Page 8 of Office Mistakes

Chapter 4

Audra piled gaily wrapped packages onto the chair and indulged in a full body stretch.

She was still tired from yesterday and the rush of go-go-go that Christmas always seemed to bring.

Christmas Eve had been spent with her family at her parents’ house. Audra’s two sisters, their husbands and children, and Audra had filled the childhood home by eight in the morning to help prepare the meal.

After eating and opening gifts, Audra and her sisters indulged in their annual Christmas air hockey battle.

She won.

Audra grinned, remembering the groans of dismay.

She loved her family.

And she loved her friends. Her evening would be spent with Beryl and her family; a small, cozy gathering to finish off the holiday.

Remembering the wine, Audra headed for the kitchen. She backtracked when the front doorbell buzzed.

“Charlie!” Audra opened the door wider and motioned him inside.

He entered. “I’m sorry to just drop by,” he said, “but I didn’t want Christmas to pass without giving you this.” He held out a simple white box topped with a cheery red bow.

Caught off guard, Audra reached for the box. “I’m so sorry, Charlie. I don’t have a gift for you.”

“Don’t apologize.” Charlie waved his hand. “I wasn’t expecting a gift in return. That’s not what Christmas is about. Go ahead; open it.”

Audra untied the ribbon, letting it fall to the floor. She gasped as she opened the box.

She lifted out a glossy black teacup, running a finger across the gilded lilies.

“Oh, Charlie,” she breathed. “It’s absolutely gorgeous! How did you know?”

Charlie shifted nervously at the sheen in her eyes. “Please don’t cry. I overheard you in the break area one day, saying how you collected Victorian teacups and how you were trying to find this particular Jackfield one.”

“Charlie Bennett, you’re too much. You must’ve spent ages tracking this down.”

“Not really. I actually have a cousin who's an antique dealer. I let her do all of the work.”

“Well, you can thank her for me. Meanwhile, thank you.” Audra leaned forward, brushing her lips across his cheek. “I’m delighted.”

“You’re welcome.” His eyes tracked over her coat thrown over the gifts. “I’ve held you up.”

“You haven’t.” Audra turned from placing her new treasure on a shelf. “I always spend Christmas evening with Beryl and Perry. What are you doing tonight?”

“Nothing.”

Audra’s nose wrinkled. “Nothing?” she repeated.

“I spent yesterday with my parents,” Charlie explained. “They always leave Christmas Day for Florida, and they’ll be there until March. Snowbirds.” He grinned.

“Then you’re coming with me,” Audra said firmly.

“No, no. I’m used to this, and I don’t want to impose.”

“You won’t be imposing. I promise. Come on, Charlie, and go with me. You’ll get a fantastic meal,” Audra cajoled.

Charlie thought about the frozen pizza waiting for him at home. “Let me help you with those gifts.”

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