Page 24 of Saved By Noel
“Syd’s on anAnne of Green Gableskick again,” Davis continues, as though this explanation is entirely sufficient. “But second of all, I don’t need to have met Clara to recognize when something good has happened to you. Even if you’re too dense to see it.”
“You’ve reached your insult limit for the night. This conversation is over.”
“I’ll continue the stream of insults in my dreams tonight. The gaps between the couch cushions will provide constant inspiration.”
“See you in your nightmares, then,” I say before ending the call. Chase gives me a look so laced with disappointment, he appears eerily human for a second.
Should I apologize to Clara?I wonder to myself. Taking a bite of my lukewarm chili, I find my appetite has disappeared.
Sure, I’m a man who enjoys my privacy and doesn’t need a lot of friends. Some might call me grumpy from time to time. But I’m not usually downright rude. Not like I was to Clara today.
I sigh.
Whistling to Chase, I slip on a fleece jacket and head out the front door. Moments later, we’re driving up the steep road to the ridge on the edge of town.
As we near the driveway to Clara’s cabin, there’s a conspicuous glow piercing the night sky. “What the?” I question aloud, slowing down.
A kaleidoscope of colors floods the air around the cabin. The unmistakable shine of Christmas lights. Hundreds of them. Possibly thousands.
“That woman,” I grumble. I step on the accelerator and drive right past her driveway. Drive right home without stopping.
Chapter seventeen
Clara
“Would you say that each member of your team is equally deserving of a holiday bonus?”
Mr. Douglas, my boss, stares at me, waiting for my answer.
It’s end-of-the-year review time. While I’m thankful for my glowing personal review, I don’t enjoy the part where I have to give feedback about the copywriters on my team. Particularly one member of the team.
I squirm in my seat, eyes flitting away from Mr. Douglas’ stare. Madison attempted to make me take a blood oath to be honest about Michael’s less than stellar job performance. But just this morning, he’d come into my office with tears in his eyes, asking for my help with his final article of the month. His childhood dog passed away, and he was too broken up over it to concentrate.
“Umm,” I hum, spinning my ring. “I, uh, yes, I think all the members of my team have done their part to earn the holiday bonus,” I finally confirm. I can already picture Madison’s disappointed rage face.
“Okay, thanks for your help, Clara,” Mr. Douglas wraps up. “We appreciate your exemplary contribution to the company, as always.”
I murmur appreciation before leaving the office, heaving a sigh. Unlocking my phone reveals I have a text from Madison waiting for me.
MADS
And????
ME
Happy to report that you WILL be receiving a bonus. Merry Christmas from WritInc!
MADS
That’s not what I’m asking and you know it.
ME
Who wouldn’t want to hear that they get a bonus?!
MADS
Ughhh, there’s my answer. I’m not talking to you for the rest of the day.
