father and brother ran the corporation. Nick had proved himself over the years, but Maya never gave him any slack and kept him grounded when he needed it.

Nick opened the thin closet at the back of his office and changed his shirt. As he walked toward his dad’s office, he plastered on a confident smile while his fingers gathered the top of the paper bag in his hands.

‘Nice of you to join us,’ Quinn said, gesturing at Nick to close the door behind him.

Nick lifted the pastry from the bag in his hands. ‘It’s five of eight, and I picked this up for you.’

Quinn’s eyes sparkled for a moment before darkening again. ‘I need to speak with you about something important.’

‘Okay,’ Nick said, handing over the bag.

Quinn placed it on his desk before shoving his hands into his pockets. ‘You’re coming up in the business, which is great. But I want to discuss a move forward.’

‘What did you have in mind?’

‘You remember Jared Kent.’ Not a question.

‘Sure,’ Nick said, racking his brain to place the name. ‘He was into real estate. You went to business school together.’

Quinn nodded. ‘We’ve stayed connected over the years and are going to dinner this week. We’re discussing a new project, and I would like for you to attend.’

‘Really?’ Other than holidays or business lunches, his dad rarely wanted to share a meal.

‘I’ll have Rachel put the details in your calendar.’ Also, not a question. His dad already knew Nick’s schedule, especially during this time of the year. Maybe the Christmas spirit had affected him as well? Whatever the reason, after the morning Nick had had, his mood improved slightly. The moment with the rude woman faded into the background as he considered what his father had in mind for him.

Chapter 3

Angie bolted across the street, holding the paper bag against her chest. She didn’t dare look behind her until she walked through the entrance of the mall. She couldn’t believe she had embarrassed herself like that. The first cute guy in a suit she saw brought her back to the foolish woman she had been with Brett. Then, her card was denied.

The reminder that things like food and clothing cost money reeled in her head. She didn’t think she had spent that much in her move back home, but last-minute plane tickets after Thanksgiving were expensive, along with moving her furniture into storage until she had found a permanent place to live. The severance check should have been enough to cover all her budgeted expenses.

Heat seared her cheeks as she glanced over her shoulder. From the furious expression on that guy’s face, she fully expected him to come after her. Thankfully, he was nowhere in sight. It wasn’t her fault those kids had knocked the door into him. She supposed he was upset she hadn’t thanked him for paying, but she was too embarrassed to stick around. Reese’s voice screamed in the back of her mind to run away. This was her chance to get a break from men like Brett, and she had failed her first test.

While the guy was attractive, their short conversation reminded her so much of Brett – the suit, the slick-backed hair, and throwing money around like it wasn’t a big deal. While it was nice of him, the fact that she had no money to pay for bagels loomed over her like a thick cloud.

Brett had said she would get a severance check. She hadn’t bothered to review her bank account; she had simply assumed the money would be there. He couldn’t have lied about that too. It was a silent deal they had made. She didn’t want to make a big deal of their breakup, and she got what she needed to get out of there.

With two bagels in her hands and Reese waiting for her, Angie would have to wait to find out what was going on with her finances. She located Reese outside of Bloomfield’s department store. Somehow, her friend appeared even more tired than when she had seen her last. As she neared, the bags around Reese’s eyes darkened.

‘Finally,’ Reese said. ‘I’m starving.’

‘Sorry. Did you eat breakfast?’ Angie asked, sitting next to her on the bench.

Reese cut a look at her. ‘If I say yes, don’t judge me.’

‘I won’t,’ Angie said, grinning.

They were the type of friends who could pick up where they left off every time they met. Reese dug into the bag and pulled out a bagel.

‘I’ve been dreaming about this,’ Reese said, admiring the food from all angles.

‘Really?’

‘It’s my favorite place to eat down here. I needed some fuel this morning. I hate coming to the mall after Thanksgiving, though.’ Reese narrowed her eyes at the people walking past them. ‘Especially this year. I’ve realized how many shoppers don’t care about mowing down a pregnant woman as long as it means they get their cheap television.’

‘Turning a little green there,’ Angie said.

Reese tilted her bagel toward Angie. ‘Don’t you dare call me the Grinch.’

Angie laughed. ‘You said it!’

‘What’s on your list?’

‘I can’t get anything today,’ Angie said.

‘Why not? Don’t tell me you’re Scrooging it.’

‘I couldn’t even pay for the bagels this morning.’

Reese stopped chewing and stared at her bagel. ‘You didn’t get these out of the trash, did you?’

Angie groaned. ‘No, some guy paid for them.’ She drifted into her thoughts, thinking of him. She started to regret her reaction of fleeing the scene.

‘What happened?’

Angie told her every agonizing detail of the story. Reese’s expression went from pity to confusion.

‘What?’

Reese grabbed her arm, smearing cream cheese on Angie’s coat. ‘Sorry.’ She licked the remaining cream cheese from her fingers before continuing. ‘Why are you smiling like that? Was the guy hot?’

She almost wished her best friend didn’t know her that well. Angie knew where Reese would go with the information and besides that, she didn’t want to be interested in any guy. ‘He was attractive, I guess.’

‘No way, Ang. You need to back up.’

‘I know! I’m horrible. He swooped in like some prince charming and I fell for it! He reminded me so much of Brett and the way he used to flaunt his cash.’

‘Well, as long as you’re aware of it. Don’t you want a little time to be single and recalibrate your life?’

‘Yes.’ Angie shoved her hair away from her face, stuffing a piece of bagel into her mouth. She needed a minute to think. This was typical behavior for her. Angie had only been single for a few days before she met Brett. And before that with Jonathon. There wasn’t much of a break between men in her past, and she needed to change her pattern, give herself the time and space to heal.

Reese eyed her friend but gestured for her to continue. ‘So, let’s get back to why you don’t have money. Did Brett do something else to screw you?’

Angie put her food down and grabbed her phone. ‘I was supposed to get the severance already. Do you mind if I check my account?’

Reese waved a hand at her to go ahead, while she started on the second half of her bagel.

