Page 74 of The Bright Side of Christmas
And then she’s gone. As I sit there, mind reeling, I’m reminded for the millionth time that Willa Stone is absolutely one of the good ones.
I waste no time, deciding to put off a hasty firing of Greg until I get a second opinion on the contract I signed years ago. Instead, I type up a lengthy email, providing Leo with all my information and the story I’ve begun to understand after my conversation with his client, and I attach the songs I sent over to Willa. I hit send, then sit back and take in a deep breath, assessing myself now that my tasks are finished.
I should feel angry, which I do.
I should feel disappointed, which, I suppose, I do.
But I also feel a deep sense of relief I can’t ignore.
My biggest fear was that I was a one-hit wonder for a holiday song. That after that one did well, that’s all anyone would want from me, but it seems that isn’t the case. Not in the least.
Instead, it’s more about trusting the wrong people, getting taken advantage of by those I thought cared for me, and letting that bring me down.
And fuck, is that comeback going to feel fuckinggood.
In just three minutes, I’ve already received a response from Leo in my inbox.
Fuck Greg; I’ve been dying to take him down for years. Don’t call him until we have a plan, though. Love the songs; they're perfect for Will. I smell a hit, Porter. I’ll send this to my lawyer and see what we can do. Talk soon.
I smile to myself, hope blooming in my chest in a way it hasn’t in a while. I feel inspired and motivated, and I know, in some small way, that the only thing I have to thank is that song, the catalyst for this entire conversation.
And the woman who inspired it.
As if summoned by my thoughts, I watch as Wren pulls into her drive and steps out of her car, carrying a million bags and boxes as usual, and I can’t help but smile.
I should be furious that my career was at a standstill because of a conniving asshole and a talentless fucker, but I can’t find it in me to. Not when I know that when I leave this house, I’m going to spend the night with Wren, the kindest, sweetest soul who I know fell into my life to show me what I was missing. Not when I have a future laid out that is looking brighter by the moment, and it’s all because of the pretty brunette across the street.
TWENTY-SEVEN
“Right there,” she says, and I groan as I shift.
“Here?” I’m out of breath, trying to hold it in place.
“Yeah, yeah. Just like that.”
“This sounds absolutely pornographic,” a now familiar voice calls. I peer around the giant Christmas tree I’m trying to ensure is straight and see Hallie standing beside Wren, her lips tipped in a cocky smile. Wren turns to her, confusion clear on her face, arms crossed on her chest. “Oh, yeah, just like that, a little more, Adam. It’s almost there,” Hallie says in a breathy voice.
I shake my head, but when a blush burns on Wren’s lips, I can’t help but smile.
This morning, I woke up in Wren’s bed to find her getting ready far too early. When I glared at her, she reminded me that she needed to head to the community center bright and early to help set up, something she had been planning for weeks and had mentioned to me the night before. I wasn’t going to argue, not with the festival happening in just a few days and her nerves already on red alert. So, I nodded and then stood, starting to get ready as well.
“What are you doing?” she had asked.
“I’m coming with you.”
“Really?”
“I have nothing else going on today, and if I go with you, there’s more of a chance you’ll get home quicker, right?”
She shrugged, though we both knew it was true. I didn’t mention that I also wanted to ensure she wouldn’t volunteer for more tasks, but she probably knew that as well.
“Then I’m coming with.”
“You don’t have to?—”
I stopped her before she finished her sentence, pulling her into me before putting a hand to her chin and staring into her eyes.
“This is a fully selfish move, Wren.” I hoped that the truth of that was written on my face.
