“But I never—” She stops mid-sentence. “Wait—what? What do you mean?”
“And a raise, of course,” I add. “But I was going to do that anyway.”
“I… I don’t understand…” she sputters. “You… you want to hire me back?”
“Are you willing to come back?”
“Yes! Yes, of course I am.”
“Well, then.” I smile as I adjust the photo of me and Marley on my nightstand. “I want you back. I think you’re an asset to the company, Courtney. I’m sorry I lost my temper with you the other day. It’s been… It’s been a rough few days. I hope you can forgive me and put it behind us.”
“Yes, of course…”
“And when you come back,” I say, “I’d like to work very closely with you. I really think you have a big future with the company and I want to make sure you get all the benefit of what I’ve learned over the years.”
“That would be amazing, Elizabeth,” she breathes. “Thank you so much. I swear, I won’t let you down.” She hesitates. “I also want you to know that me and Richard… that’s over. He’s a jerk.”
I almost laugh. “You figured that out a lot quicker than I did.”
“So… do you want me to come in today?”
“Absolutely not. Today is your day to spend with your family. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Courtney thanks me another five times before I can hang up the phone. Wow, that felt really good. Maybe I’m not a horrible person after all. Maybe I really can change.
I shoot out an email to the rest of my employees, instructing them to take the day off. It’s Christmas, after all. I’d call them personally, but I don’t have time. There’s somewhere I have to be right now. And it isn’t work.
Two hours later, an Uber deposits me in front of a large yellow house with a brown roof located way out in Long Island. I clutch a plastic bag to my chest as I slide out of the car. For the millionth time, I wonder if I should have called before coming over here. But I wanted it to be a surprise.
My totally inadequate boots sink deep into the fresh snow since the street hasn’t been cleared away yet. My feet get soaked, but I don’t care. There are three steps to get to the front door, and I cling to the railing to make sure I don’t go flying and break my neck. The plastic bag swings from my right hand.
Believe it or not, there aren’t a lot of stores open on Christmas Day to buy last minute presents for your nieces and nephew, but the minimart at the corner was open as always. The plastic bag contains a deck of playing cards, a bag of Cheetos, some Hostess cupcakes, and a squeaky toy shaped like a piece of steak that is very clearly meant for dogs. It’s the best I could do on such short notice.
My hand is shaking as I press the bell. Chimes echo throughout the house while I wait at the door, growing more and more nervous. After a minute, there’s a burst of yelling and the sound of little feet pounding against the ground. It takes a good two minutes before the door swings open.
“Ebbie!” Polly’s eyes widen at the side of me. “What are you doing here?”
I start to answer, but before I can, she throws her arms around me in a crushing hug.
“I can’t believe you’re here for Christmas!” she cries. She doesn’t seem willing to let me escape from this hug. “It’s so great to see you!”
“It’s great to see you too,” I say as I squeeze her back equally hard.
Polly pulls away from me, her eyes shining. “And you’re just in time for opening presents!”
“Oh…” I hold up the plastic bag, my face growing warm. “I have to be honest. I didn’t get anything that great for the kids.”
Polly frowns at me. “What are you talking about? The presents you bought arrived weeks ago.”
What? What presents?
But then it comes back to me. Roberta coming into my office, saying, Don’t you have some nieces and nephews? Do you want me to get them presents for Christmas for you? And then I scribbled down Polly’s address, the names and approximate ages of her kids, and let Roberta take care of it.
“Aunt Ebbie!” a child’s voice squeals from the other room. My nephew, Brian, who couldn’t remember me yesterday, races in from the other room. “Thank you so much for the Play-Doh ice cream parlor kit! It’s just what I wanted!”
Polly rolls her eyes. “Yes, just what we wanted. More Play-Doh ground into our carpet.” She winks at me. “Come into the living room. Let’s open some more presents.”