Angie plugged her mobile banking data into the app. In the few seconds it took for the website to load, her stomach clenched. Then it plummeted when she saw the overdraft notice.

‘I’m assuming it didn’t go through?’ Reese asked.

Angie shook her head, willing away the sting in her eyes as she moved money over from her savings to account for the overdraft. She tried not to dip into that account often, but in this instance she had no choice. Her job had been enough to keep her afloat while she saved as much as she could. Angie never counted on Brett dumping her, in a way forcing her to leave her job. ‘I don’t want to call them. It’s so mortifying.’

‘You did nothing wrong. He made you uproot your life. I’ll call them if you want.’

‘No,’ Angie said, protecting her phone. Reese had always been like a big, scary older sister to anyone who messed with her. Angie had to do this on her own.

‘Do you need a loan?’ Reese asked.

‘No.’ Angie had created this mess, and she was going to fix it.

‘Well, the offer stands. Whenever you need it.’

Angie nodded and drafted an email to Melissa from the hotel. She handled all the employee paychecks and would be discreet in Angie’s hour of need. She wanted to avoid contacting Brett if she could help it. It would only prove that he had made a better choice with whatever woman he thought was worthier than Angie of his grandmother’s diamond ring. Though she had some choice words she wished she could give him.

She had only just put her phone in her bag when her email pinged.

‘That was fast,’ Reese said.

‘They owe me,’ Angie said, checking the message. It was from Melissa, but her hopes disappeared as she read the out of office reply.

‘She’s not in the office today,’ Angie said, reading the email three times, hoping it would change into a message more in her favor.

‘Is there anyone else you can talk to?’ Reese asked.

‘No,’ she said, even though it wasn’t true. Today wasn’t about her old life. She had enough savings to get her through as long as she kept to a tight budget.

Angie couldn’t help the sinking feeling that her pride was getting in the way of reaching out to Brett about her paycheck, despite it being what she was owed. Her heart was heavy in her chest, and she was considering that it might be better to go without than confronting Brett again. Her cheeks burned with anger and frustration. Shaking Brett from her mind she glanced up at her friend.

‘So, what are you looking for?’ Angie needed to change the subject. ‘I’m your bag carrier for the entire day.’

Reese ticked names off her fingers. ‘Jeremy, his parents, our niece and nephew, his coworkers too. Are you sure you’re not going to do any shopping?’

Angie knew Reese was fishing to find out about her gift. She was awful at accepting surprises. When they were kids, Reese used to come over even more than usual around her birthday and Christmas to try and find presents in Angie’s house. Little did she know Angie’s hiding spot was behind her dad’s toolbox in his basement workshop.

Reese pushed off the bench. ‘Well, let’s get going then. I might fall asleep here if we stay any longer.’

***

As they walked through the department store, Angie continued eating her breakfast. Her stomach was a jumble of nerves, but she tried to savor each bite. There was no way she was eating lunch out. She was looking forward to her mother’s home-cooked meals, and there was no way her bank account would allow too many frivolous purchases until she was sure of the extra money. Sneaking small pieces of bagel out of the bag at a time, Angie remembered how food wasn’t allowed in the store. It didn’t stop her keeping candy in her pocket when she worked there all those years ago, and it certainly wouldn’t stop her now.

‘Bringing back memories for you?’ Reese asked.

‘It’s like stepping into another time,’ Angie said. The harsh lighting was still the same, and the warmth inside the store was unmistakable. It was a simpler time and place in her mind, yet it had a substantial impact on her life. Starting work young had helped her understand the importance of responsibility. It helped that Dad was proud of her for accepting the important responsibility of work. Paychecks funded her trips to the movies and new clothes for school.

‘Have you thought about what you’re going to do moving forward?’ Reese asked.

‘I sent a bunch of resumes before I left California. It’s a good thing since the Wi-Fi is spotty at home.’

‘You can always come over to my place to do that stuff. You know Jeremy and his gaming. We have the highest tier of internet we can afford. Which still seems not enough for him.’ She made no effort to hide an eye roll.

‘Thanks,’ Angie said, unsure of why she didn’t think of that before. ‘Hopefully I’ll hear back soon.’

‘Are you considering staying local?’ Reese asked.

Angie remembered what Jeremy told her the other day about Reese missing her. She missed her best friend too, but soon a baby would distract her. Though, Angie wouldn’t mind being closer to home for visits. Anything to be as far from Brett and his fiancée as possible.

‘I’ll take anything I can right now but most of the bigger jobs are in cities, and I feel like I can’t stay at home with everyone there. Mom is already driving me crazy and I’ve only been back for two days!’

‘How so?’

Angie rarely complained about her mother around Reese since her friend’s parents had died in a car accident not long after their high school graduation. ‘It’s just a lot. I went from being on my own to a house full of relatives. Nonna and Nonno are at each other’s throats most of the time. It’s all innocent, but loud. Since they came to stay with us, Mom is working less, so I think things are a little hectic for everyone.’

‘Well, you know my house is always open to a little company. We have a sweet couch bed. Jeremy says it’s comfortable.’

‘Do you really make him sleep out there?’

She shook her head. ‘He chooses to. I can’t get comfortable lately, and this prevents him from shuffling around like a zombie at work after I toss and turn all night.’

Angie wished there was someone in the world who was that selfless for her. With the ghost of Brett looming over her, she doubted that would ever be the case. She didn’t deserve that kind of love if she couldn’t tell that someone wasn’t single while she dated them.

Angie followed Reese around, while her thoughts drifted. They were different shoppers. Angie liked to browse while Reese always went straight to where she needed to be. Within an hour, she already had all but one gift.

Angie wished there were carts in the store. The box holding a large decorative bowl for Jeremy’s mother-in-law dug into her side, and she started to regret the offer to hold everything for Reese.

‘I’m done here,’ Reese said, topping the pile with several shirts for her niece and nephew.

Angie adjusted her grip. ‘We’re going to your car after this.’

‘Can you go? I need to put my feet up. Then, we can shop for Jer.’

