Page 107 of The Holiday Grump
I pulled away to look him in the eye. “What are you talking about?”
He took a deep breath. “I’m stepping away. I’ve brought Felicity and Jackson on board as business advisors. We had an honest chat yesterday, and they told me I need to hire someone to run this store. It was probably the first time I’d ever heard them agree on something. And they’re right. I’m the reason this business is failing, and I don’t want it to fail. For Uncle Glenn’s sake. It’s his legacy. I suppose I was the closest thing to a son and the only one he could talk books with, so he thought I could replace him, but I couldn’t. He was outgoing and flamboyant, and I’m… you know.”
I nodded. “And what are you going to do?”
“Something I should have done a long time ago. Get a proper internet connection and sell rare books online. Maybe start writing again. I used to enjoy that.” There was a lightness to him and a hint of excitement.
“No dealing with people?” I smiled.
“You know how much I enjoy that.” He raised a brow.
It sounded like a huge pivot, but it also made sense.
“So do you know anyone?” he asked. “The job comes with an apartment. Not a fancy one, but you’ll have a kitchenette once I’ve installed some cupboards.”
So that’s what was in the box upstairs?
“How can you afford to pay anyone? You said the business is failing.”
He looked a little flustered. “I’m really hoping I find someone who values the free accommodation perk and accepts minimum wage, plus shares and bonuses. I have a draft agreement on my laptop if you’re interested?”
“You know I’m pathologically curious,” I said tentatively. “But you shouldn’t hire someone you’re sleeping with. That’s messy.”
“Noelle. I’m trying to make room for you. I want you to have a real, sustainable, long-term foothold in this town.”
“But what if we break up? Then I’d lose my jobandmy home.”
“No! It’s all in the contract. Two years to start with. I can’t hire you or fire you without Felicity and Jackson anyway. I know it’s awkward, but we’ll keep it clear and separate. If you have any terms or conditions, we can add them before you sign.”
My heart raced like I’d been running. “Fredrik! This is totally crazy! You know that, right?”
“I want you to stay, but I don’t want you to worry about being a burden or mooching off me or anything like that. I don’t feel like that, but I know you do, so?—”
“So you’re creating a job for me?”
“I’m just trying to fix things.”
“Fredrik, please. I have a job. I’m leaving tomorrow, and I’ll be gone for eight months. It’s all set up.”
“But it’s Christmas! You can’t leave before Christmas.”
“Why not? That was the plan all?—”
“Because your family is coming over!”
I froze. “What do you mean, my family? My parents don’t even know where I am.”
I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed. “They do now. I invited your sister over for Christmas, and she thought we should tell them and invite them too. I mean, Spencer already knows where you are. Why would you keep on hiding? I’m heating the house. There’s enough room for everyone.”
“You invited them here without asking me?” My voice crept up in shock. “When?”
“Yesterday.” He looked down at the floor. “I would have asked you, but...”
“I was talking to my parents, telling them I’m out on a cruise ship. You made me a liar!”
“Well…”
Okay. I was a liar, but something about what he’d done felt wrong. “You can’t do this, Fredrik. You can’t just fix things and expect me to fall in line. I thought I had to get away, so I made plans with Grace. She’s my best friend. What would I tell her?”
