Page 33 of Grumpy Glitter Christmas
“For the ballroom,” Felicity clarified, seeing Grant’s expression. “Not another lobby tree. One twelve-foot disaster was enough.”
“It wasn’t a disaster,” Grant said. “It was... memorable.”
“Is that what we’re calling it now?”
After Leo left, they stood in the lobby, surveying their work. The preview display looked professional and inviting. The decorations sparkled in the afternoon light. The bank felt alive in a way it hadn’t in years.
“We should finish up,” Grant said finally, needing to break the moment. “I promised to bring coffee Monday morning. What time will you be here?”
Felicity’s smile was like a sunrise. “Seven-thirty. If that’s not too early.”
“It’s perfect.”
She gathered her things, and he walked her to the door. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of winter rose.
“See you Monday, Grant,” she said—the first time she’d used his first name without the formal Mr. Whitaker.
“Monday,” he agreed, watching her walk to her car.
He stood in the doorway longer than necessary, his mind chaotic with thoughts he didn’t want to organize.
Back in his office, his phone rang. Unknown number, Boston area code.
He almost didn’t answer.
“Grant Whitaker.”
“Grant.” The voice was smooth, familiar, unwelcome. “It’s Victoria.”
His entire body went still.
“Victoria.”
“I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time. I’m in Vermont, and I heard through the grapevine about your project at the branch. The Hometown Heart initiative?” Her tone was light, teasing. “I was surprised. Grant Whitaker hosting community galas. That doesn’t sound like you.”
Something under her words—not quite criticism, but close. An implication that this was beneath him, out of character.
“The bank is hosting a fundraiser,” Grant said. “Community engagement. Corporate directive.”
“Of course. Corporate directive.” A pause. “Still, I’d love to see what you’re working on. For old times’ sake. Maybe coffee while I’m in town?”
Every instinct told him to decline politely.
But he heard himself say, “Let me check my schedule.”
“Perfect. It would be good to catch up, Grant. It’s been too long.”
After they hung up, Grant sat staring at his phone. His carefully ordered world felt suddenly unstable.
He hadn’t thought about Victoria in months. After her ultimatum and his choice, he’d carefully boxed up everything associated with her. The relationship had been neat,professional, and ultimately hollow. When it ended, the primary emotion was relief.
So why did hearing her voice make him feel all kinds of unwanted feelings?
Through the window, he could see Felicity’s car pulling away, her hand raised in a final wave.
His phone buzzed with a text.
Victoria:How’s Tuesday for coffee? Dying to see this gala project. Sounds absolutely charming.