At the checkout, a bright red sign with NOW HIRING in bold letters stood out to her. Angie loved Christmas season at the mall. There were always interesting people shopping for their loved ones. As a teen, she worked at numerous places around the mall. When she worked at the information booth her senior of high school, she had been a big people-watcher. During Christmas, there were even more crowds, and it had entertained her to no end. It distracted her from the long hours during the holiday season.

Reese noticed the sign too, tapping the top with her finger. ‘Why don’t you work temporarily over your break? There are always places hiring here in December.’

‘At the mall? No way.’

The older woman behind the desk eyed her.

Angie avoided looking at the woman. She didn’t mean to offend her but working at the mall had been a high school job, not a career choice for her.

‘Well, it might get you out of the house,’ Reese said. ‘Isn’t that what you wanted?’

‘Not at all,’ Angie said under her breath as Reese paid. ‘Besides, I don’t want to start something new for just a few weeks. When someone calls me back for a job, I’ll have to quit. In any case, what is it going to look like on my resume?’

Reese took the receipt from the woman and slipped it into the bag on Angie’s shoulder. ‘I’m sure they need supervisors or something. That never looks bad on a job application.’

‘I guess. But I’m hoping one of these offers comes through first.’

‘Do you want me to look over your resume?’

Reese was top of their English class and always used to correct people’s grammar, which thoroughly annoyed everyone. It took years to break her of that habit.

‘I would love that,’ Angie said, slightly regretting that she had already sent it to prospective job opportunities already. But there was always room for improvement.

‘Email it to me, and I’ll review it,’ Reese said.

‘Thank you.’

Reese looped her arm in Angie’s. ‘After you get back from the car, we need to get a snack.’

‘We just ate,’ Angie said.

Reese rolled her eyes. ‘Do you even know me at all?’ She made a show of thinking about her food choices. ‘How about we share a pretzel?’

‘As long as you’re paying,’ Angie said.

‘Deal.’

Chapter 4

Nick pulled onto the gravel driveway toward David’s house. It wasn’t even six, and the sun was already across the horizon. A brightly lit Christmas tree glistened through the front windows. It seemed as if everyone was ready for the holidays except for him. He had no idea where to start, or if he wanted to bother this year. It wasn’t as if anyone was coming over his place to celebrate.

Charlie started whining from the backseat, and her tail swished against Nick’s face as she paced between the two windows. Nick was lucky to have the type of dog who didn’t need to be on a leash. City ordinances required it for their runs, but she liked coming to David’s house as much as he did. The three acres of land away from the road allowed her to roam without restriction.

Nick parked next to the shared family silver SUV as David appeared from around the corner of the house.

Charlie’s whines escalated until Nick opened her door. She bounded onto the front seat and hopped onto the ground. She sniffed around David’s feet before taking off toward the back of the house.

‘You’re late,’ David said, tucking his hand into the pocket of his jeans. With his flannel shirt, he looked more like a cowboy than an ex-corporate type.

Nick was late by almost an hour. He couldn’t help but wonder if his dad had seen his meeting with David in his calendar and added more to his workload on purpose. The truth was, Nick wasn’t on anyone’s side. He loved them both and couldn’t imagine choosing between his brother and father. Nick wished his dad would stop being so stubborn.

‘Might want to put a jacket on.’ Nick shivered at the chilly night air.

‘I’m hot-blooded, remember?’ David said, clapping a hand on Nick’s back.

Nick tugged the collar of his pea coat tighter around his neck.

‘You’ve spent too much time in a heated office,’ David said, inspecting Nick’s suit. ‘You need to get outside more often. You’re pale as hell.’

‘Look who’s talking,’ Nick said, shoving away David’s hand. David pushed away a chunk of light brown hair from his face. It was much longer and freer than it had been when he worked for their father.

David chuckled and turned around. ‘I’m almost done in the workshop. Come back with me for a minute.’

As they walked over, Charlie galloped across the lawn, sniffing everything along the trail toward the doggy door at the back of the house, leading into the kitchen. David had made it for her before she had turned one. They didn’t have a pet, but David’s handiwork gave his sons, Evan and James, enough of an excuse to ask their parents for a dog around any major holiday. Nick suspected it was part of the reason David allowed Charlie to visit since it allowed the kids to play with a dog without long-term commitments.

Inside David’s workshop, the air was almost as cold as outside. A small heater chugged in the corner of the room, but only blasted enough warmth at a small radius.

Various unfinished projects sat around the room, while tools hung from hooks on the walls. Nick leaned against one of the wood beams, looking up at the ceiling. The second-floor loft was for storage, the compromise between David and Theresa for her permission to build the shed in the backyard.

David walked over to a wooden chair sitting atop a table he had crafted himself. He picked up a piece of sanding paper and started to smooth one of the legs. ‘What’s going on with you lately? Dad driving you crazy?’

‘It’s Christmas, what do you think?’

‘I think he needs to retire.’

‘Mom wouldn’t be able to stand it if he did.’

‘I get it. I wouldn’t want to subject her to that.’

David worked in silence for a minute, a consistent reaction any time their father came into the conversation, even though he was the one to bring him up.

‘Everything good with business?’ Nick asked.

‘It’s better around this season, but the hustle never goes away. Especially when I have a family to support.’

Nick nodded in agreement. David hadn’t taken the easy route when he started his woodworking business from scratch, but he continued to surprise his little brother with his determination.

‘Are you just going to stare at me or help?’ David tossed his piece of sandpaper to Nick.

Nick missed the paper, and it fell to the ground.

‘Too much time in the office,’ David muttered.

They sanded for a while, staying on neutral topics. Smoothing his hand against the wood cleared Nick’s mind as much as running did. No wonder David liked his job.

David’s cell phone rang. He sat up, placing the paper on the table. ‘Time to eat.’

‘Is that how Theresa lets you know?’ Nick asked, grinning. As much as Nick teased his brother about his love life, he was incredibly jealous of what he had.

‘It’s better than the bell she suggested hanging outside the porch.’