Polly insists on giving me the seat of honor in the middle of the sofa while everybody opens presents. There’s nothing for me, because nobody knew I was coming, but that’s fine. Polly sent me a necklace a couple of weeks ago, and I pull it out of my shirt to show everyone the green gemstone. Also, Roberta got the kids some amazing presents—I really have to thank her for that. My presents are definitely going to earn me the title of Favorite Aunt.
Of course, baby Taylor seems to like the squeaky steak better than the Elmo doll Roberta picked out. She toddles all over the house, squeaking it loudly and giggling. Then she spends about half an hour playing with the box that her present came in, which I think was her favorite gift of all.
And the hostess cupcakes were a big hit too.
“I’m so glad you came,” Polly tells me for the millionth time after the presents have been opened and there’s wrapping paper covering pretty much every inch of the living room floor. I’m only glad I don’t have to clean up. “I missed you so much.”
“I’m going to come a lot more from now on,” I promise her.
She lowers her eyes. “You don’t have to. I know your job keeps you very busy.”
“There are things more important than my job.”
Polly grins at me. “Are you going to stay for lunch? I’m making sandwiches with the leftover turkey from last night. I know you love leftover sandwiches.”
“Actually…” I look down at my watch. “I have another lunch date.”
“Work? Or a date date?”
Against my will, my cheeks grow warm.
“Ebbie!” Polly grabs both my hands in hers. “Who is he? Tell me everything!”
“There’s nothing to tell,” I mumble. “Not… yet, anyway.”
She takes a step back, studying my face. “Wow, look at you. You’re really into this mystery guy, aren’t you?”
I bite my lip. “I think… yes, I am. I really like him. A lot.” I look at my watch again. “But right now, I’ve got to go. Or else I’ll have blown it for good.”
She winks at me. “Well, what are you waiting for then?”
Chapter 30
It takes another twenty or thirty hugs before I’m able to extract myself from my sister’s house. Steve offers to drive me, but I insist he should stay home with his family. Besides, I need some time to think. I don’t want to screw this up.
That’s where I’ll be having Christmas lunch tomorrow. Just in case you change your mind.
I gave the Uber driver the address Tim texted me yesterday. Like with Polly, I didn’t give Tim any indication I’d be showing up. I was afraid if I did, he might tell me not to bother. If I show up at the door, he’s less likely to turn me away.
Roberta lives in Queens, and it takes about forty minutes to get to her address. Unlike my sister’s luxurious house on the island, Roberta lives in a clean but decrepit-looking apartment building. Tim wrote that she lives in apartment 203. Second floor.
At the entrance, I pass a woman holding an armful of presents. I hold the door open for her, which means I get into the building without having to buzz up. Good thing, because I was worried that after all this, I might be left out here in the cold—denied entrance. There’s an elevator, but I skip it and head straight for the stairs.
And then I’m there. In front of apartment 203.
What am I supposed to say? Hey, I was just in the neighborhood and decided to drop in! Nope. Whatever I say, it’s got to be good. The last thing I said to Roberta was that she was fired. And the last thing I said to
Tim was I didn’t have room in my life for him. They have every right to slam the door in my face when they see me. And they just might.
Well, I’m about to find out.
I take a deep breath and press my finger against the bell.
It takes a few moments, but the door swings open. Roberta is standing there, her gray hair loose around her face, wearing the absolute ugliest green and red Christmas sweater I’ve ever seen, featuring a giant reindeer in the center. It’s so ugly, it’s sort of beautiful.
Her eyes widen at the sight of me. “Elizabeth?”
I manage a smile. I wish I could have brought something for her, but a bag of Cheetos wasn’t going to cut it. “Hi, Roberta. Can I come in? I’d really like to speak to you.”
She blinks at me. For a second I’m scared she’s going to say no. But that’s not Roberta’s style. She takes a step back. “Yes, of course. Please come in.”
