Page 15 of Joy to Noel
Did I still set an alarm so I would have time to make a cup of tea and be casually sitting in my trusty Adirondack chair when Liam leaves for work?
Like I said, fifth amendment.
While proofreading the copy of a website to make sure it’s error-free is absolutely in my wheelhouse,designinga website is not a natural strength. But I am a resourceful, determined individual—and you can learn how to do virtually anything on YouTube these days.
That means I ended day one with one bona fide business website, and I think that certainly tops any amount of note compilation that Liam may have accomplished last night. My late-night hours still count toward day one since we’re counting days by the hours awake and working, not the official date shown on your phone. At least, I say so.
I take a long sip of my English breakfast tea, brewed extra strong, with a splash of cream and a drizzle of honey. A higher caffeine content was necessary after a short night’s sleep.
I’m intentionally sitting at an angle instead of directly facing Liam’s cabin. While I do enjoy taking in the peaceful woodsy scenery, my gaze frequently drifts to his cabin. Ever since he came over last night, I’ve been itching to get a peek inside his living space. I want to confirm all of my gut instincts and assumptions about him (and count his suits, for good measure).
That’s theonlyreason I’m dying to go inside his cabin—because I love proving myself right. However, I am socially aware enough to not be a psycho knocking on his door demanding entry in the early morning. I’ll bide my time until the appropriate snooping opportunity presents itself.
When I hear the click of Liam’s door opening, I quickly school my features into a natural, aloof expression. Staring off into the scenic distance.
“Morning, MJ,” his smooth voice calls.
My aloof expression is instantly spoiled by an eye roll. “Stop calling me MJ,” I say as he strides my way.
“Why? Did a childhood bully call you MJ? Or does it have some other traumatic association from your past?” he asks.
“Well, no.”
“Do you have a general aversion to the initials?”
“No.”
“Then why can’t I call you MJ?” he presses.
I harrumph. “I don’t know. I’ve just . . . never been called that before. It’s always Madison or Mads. MJ makes me think of Michael Jordan or Michael Jackson—it doesn’t fit me,” I assert.
Liam’s eyes sparkle. “The two Michaels, huh? Two icons of their fields, powerhouses of presence. I think the shoe fits.”
A genuine smile spreads across my lips before I can sassify it. Liam holds up his phone and says, “Besides, mjeditorial.com is official and everything. Now the shoe definitely fits.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “You looked up my website?”
“Obviously,” Liam says. “We both knew you weren’t going to go to sleep before you had a website. Not after our conversation last night.” He adds the final remark with a self-satisfied smirk.
I match his expression as I stand and step toward him. “Let me guess—all nineteen pages of notes meticulously sorted and converted to your computer?”
“Twenty-two pages—you’re purposely getting it wrong now,” he quips back. “And yes, I sorted through all my notes and came up with two pages of questions and next steps in the investigation for today. Although, I would have done that last night regardless of your added motivation. But living across the gravel lane from you certainly isn’t harming my productivity. If I accomplish everything on my to-do list today, it’s going to take more than a completed web design for you to claim victory.”
“We’ll have to compare the number of checked-off items on our lists at the end of the day. Make the competition a little more objective,” I say.
Liam narrows his eyes and angles his head like he’s considering what I’ve said. “I don’t know—it seems like comparing a business startup to fixing a broken system is innately subjective. Surely we can both agreeto take into account the amount of time tasks require and be honest in our assessments,” he counters, a confident gleam in his eye.
As he’s spoken, he’s slowly walked closer to me, and the morning breeze picks up the musky scent of his cologne, wafting it through my senses. His plain, dark navy suit is paired with a baby blue shirt, sans tie today. I suppose the full suit was just a day one look.
“Black tea?” His question breaks me out of my focus on his appearance, startling me with how close he is. I glance down at the mug in my hands as he continues, “If you needed more caffeine, my coffee offer is a standing proposal.”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” I say. “I prefer tea.”
“I gathered as much. But an artisan cup of black coffee could be a special treat, even for a tea person,” Liam says. He starts to back away toward his SUV as he adds, “Just let me know if you ever need a cup.”
My attention sparks as I recognize the appropriate snooping opportunity that just presented itself. “Tomorrow,” I quickly state. “I’ll try a cup tomorrow. If only to prove to myself once and for all that tea is the superior morning drink.”
“I accept the challenge,” Liam says with a wry grin. “Good luck winning the productivity day on your inferior caffeinated beverage, MJ.”