‘No way,’ Nick said.

David pulled a face. ‘Don’t remind her about it. I still don’t think she was kidding.’

They were only a few feet from the shed when the back door burst open. ‘Uncle Nick!’

Evan and James, six-year-old twins, raced over to him, their arms pumping as they neared. Charlie was on their heels before she overtook them and ran ahead.

The boys favored their mother with their pale blond locks and freckled cheeks.

‘Come here, guys.’ Nick knelt, ready to hug his nephews.

Between Charlie’s licks and the boys pummeling into him, the weight overpowered him, and he plopped onto the wet ground.

Nick ruffled Evan’s hair while James tried to tickle Nick under his shirt.

‘Come on, boys,’ Theresa said from the doorway. ‘Give Uncle Nick a chance to get inside. Go wash your hands.’

David laughed so hard his eyes teared up.

The boys shoved each other as they fought to be the first one inside with Charlie in tow.

‘Hilarious,’ Nick said, trying to get up without ruining the rest of his pants. The cold liquid seeping against his skin reminded him of the coffee spilled all over him at the café yesterday morning. This wasn’t his week.

Theresa grinned from the doorway. Her hair was twisted in a bun on top of her head, a style she’d preferred ever since he had known her. ‘Hey, Nick. Come inside, and I’ll put those in the wash for you.’

David held out a hand to help his brother up. ‘It’s a good thing we’re still the same size. That says a lot for me being older. I picture a pot-belly in your future.’

‘You’re only two years older and I’m never getting a pot-belly,’ Nick said.

‘Sitting around on that desk chair in your fancy office will get you there soon enough.’

‘I bet you’ll be the first, old man,’ Nick said.

‘Do you want to put money on that?’ David asked, leading Nick into the house.

***

After Nick had changed into a pair of David’s jeans, he headed into the kitchen. The square footage of the house was around the same size as Nick’s apartment, yet he always felt it held more warmth.

From Nick’s perspective, David had the life. He had a good family and a job he loved. After quitting, David had relied heavily on Theresa for money and insurance. The Bower men were hard-working, no matter what they did. David built his business from the ground up and proved himself again at each milestone. Too bad his dad wanted nothing to do with it.

Theresa walked over to Nick and hugged him. ‘Good to see you clean. How’s work?’

Evan and James sat quietly in their chairs, but from Charlie’s tail sticking out from under the table, Nick knew they were petting her. She was spoiled here even more than she was at home.

‘Busy,’ Nick said. ‘How about you?’

‘The laboratory slows down around this time every year. We shut down for cleaning in two weeks,’ she said. ‘It couldn’t come any faster. Sit, let’s eat.’

Nick wondered how much David’s passion affected their family. But they were able to see each other more than Nick and Molly had. And they were still happily married. David had somehow found the magic formula to love.

‘I’m starving,’ James said.

Steam swirled around the lasagna at the center of the table. The boys reached for the homemade bread first, but Nick was right behind them. Theresa was the most intelligent person Nick knew and could make an incredible meal. Once again showing off his brother’s luck.

‘How’s your love life?’ Theresa asked before Nick cut a piece for himself.

Nick looked at David. His brother could hardly mask the smile on his face.

‘David can ask me whatever he likes.’

David lifted a piece of lasagna from the plate. ‘I know you’ll answer her.’

‘I want you to be happy,’ Theresa said.

Nick dipped his bread in the sauce. ‘I can be happy without a girlfriend.’

‘That’s true, but all you do is work. It’s not good for you,’ Theresa said, sliding a glance at David.

That had been a taboo subject at their home, growing up. Their dad had always said that hard work was everything, which was why David gave up that life when he met Theresa. She had good intentions, but Nick didn’t appreciate them discussing his life behind his back.

‘We know another person isn’t the secret ingredient to a happy life, but it helps.’ David gave Nick a look of understanding.

‘I met a woman yesterday,’ Nick said, without thinking. The unsure stare of the woman from the café leaped into his mind. He wasn’t convinced that he would want to see her again, but making up a story about the first woman who had showed interest in him – at least for a few minutes – might get them off his back for a while.

Theresa’s eyes lit up and David tilted his head to the side.

‘Did you kiss her?’ Evan asked, then James let out an ‘Eww!’

‘You don’t kiss girls you’ve just met,’ Theresa said to the boys and then raised her eyebrows at Nick. ‘And you always ask first.’

‘You talked to a woman. That’s progress,’ David said around a large piece of lasagna.

David and Theresa continued their own conversation about Nick’s love life as if he were steps away from the altar. He wasn’t even sure why he bothered to try to tell them otherwise. Those two could be such gossips at times.

But Nick didn’t mind being the center of their conversation. He liked the banter and the way his shoulders relaxed around his family. David’s house was much different from their parents’. Dad didn’t talk about much other than work. Nick could be himself with his brother and family. It was all he needed after the start to the week he’d had so far.

Chapter 5

Angie woke early the next morning, the sound of her mother’s voice and the banging of kitchen cabinets reverberating in her head. Managing to make her excuses to avoid her mother’s annual cookie baking session, Angie grabbed the keys to Donato’s rusty old wagon and nearly sprinted out the door to leave for Reese’s house.

As she climbed into the driver’s seat, she couldn’t help but feel a small pang of guilt in her chest. Her mother had been so excited to have Angie home, she knew that she just wanted to enjoy all the festive activities that the season allowed while Angie was around. But Angie was all too aware that she wasn’t going to find her next job from sitting around all day in her mum’s kitchen. None of the hotels called her back, and each time she tried to follow up, one of the assistants blocked her, saying that they would be in touch if they were interested. Angie wanted to see if Reese had reviewed her resume for changes. Making a mental note to set aside some baking time to appease her mother, she dialed Reese’s number in her cellphone, started the ignition and set off to her friend’s house.

***

‘Can I pay you to move back home for good and make my food every day?’ Reese said as she shoveled the last bit of Belgium waffle into her mouth. She licked the syrup from the fork. Angie barely ate two bites in the time Reese had finished hers.