Roberta’s apartment is small enough that when I step past the foyer, I can see into the dining area. She’s got two tables set up—one for kids and one for adults. She’s got four grandchildren of various ages at the smaller table, and at the larger table are her children and in-laws. And of course, Tim is there.
Tim looks just as shocked as Roberta to see me. And not particularly happy.
Damn.
“Roberta,” I say. “In the spirit of the holiday, I just want to say…”
Everyone is still staring at me.
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I’m sorry that I… that I let you go the other day. What happened… It wasn’t your fault.”
“But it was my fault!” she says. “I shredded all your important documents!”
I wince, remembering how that felt when I made the discovery. But it wasn’t her fault. It was Richard’s fault. Or mine for not realizing how Marley used to utilize her services. “I should have shown you what to do from the start instead of leaving it to Richard. That’s on me. So I owe you an apology.”
“Damn straight you do,” Scott speaks up. “Right, Tim?”
I look over at Tim, whose brows are bunched together. I can’t read his expression at all—he’s worse than Marley with her deadpan stare. I’m just going to keep talking.
“The thing is,” I say. “I thought I had it all figured out. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted in life. But… I was wrong. I didn’t know what I wanted until a few days ago. And it took me this long to admit it to myself.”
Roberta shakes her head. “Well, I’m glad you made that discovery, Elizabeth. But I don’t understand what it has to do with the shredder…”
I keep my gaze on Tim, looking into his blue eyes hidden behind his black-rimmed glasses. He hasn’t said a word this whole time. What is he thinking? Does he hate me? Do I still have a shot? It’s driving me crazy.
“What I’m saying,” I press on, “is there’s only one thing I think can make me happy. Only one person. And that’s what I came here to tell you. I didn’t want to wait one more day before saying that. I didn’t want to waste even one more minute. So… here I am. Telling you that… I want you. If you still want me.”
Everyone in the room is gawking at me, identical confused expressions on their faces. They all think I’ve lost my mind. Everyone except Tim. I watch as he reaches under the table to grab his crutches. He heaves himself to his feet, limps around the dining table, and comes over to where I’m standing in the foyer.
“Tim,” Roberta starts to say. “You didn’t have to get up. It’s okay. She’s apologizing…”
But then she stops mid-sentence when she realizes how we’re staring at one another. I look at his face, desperately trying to read his expression.
“I made a big mistake,” I choke out. “I got it all wrong. I didn’t—”
There was more I had intended to say, but I don’t get any of it out. Because at that moment, Tim leans forward and kisses me.
Oh, and not just a peck on the lips. He leans one of his crutches against the wall so he can pull me closer, and I allow my body to support his weight. And then we’re full on making out. For way too long, considering his entire family is watching us. But I don’t care if he doesn’t. The truth is, after a few seconds, I completely forget they’re there. I think he does too. It’s like the whole world has vanished and it’s just us.
When we finally separate for air, Tim is grinning at me. “I’m really glad you came, Ebbie.”
I smile back. “Me too.”
“What the hell is going on here?” Scott cries out.
But then I look over at Roberta, who is smiling secretly to herself. She puts a hand on my shoulder and gives me a peck on the cheek. “Elizabeth is the girl,” she says happily.
I glance at the Craft family, all looking at me with equal expressions of curiosity. “I’m really sorry I interrupted your meal.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Tim says. “You’re just in time.”
“And maybe after, we can see the Christmas tree in Madison Square Garden,” I say. “Or else go to a movie.”
I’d love to see the Christmas tree—it’s been ages. But I also like the idea of being in a dark room with Tim.
“Whatever you want,” he says. “As long as we’re together.”
I hear my distinctive ringtone going off within my purse. I glance into my purse down at my phone and see a name I don’t expect: Charles Danvier. Tim raises his eyebrows at me. My fingers twitch to grab my phone, but I hold back. It’s Christmas Day. I can take a break from work for one day, can’t I?
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” he asks.
“No…”
To my surprise, he laughs. “You don’t have to change everything about yourself. You should answer your phone—I know you’re dying to.”
