Page 21 of Carry Me Through Christmas

Chapter 11.5

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Date: July 15 9:56 a.m.

Subject: Glowing Review...of you?

Hi B-

Presumably you already have Tanya’s blog post memorized since it went up early this morning, but just wanted to be 100 percent sure the following bit was sticking out for you.

“I had a chance to speak with Cole Thomas, Winterberry Glen CFO, about his colleague in festival planning, Blaire Greene, and how she came about the job. Small town politics can be rife with nepotism, but Cole insists Blaire deserves the chance she’s getting with Holly Ridge’s Christmas festival based on her own merit, saying ‘Ms. Greene works harder and cares more about this 16-day festival than I’ve seen city leaders work on and care for their agenda for the whole city for the entire year. I have no doubts that if Holly Ridge does not keep its charter, that it will not be due to any faults on the part of Ms. Greene. If I liked Christmas or small-town festivals, she would be who I would want in charge.’”

Love, C.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Date: July 15 10:16 a.m.

Subject: Re: Glowing Review...of you?

Hi C-

I have read the article several times. I’m overall happy with it. I can’t believe she’s adding Holly Ridge to her festivals to watch list. It’s going to be great exposure for us. I do wish she wouldn’t have quoted Cole directly, but I guess the quote is nice enough. Cole and I are going to need to be prepared for more feud questions from the press come December, though. It’s definitely time for me to push him on getting us an appointment at the Winterberry Glen archives to get their side of the story.

Love, B

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Date: July 15 10:46 a.m.

Subject: Re: Re: Glowing Review...of you?

Sweet, Naive, B-

Ohh, a date to the historical archives with the man who just said SUCH NICE THINGS ABOUT YOU ON THE RECORD AND YOU’RE IGNORING IT. Sounds romantic.

Deflect all you want, girlfriend. I see you.

You know you love me, C

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Date: July 15 2:06 p.m.

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Glowing Review...of you?

C, you’re the worst.

Dusty archives are definitely an appropriate atmosphere for a completely platonic, work-relationship outing.

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