‘You can’t afford me,’ Angie said, unsure that she wouldn’t take any job offered to her. ‘Besides, this is temporary. You’ll have a baby soon.’

‘I’ll need more help than ever.’ Reese walked into the living room and Angie followed with her plate. ‘Everyone keeps telling me how tired I’ll be in the first few months. You know me. I love to sleep.’

‘Is Jer taking any time off?’

‘A little.’ Reese sat on the couch with a little groan. ‘But it’s not going to be enough.’

‘What about his parents?’

‘I’m sure they’ll help.’

Angie sat next to her friend, placing the plate on the table. She propped pillows around Reese. With her hands busy she thought again of what Jeremy said. Reese missed her and she couldn’t help feeling guilty that she didn’t have roots here so that she could be around for her friends. They were happy, but Reese seemed overwhelmed.

‘It will be fine. I don’t think I’m going to the West Coast again, so I’ll be home more often.’

‘That would be nice. Aunty Angie can’t stay away too long.’

Angie didn’t want to get into her next move with Reese quite yet. Especially because she had no plan in mind. ‘Did you look at my resume?’

‘I did. Looks good. No notes from me.’

Angie sensed there was something else Reese wanted to say. But if her resume was flawless and she still didn’t receive any phone calls, maybe the problem was her.

‘I think your luck will turn around soon,’ Reese said.

‘When did you become so wise?’

‘Don’t you know all pregnant women are clairvoyant?’

Angie’s phone rang with an unknown number on the screen. She flipped the phone to show Reese.

‘Who is it?’ Reese asked, leaning over.

‘A job?’ Angie’s heart leaped in her chest. Merry Christmas to me.

‘Answer it,’ Reese said with a huge grin on her face.

Angie picked up the call. ‘This is Angie.’

‘Hi, Angela Martinelli?’ a woman said on the other line.

‘Yes.’ Her heart fluttered in her chest. She wondered which hotel was calling her back. Though it didn’t matter. She was ready to restart her life.

‘This is Carrie from Westford Malls, we received your resume and wanted to have you come in for an interview.’

Reese’s eyes widened before she stood from the couch, faster than Angie had seen her move lately.

Angie shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t—’ Realization flooded through her. Reese pushing Angie to get a job. Asking to see her resume.

‘You didn’t,’ Angie hissed at her best friend.

‘Excuse me?’ Carrie asked from the other line.

Reese shook her head, but even she couldn’t hide the mischievous grin from her face.

‘I, um …’ Angie’s mind went blank.

‘We have a ten-thirty interview slot tomorrow morning. Can you make it into our corporate offices for then?’ Carrie asked.

Angie fisted the fabric of the throw pillow next to her.

Reese’s gaze wandered around the room.

‘Ms Martinelli?’ Carrie’s voice rang in Angie’s ear. ‘Do we have a bad connection?’

Angie shook her head, though it wasn’t as if Carrie could see her. It was the first job offer she’d received, even though it was unsolicited.

‘Yes, I can be there for ten-thirty.’ She hadn’t interviewed in a while, and this could be a practice round before the interviews for the hotel jobs.

‘See you then,’ Carrie said before hanging up.

Angie sunk into the silence on the other line before putting her phone down.

‘At least you have an interview,’ Reese said.

‘I can’t believe you did that behind my back.’

‘You need money. This is your chance at a job. You already have experience there.’

‘I told you I don’t want to work at the mall, especially around Christmas.’

‘What’s your alternative? Sitting around, waiting for your phone to ring? That’s not the Angie I know. Besides, your severance money will only last so long.’

With an apologetic email back from Melissa, the money had landed in Angie’s account later than expected. At least someone from her previous job was on her side. It would last her a little while, but she didn’t have a backup plan if no one from the other hotels returned her phone calls. Anxiety filled Angie’s chest.

‘What if I run into someone I know and have to explain why I’m back home and working there?’

‘Who cares what people think?’

Angie cared, but she wasn’t going to say that to Reese. Her best friend was right on all accounts. Angie needed money, and no one was calling her with a job offer.

‘I didn’t apply for any particular position, just at the mall in general,’ Reese said. ‘I’m sure you will be able to have your pick.’

‘Well, thanks for that,’ Angie deadpanned.

‘What are best friends for?’ said Reese, ignoring the sarcasm. ‘Now, I’m thinking we can put a good dent in my Christmas romance movie list before you are busy with work!’

Angie sat back against the couch, propping her feet on the coffee table. Work. At the mall? A place she never thought she would return to. She had no idea what to expect tomorrow, but she wasn’t going to allow her situation to put her in a mood. This hiccup was temporary. It had to be. Once one of the jobs called back, she would move on. It was the only thought she could have to ease the ache in her chest at her current situation.

Angie would enjoy the movie marathon with Reese and worry about tomorrow when it arrived.

***

On the day of her interview, Angie tried on a few of her more business casual outfits. Most of her suits were a little over the top for the position she was going for, but she wasn’t going to dress like a slob.

To delay the inevitable, she checked herself out in the mirror for longer than necessary. Brett would have laughed at her if he saw how she had lost everything.

At the thought of him, she narrowed her eyes, wishing she could show him how much better off she was without him. Or would be when she finally landed another amazing job. He had tended to put others down. Her rose-colored glasses had prevented her from understanding that part of him.

Angie lifted her chin. She wasn’t going to let him ruin another part of her life.

***

The closer she got to the mall, the more her stomach churned. She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous.

Once she’d parked, she had fifteen minutes until her interview. The corporate offices were at the rear of the mall through a separate entrance. She recalled interviewing there in high school, and all of it looked the same.

Angie took several deep breaths as she rode the elevator. She knew this wasn’t her dream job, but the quiver in her stomach was still there, making her legs wobbly as she stepped out onto the floor for the corporate offices.

She headed over to the desk toward a young woman with a headset. There were already several people in the waiting area possibly competing for the same job as her. They ranged from teenagers to a man in his sixties.

