Page 5 of A Not So Merry Kiss-mas
“I’ll meet her,” I force out, trying to sound confident. “I’m sure it won’t be hate at first sight, right? What are the odds of that?”
I cringe at my words because she could totally not like me.
“Mel’s gonna love you, Mike!” Noelle claps excitedly. “I’ve been telling her how amazing you are. In fact, she’s a bit tiredof hearing me list all your redeeming qualities and is pretty sure I’ve created an imaginary person.”
My chest clenches as doubt creeps in.
“She’s had a rough year and hasn’t been completely herself. She could use someone like you in her life.”
“What do you think, Cole?” I question, rubbing the scruff on my chin.
“If I didn’t think you and Mel would be a good fit, I wouldn’t even have suggested it, but after getting to know her, I really do have to agree with Noelle.”
A door from down the hall closes, and the sound of footsteps echoes. When they rush past my door, I feel my shoulders sag as disappointment floods me.
“Besides,” Cole says gently. “It’s about time you get back on the horse again.”
He’s right. Itistime.
Chapter Three
Mel
My hand clutches my chest while the gingerbread scent from the letter Michael bought with my mail taunts me.
How is it possible that ‘Mrs. Claus’, or really a complete stranger, can have such intimate knowledge of my life?
Only someone who’s acquainted with me and knows about my relationship with my ex could write a message like that. My pulse pounds against my rib cage, my breath too quick, too shallow, and the walls feel like they’re closing in. I gasp for breath. I’m tipping toward full-on panic.
Throwing on sweats and a long-sleeved t-shirt, I shove my feet in boots, wrap a scarf around my neck, and pull on a coat. I grab my winter beanie before heading out the door and rushing down the hallway.
I need air.
Now.
The music can still slightly be heard when I pass Michael’s apartment, but I barely notice as blood pounds in my ears. The backs of my eyes burn, and I grab my phone from my purse as the apartment building’s door closes behind me.
The cold air barely registers as I pull up my best friend’s contact.
Maybe she sent the message? Or arranged to have it sent to me? But why would she do that?
Why would anyone do something like that?
“Noelle?” I say, my throat tight as she answers the call.
“Mel!” Noelle chirps excitedly. “We were just talking—”
I don’t wait for her to continue. “Are you Mrs. Claus? Did you send me that letter?” My voice is strained, tears fill my eyes, and I choke out the words, “It’s not funny.”
Cole’s voice fades, and I hear rustling in the background as Noelle moves out of his earshot.
“Honey,” she says softly, sensing the panic that’s about to overwhelm me. Lucien told me the night before our wedding that I wasn’t what he wanted, that my becoming a pediatric nurse was absurd and utterly beneath the elite lifestyle he envisioned. My life choices were an embarrassment to him.
I scoff.
He was an arrogant snob of a man, and everyone knew it but me. Apparently, loveisblind—not kind.
“Mel, take a deep breath and then tell me what’s going on?”
