Page 90 of About Last Christmas
He scans the page and raises a brow. “Adelaide Springfield? Really?”
I sit in the same chair I had when I came here almost a month ago. So much has changed. I’ve changed. “Adelaide’s husband got injured on the job and isn’t getting any support. Does your uncle still take on workers’ comp cases?”
“He does.”
“Good. I want to hire him to represent Adelaide’s husband. I detailed everything.” I nod at the paper. “I also emailed you a copy.”
He lowers onto his plush seat and continues to read. “Says you will cover legal fees, offer debt relief, and you want to get her house modified.” He lowers the page and looks at me. “Modified?”
“I want to make their entire home safe and accessible. I’m thinking of installing ramps, widening doorways for his wheelchair, and anything else that will help.”
After a long second, he nods. “This will work.”
“As for the media coverage, she’s called the major news networks about what happened, and no one’s gotten back with her.”
“Leave it to me.” He smiles and scribbles down something. “I can ensure they cover the story the way Adelaide wants and place an emphasis on the solution.”
“The solution being sticking it to the former employer.”
He laughs. “I’ll do my best.”
“I’m sure you will.”
He leans back in his chair and studies me. “Your grandmother would be proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Though I think it’s time for me to be proud of myself. For so long, I’ve been living for other people’s approval. I’m through curating my behavior to gain acceptance. “Well,Fletcher, it’s been … fun.” It’s been freeing. In searching for the recipient, it seems I’ve found myself along the way. Though it wasn’t without its sacrifice. Leo and the Garrick. One won’t return my calls, and the other won’t return ever.
I stand to leave.
“I almost forgot.” He rises to his feet. “Do you happen to be available Saturday night? It’s the company Christmas party.”
“I actually have plans.” Mom and I are having a bake night. We have lofty aspirations of baking ten different kinds of cookies for a dessert exchange at the senior center. I’m not sure what the rest of my weekend looks like. I still haven’t heard from Leo, but after Adelaide left, I called him. Voicemail again. So I shot off a text, thanking him for helping. I was polite, and I hated that the tone sounded suspiciously like a goodbye. If I can’t get a happily ever after, maybe someone else can. “But if you need someone pretty awesome for a date, my friend Tilly has Saturday evening off.”
He smirks. “Miss Ohio’s second runner-up?”
Yep, he’s her soulmate. “Something like that.” I grab a pen from his desk, write her number on a sticky note, and place it in his hand. “If I don’t see you before, Merry Christmas, Fletcher.” With a smile, I return the pen to its home.
He glances down at the note, then to me. “Merry Christmas.”
As I leave the office, I text my best friend.
Greta
The Secret Santa mission is complete!!!
Tilly
*Santa emoji and woman in red dress dancing emoji*
Greta
Also Fletcher Thomas might ask you on a date
Tilly
WHAT?!?!
CHAPTER 27