‘I’m Angie Martinelli. I have an appointment.’

‘Have a seat,’ the woman said with a broad smile. She seemed closer to Angie’s age. Maybe there was an opening in the office? She could see herself temporarily working there.

After sitting in one of the plush chairs, she glanced around the space. If she worked there, at least she wouldn’t run into anyone she knew.

A few minutes later, a familiar person darkened the doorway. ‘Angie?’

Angie stood and did a double take. She locked eyes with Maya Taylor and froze. Angie and Maya weren’t enemies in school, but not exactly friends either. They were in direct competition on the cross-country track team, and Maya never allowed Angie to forget any of her record-breaking times.

‘Maya?’

Maya looked at the paper in her hands, then back to Angie. She plastered on a smirk. ‘This way.’

Maya led Angie into a small conference room, overlooking the tall buildings surrounding them. On the way, she couldn’t help thinking that Maya held her immediate future in her hands. Surely they were both mature enough to not bring their old rivalry into their working worlds.

‘When I saw your cover letter and resume come through, I had to see if it was you,’ Maya said.

‘It’s me.’ Angie couldn’t even look at her. Once again, Maya had the upper hand. So much for not holding on to their high school pasts.

‘You were let go from your previous job in California?’ Maya asked, placing Angie’s resume on the table between them.

It was a standard question, but Maya could make anything sound like an insult. ‘It was time for a change. This is only a temporary job.’

‘Considering the Christmas season, that’s all we have for now,’ Maya said as if it were a challenge. ‘You are coming into the season later than usual. Most holiday jobs become available at the beginning of November. Black Friday and all that.’ She lifted a second sheet of paper from behind Angie’s resume.

Angie craned her neck to see the paper.

‘Are you good with kids?’ Maya asked.

‘Sure, why?’

‘We have one spot open for a photographer at the Santa booth in the food court.’

Angie cleared her throat, unable to fathom wearing whatever costume they required for working with Santa. ‘Is there anywhere else?’

Maya sighed as if Angie was wasting her time – but Angie was determined their relationship in high school wasn’t going to affect how she spent the next month of her life.

‘We have three retail positions,’ she said. ‘Four in food service. Also, an opening for an information specialist.’

‘That was the last job I had when I worked here,’ Angie said, jumping at the opportunity. Working at the information booth at the center of the mall would give her a lot of downtime to continue her real job search.

‘You’re a bit overqualified.’

‘I’m interested. I figured there would be a pay cut, but I don’t mind.’ When she came to the mall, she wasn’t thrilled about taking a job, but Angie couldn’t stand the pitying looks Maya kept throwing her. She wanted to prove Maya wrong, that she could overcome her situation.

‘All right. I have other interviews today. I’ll get back to you soon.’

‘Thank you,’ Angie said, but Maya was out of her seat already.

Angie showed herself out, glancing over her shoulder. Maya was gone, but she hoped their past wouldn’t affect her present.

***

As she walked over the bridge linking the offices and the mall, Angie admired the holiday decor. Garlands of red, green, and silver and gold swooped down from the ceiling. The hum of activity from the mall moved over her as she entered the throngs of people shopping for their loved ones. Even close to lunchtime on a Thursday, the place was packed.

It would only get worse as the holiday neared.

Taking a detour, she found the information booth where she remembered. There was a line of people in front of the empty stand. They were clearly short-staffed, and Angie wondered if she should call Maya to confirm her interest.

Choosing to ignore the bustling counter, Angie quickly passed by, leaving Maya to decide her fate.

In the food court, holiday music played from the speakers, barely audible over the conversations around her. The lines at most of the stands were outrageous, but she had nowhere to be. She chose a sandwich wrap place she’d never tried before. While waiting, she scanned the area, fully expecting to run into more people she knew.

What would she say when they asked about her life and her job? She could lie, but Brett was a prime example of lies blowing up in people’s faces. She wasn’t that person, despite her embarrassment about her desperate need to get work after living in California.

After she paid for her turkey wrap, she waited off to the side for her order.

A guy in a charcoal-grey suit approached the counter. She blinked, immediately recognizing him. If she weren’t so concerned with the growling in her stomach, she would have fled the scene. Heat bloomed within her, and she regretted her choice of thick jacket. There was no way she could avoid him.

When the guy from the café turned around and met her eyes, his polite smile fell as recognition flooded his expression. His eyes narrowed slightly as he approached her to wait for his food.

‘It’s you,’ he said.

Angie gave him a shaky smile. There wasn’t much else she could do after he called her out like that. She got a better look at him without his jacket on. His tailored suit shaped his fit body. He looked like a runner.

‘Oh, hi.’

‘Hi.’ He smirked, and a chill ran down her spine. It was the same confident grin Brett always had for his employees. It was the same one which helped her fall for him.

Silence stretched between them, making the crowded food court close in around her. ‘Thanks again for the other day. I can pay you back for the bagels.’

He waved his hand in front of him as if to say it wasn’t a problem. ‘You figured it out, then?’

‘Yes, thanks.’ She wrung her hands in front of her, unsure of what to do with them.

‘I hope you enjoyed your breakfast,’ he said.

It seemed as if both of them were terrible at small talk. For some reason, it made Angie smile.

‘What did I say?’ he asked with a hint of a grin.

Angie tucked her hair away from her face, trying to cool off. ‘Nothing. So, are you Christmas shopping today?’

‘No, I’m on my lunch break.’

It made sense that he worked nearby since she had met him at the café the other morning.

‘I’m Nick, by the way,’ he said.

‘Angie.’

He cleared his throat.

‘Angie!’ a young man from the food stall called.

‘Excuse me.’ She sprinted to the counter to get her tray.

‘Nick!’ the guy called next.

Angie glanced around at the nearby tables and chairs. There were only a few open tables. She could take her food to go.

‘Do you want to sit together?’ Nick asked.

‘Sure.’ If he wasn’t going to take her money, it was the least she could do to repay him for his kindness.