My shoulders sag with relief. “I promise I won’t be long.”
And yes, I’m dying to know why Charles Danvier, the patriarch and founder of Danvier Chocolates, would be calling me.
“Hello. Elizabeth Scribner here.” I slip into a little nook off the dining room. I was hoping for a bit of privacy, but everybody is still staring at me. This family is not very respectful of each other’s privacy. Oh well.
“Elizabeth? This is Charles Danvier. Of Danvier Chocolates.”
“Right.” I grip the phone tighter. “I know who you are, of course. How can I help you?”
“It’s about the presentation you did the other day.” He pauses. “I loved it.”
For moment, I’m rendered speechless, trying to absorb this new bit of information. I thought I had lost the chocolate contract for good. I thought it was completely off the table. “You… loved it?”
“Well, my son didn’t. He wanted something edgy. But you nailed exactly what I wanted to say. I wanted a scene about family. Two kids playing in the snow and getting some hot chocolate made with Danvier chocolate. That’s exactly what I wanted the ad to be about!”
My head is spinning. “Oh… well, I’m so thrilled you liked it.”
“I really did. I’d like to go ahead with the ad as soon as possible. Of course, we’ll have to make some tweaks but…”
“Of course, Mr. Danvier, whatever you want.”
“Please. Call me Charles. Also…” He clears his throat. “Those cookies you had at the meeting. The ones made with my chocolate. Those were the best cookies I’ve ever tasted in my life!”
I glance up at Roberta, who is watching me curiously. “Yes. They are very good cookies.”
“I’d like to buy that recipe,” Charles says. “I’d like to go into the cookie business with whoever made those cookies. Do you think they would be interested?”
A smile touches my lips. “I think she might.”
“Wonderful. I’ll have my girl draw up some contracts and if we could just discuss some details…”
A few days ago, I would have dashed to the office to discuss the contract with him. But I’m not going to do that right now. I saw a future in which I was completely absorbed by my career, and that’s not the l
ife I want to live. Hell, I saw my present, and that’s not the life I want to live. I’ve got to make some changes. Starting today.
“That would be great, Charles,” I say carefully. “But, well, it’s Christmas Day and—”
“It’s Christmas Day?” Charles Danvier sounds baffled. “Gosh darn it, you’re right! No wonder the drug store was closed this morning!”
“Well…”
“I’m sorry, Elizabeth!” His tone is more urgent now. “I’m expected at my son’s house for Christmas brunch shortly, so I can’t go over the details now. How about if we work it out in the next few days?”
I try not to laugh. “That sounds perfect. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas, Charles.”
“Merry Christmas to you, Elizabeth.”
Everyone in the room is staring at me as I shove my phone back in my purse. I throw my hands up in the air. “I got the chocolate contract!”
Tim’s face breaks out into a smile. “That’s amazing! Congratulations!”
Roberta looks even happier than I am. She throws her arms around me and gives me a healthy squeeze. “You deserve it, Elizabeth. You work so hard.” She pulls away from me, her eyes shining. “And the only thing I could contribute were those silly cookies.”
“Actually…” I can’t suppress a huge grin. “Charles Danvier didn’t think the cookies were silly. He loved them. He wants to go into the cookie business with you, Roberta.”
She blinks, her brow furrowed. “The cookie business?”
“He said they’re the best cookies he’s ever had in his whole life.”
“Of course they’re the best cookies he’s ever had.” Scott flings an arm around Roberta’s shoulders. “They’re our mom’s cookies!”
Tim nods. “They’re amazing cookies, Mom. You know they are.”
“And Charles Danvier wants to sell them,” I say.
A cautious smile spreads across Roberta’s face. “Well, that would be… lovely.”
Roberta’s family members take turns giving her hugs as I hang back with Tim beside me. She has such a wonderful family. She’s so lucky.
Ms. Scrooge Page 17