Page 41 of Grumpy Glitter Christmas
She walked over to where Felicity was setting up the welcome table. “You must be Ms. Adams. I’ve heard so much about your work.”
“Have you?” Felicity’s voice came out steadier than she felt.
“Oh, very enthusiastic accounts. Grant tells me you’ve been quite dedicated.” The word carried a subtle dismissal—praising effort while questioning competence.
Victoria glanced around the lobby. “It’s certainly colorful. Very festive.” She paused, then delivered the final blow with a smile. “Though I have to say, it’s all a bit childish, isn’t it? In a sweet way, of course.”
The word hung between them, sharp and cutting.
Felicity wanted to defend herself, to explain that “childish” and “joyful” weren’t the same thing. But her voice had fled.
“It’s meant to feel welcoming,” she managed.
“Of course. And I’m sure the local community will love it.” The implication was clear: not quite good enough for serious consideration.
Grant stood nearby, and Felicity looked at him, silently begging him to say something.
He opened his mouth.
“We should let you get back to work, Ms. Adams,” was all he said. “I know you have a busy day.”
Dismissal. Professional, polite dismissal.
“Yes,” Felicity said, her voice hollow. “Very busy.”
Victoria offered a final sympathetic smile and headed for the door. “Best of luck with the gala. I’m sure it will be... memorable.”
After she left, the lobby felt too quiet.
“Felicity—” Grant started.
“I need to confirm the chair delivery,” she interrupted, her voice brittle. “Excuse me.”
She walked back to the ballroom on mechanical legs. Behind her, she heard Grant call her name again, but she didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop. If she stopped, she would break completely.
In the ballroom, surrounded by the beautiful things they’d created together, Felicity pulled out her phone and texted Jade:Can I swing by tonight? Need a friend.
The response came immediately:Always. What happened?
Tell you later,Felicity typed back.
I’ll have cocoa ready. Hang in there.
Felicity tucked her phone away and stared at the tree. Last night, in this very room, he’d touched her face and looked at her like she was precious.
This morning, he’d let someone call her childish and hadn’t disagreed.
She had six days to pull off the gala of her career while working alongside a man who apparently thought she wasn't professional enough. Six days while pretending her heart hadn't been quietly, efficiently broken.
But she couldn't think about that now. Couldn't let herself fall apart. Not yet.
She pulled out her planner and flipped to her checklist. Work. She could focus on work.
Six days until the gala.
She would get through this. She had to.
CHAPTER TWELVE