When they sat, Angie was aware of his movements. His knee brushed against her leg, and he muttered an apology. She sipped from her soda and unwrapped her sandwich, desperate to look anywhere but at him.

‘What are you up to today?’ he asked. ‘I thought you said you said you were an online shopper.’

‘Good memory.’ Angie hesitated about the real reason for her being there, but she needed to get over herself. ‘I applied for a job today.’

‘Here?’

She inwardly cringed, unsure about how much she wanted to reveal about her life to this guy. ‘Yeah, I’m unemployed right now. I worked at a hotel as an event planner in California. Right now, I need a temporary place to work until I get back on my feet.’

‘Well, you came to the right place at the right time. The holiday season is perfect for a temporary job.’

‘When I was sixteen, I worked here. I blew all of my paychecks on new clothes.’

‘Which store?’

‘Oh, everywhere. I started at the Smoothie Shack, then the movie theater as an usher. I worked for a little while at Bloomfield’s department store. I was the best bow-tie-er in town.’ Angie laughed, and he joined her. ‘That was during the break of my freshman year of college. I never came back after that.’

‘You got around,’ Nick said. His eyebrows rose as if he was impressed. Angie’s barometer of men was off lately, and she wasn’t sure what to make of him.

‘Well, I only did one sport, and I loved to shop.’

‘I’m sure you have a good shot at getting the job.’ He took a bite of his sandwich as the words hung between them.

Angie had the urge to engage him more. The image of the door closing behind her in his face brought another wave of flames over her body. ‘For some reason, I was nervous about the interview. To make it even worse, I know the girl who interviewed me. We didn’t get along well in high school. I know I’m more than qualified for the position, but I hope she doesn’t use that against me.’

‘It couldn’t have been that bad,’ Nick said.

‘It wasn’t great. It makes me slightly anxious to think that Maya holds my future in her hands.’

‘I’m sure it will all turn out as it’s supposed to.’

Angie was supposed to be in California with her boyfriend and the life she’d spent so many years building. Working at her high school job wasn’t exactly her plan.

‘Do you come here a lot?’ Angie asked him. ‘Since you work nearby?’

Nick wiped his mouth with a napkin and smirked. ‘I like the food here. I’m not much of a cook. You?’

‘I know my way around a kitchen.’ Thanks to her mother. ‘But the takeout in California was much tastier than what I could cook up with the amount of time I spent at work.’

‘Did you go out a lot with friends?’

Angie tried to hide her burning cheeks. ‘Sometimes.’ She wasn’t ready to admit that she had the tendency to get swept up into the life of whoever she dated that she ended up seeing less of her friends than she liked. It was a habit she would make a point not to continue in the future.

‘I bet the nightlife is better there than here.’

‘I’m sure it’s not so bad.’

‘I bet you could make a night out here fun for anyone.’

Angie’s gaze dipped to the table, as a tingling sensation skittered up her arms.

Nick cleared his throat. ‘But I also bet you’re leaving town right after the holiday?’

‘It depends on if I get a more permanent job nearby.’ Would she go out with him regardless? There was no harm in having a little fun for herself. Though that was what got her in trouble with Brett to start.

‘I’m sure you’ll hear back from someone soon. If it were up to me, I’d hire you.’

‘Thanks.’

Nick wasn’t as bad as she originally thought. But the last time she fell for a handsome guy in a suit, he uprooted her life and forced her home. He was cute, but she wasn’t going to go down that rabbit hole again.

‘Well, I should get back,’ Nick said, crunching up the wrapper in front of him.

Angie sat up straighter. Seeing Nick twice in one week seemed like a strange twist of fate. ‘Maybe we’ll run into each other again?’

‘I hope so.’ He flashed a heart-melting grin. ‘See you, Angie.’

‘Bye.’ She watched him walk away and couldn’t help the slump in her shoulders. There was no way she would consider starting a new relationship with someone, never mind a crush. It was better this way.

Chapter 6

On the way back to the office, Nick couldn’t believe he had run into Angie again. When he first saw her, he had noticed how she avoided his eyes. After not thanking him for paying for her food, he wanted her to be uncomfortable about the other day. But it seemed that it all was a misunderstanding. The banter they had from their brief encounter had returned, and he found himself wanting to be around her. It was a strange feeling toward someone he barely knew, but a sense of urgency had forced him to invite himself to eat with her.

Nick wasn’t happy that Angie lost her job. But with her applying to the mall an opportunity to help her appeared in front of him.

Maya oversaw the interviews, so she would have all the resumes. When he returned to the office, he couldn’t help gravitating toward her desk.

‘Did you have a good lunch?’ he asked, propping his arm on the divider of her cubicle.

‘It was fine,’ she said, sorting resumes.

Nick peered down, looking for Angie’s name at the top of one of them.

No such luck.

Nick couldn’t imagine Angie doing anything to have a strained relationship with Maya, but one thing he knew of the HR head was that she didn’t care for people who were on her bad side.

‘What’s going on with you?’ she asked.

‘What do you mean?’

Maya sat up in her chair. ‘This isn’t the time of year for you to be so happy. Or lie.’

Nick dragged a finger over the top of the cubicle. ‘I’m in a good mood. I had lunch with someone. It was interesting.’

She raised an eyebrow. ‘Interesting, how?’

Nick shook his head. ‘It’s not important. But I have a few minutes. Did you need me to approve anything?’

Maya trapped her bottom lip under her teeth. ‘Actually, yes. I wanted your opinion on a potential applicant for the information specialist position. I went to high school with her, and she’s a bit overqualified. I’m not sure if I should keep looking or not.’

Nick cleared his throat, leaning closer. ‘Who is it?’

Maya handed over a piece of paper.

Nick held the paper in front of him as if it was from any other applicant.

Angela Martinelli.

He pocketed her last name for later. Scanning through, he found out she had worked at a prestigious hotel as an event planner since she’d graduated from college.

Nick was more than impressed.

‘I have a few teens looking for work,’ Maya said, sifting through the other resumes. ‘They’re seniors, but all of them brought phones to their interview. They seem more into looking as if they are working than actually doing the work.’

Nick tapped his finger against the EMPLOYMENT HISTORY section of the resume. ‘Under relevant work, Angie – Angela, I mean, has worked at the booth. She has training.’

‘There isn’t much training involved, though. Is it weird if I pick her? She seemed a little desperate and sad. I don’t want this to be a conflict of interest. Since I know her.’

‘That was years ago. To me, it doesn’t seem like a conflict of interest.’

Maya raised a questioning eyebrow. ‘At least, I’m assuming, from what you said,’ he said quickly. ‘You have to trust your judgment.’

Maya swiveled in her chair. ‘I’ll think about it a little more.’

Nick placed the resume on her desk. ‘I know you’ll make the right choice, Maya.’ He walked into his office, not wanting to interfere with the hiring process. It wasn’t his place, but he hoped Maya would give Angie the job, he wanted to get to know her a little better. As he sat down, he woke up his computer. His eyes strained to stay on the screen instead of checking in on Maya.

The front of his office was all glass, giving him a view of Maya’s desk. He left his door open to hear her making phone calls to the applicants. After some time, his ears perked up when Maya said Angie’s name. She was on the phone, the top of her head barely visible over the cubicle wall.

Nick hadn’t expected to hear anything from that distance, but he crossed his fingers that Angie would accept. His water bottle stood empty at the edge of the desk, offering the perfect opportunity to fill it at the water cooler out front.

Nick slipped by Maya’s desk, but she wasn’t on the phone anymore.

With each desk he passed, his smile widened. A few of the other employees blinked away their surprise. Nick wasn’t the grinning type at work, especially with his father around.

With a full bottle, he made his way back to Maya’s desk. ‘How goes it?’

‘Fine.’ She lifted a piece of paper in front of her. It wasn’t Angie’s resume.

‘Good. Did everyone accept?’

‘I’m still making phone calls, Nick.’ She wheeled her chair around. ‘What gives? Are you checking up on me?’

‘No, not at all.’

‘Why don’t I believe you?’

‘You should because it’s the truth.’

‘All right,’ she said, eyeing him.

When he returned to his desk, Nick let out a sigh. He couldn’t let Maya know why he wanted Angie to get the job. But it was the least he could do to help a new acquaintance for the holidays.

***

That night, Nick returned to his apartment much later than usual. When he walked through the door, Charlie popped her head up from the other side of the couch. Her eyes were bleary with sleep.

‘Hey, girl.’

She rolled over, exposing her chest for a rub. Charlie’s slobbery kiss met his hand. He settled into the couch, running over the day in his head.

Tomorrow, he’d find out if Angie had accepted the job. It seemed an inevitability, unless she had a better offer.

He had wanted to tell her he was the manager for the corporation that ran the mall, but most women only saw dollar signs and a free pass to new clothes when he talked about work. However, there was something in Angie’s expression that made him think that she was different to the rest. She had a spark of determination in her eyes that drew him in, and it made him eager to get to know her better.

She had wanted the job so badly, but he knew any favoritism would put him in a bad light. Besides, he didn’t know her that well. The opportunity would come if it were meant to be.

A text pinged from his phone on the table by the door, lighting up the wall behind it. He had finished with work for the day, the message could wait until tomorrow.

Nick grabbed the remote and flipped the television on. He needed to distract his mind for a little while and spend time with his girl.

***

The next morning, Nick woke with buzzing energy throughout his body despite sleeping less than usual. He searched for his phone, realizing it hadn’t moved from the night before. Nick mentally prepared himself for his dad asking about work or telling Nick he needed to redo something.

Southside Villa, Saturday at 7

Nick couldn’t help the flitting excitement moving through him at the prospect of a new venture with his father. It wasn’t an option he was given before, but David had had numerous opportunities. Maybe Nick was in his dad’s good graces after all.

He mulled it over while running with Charlie. Quinn hadn’t prepped him for the meeting at all, but Nick’s enthusiasm to push further in his career would have to shine through. He debated asking his father for more information but wasn’t sure if this was a test for him to think on his feet.

The plummeting temperatures outside were enough to put him in a sweatshirt and jogging pants, but Nick needed to figure things out in his head before going into work.

Angie’s smiling face appeared in his mind. He wanted to help her get a temporary job until she got back on her feet. There was nothing wrong with helping out a new friend. Other than the fact that he hadn’t told her his job.

Most of the mall workers only knew him by name, so no one would call him out as one of the corporate bosses. Though, at what point would his omission come out? He wanted Angie to get to know him properly, without his job and position casting a shadow over any relationship they might have, but it wasn’t fair that he kept the information to himself.

When he reached his apartment building again, he wasn’t any closer to figuring out the questions in his mind surrounding Angie and him.

Chapter 7

The call for the job came quicker than Angie would have thought. Her phone rang before she’d entered her house after coming home from the mall, and Maya wanted her to start Friday morning at ten-thirty.

As she was getting ready for her first day of work, Angie recalled the conversation with Nick from the day before. Who was she kidding? He was all she thought of on the way home yesterday, and he filled her thoughts the moment she had woken up. His confidence in her getting the job was overwhelming, maybe she was too used to conversations with Brett only revolving around himself.

The familiar tingles of interest floated through her, but she tried to crush them before they could take hold. Nick seemed interested, even after their disastrous first meeting but she had only just come out of a relationship and she no longer wanted to be that girl, moving from one disastrous relationship straight to the next. Maybe a phone call to Reese would stop her from thinking of Nick in that way.

She took a deep breath and walked into the hallway. Her family was already up and moving around the kitchen. Her mom was going to ask her if she was excited about going to work again. If Angie was truly honest with herself, her heart felt heavy as though she had backpedaled ten steps from where she wanted to be. But without anyone from the hotels returning her calls, she couldn’t turn down a company who wanted her.

Maria was already in the living room, digging through another box of decorations. They were multiplying like snow bunnies. Christmas-themed knick-knacks and houses that her mom had painted in her ceramic classes years ago already covered every surface.

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