Page 34 of It Must Be Love

"Sorry, Amias, you're an asshole and I don't trust you as far as I can throw you, so no fucking way am I calling you for help."

She wouldn’t be wrong, I thought in self-disgust. I had to do better with Naya. I really, really wanted to.

Chapter 13

Naya

Ihad a glass of punch in my hand, my feet were tapping to the music, and I laughed when I saw Mila do the jive with Ethan in the rooftop conference room where we usually had our all-hands meetings.

The transformation of our familiar workspace into a festive wonderland was nothing short of magical. The Christmas tree at one corner of the room was bright with twinkling lights that danced in harmony with the laughter and music that filled the air. The tree's branches were laden with an eclectic mix of ornaments—handmade baubles, glittering snowflakes, and the occasional quirky decoration contributed by Midas team members.

"Isn't it great?" Ethan's wife came up to me, rocking three-month-old Noah. I noticed Ethan and Mila step away from the dance floor when the music changed.

I set my punch down on a table and held my arms out for the baby.

"Jess, go dance with your husband. I can hold Noah."

"Yeah?" Jess gave Noah to me without hesitation. I'd already babysat for them once a few days ago when Ethan had told me Jess was going out of her mind. Both their parents lived far away, and I'd said I'd come by and keep Noah company. They went for dinner and a movie and like new parents were home within three hours, already missing their little one.

Jess went up to her husband, who pulled her into his arms and circled her onto the dance floor. I nuzzled Noah's hair and dropped a kiss on a fat cheek. "Hey, little pumpkin, how are you?"

I loved babies, and I loved their unique baby smell. There was something about hugging them close. I missed Magnus like crazy. Neither Nolan nor Kara had called me since I saw them at the restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Guess they hadn't needed a babysitter, I thought bitterly.

But that was the problem with falling in love with children who were not yours—they were not yours. I was getting pretty close to begging them to let me see my nephew, and I knew it was just a matter of time before I caved. I didn't hold grudges. I couldn't stay angry with anyone for too long. I was just holding on for the sake of pride. But between pride and seeing Magnus smile, the winner would always be my little man.

Noah gurgled as I danced with him in place. He had just started to smile, but I knew at three-months there was a thin line between a smile and a fart.

"Merry Christmas, Naya." I could smell him before I heard him.

Since the incident at the restaurant, Amias had not talked to me outside of meetings. There had been no flirtatious text message exchanges either. Darren told me he'd given everyone a piece of his mind after I left. I didn't care. I was in the midst of negotiating my offer with InnoWare, and intended to submit my resignation to Amias a few days after I signed the contract. Since Ethan was on paternity leave until the New Year, Amias was my immediate supervisor.

I had asked to start my new job in February, so after my two-week notice period, I could have a break for a couple of weeks before getting back to the grind. I was thinking of going somewhere warm and inexpensive. Not that I could go lie on a beach, not with my legs, but maybe I could walk on a beach in long maxi dresses, I consoled myself. I could drink margaritas and watch the sunset. The winters in Boston could be long, and after spending two winters in California, I missed the mild weather.

"Merry Christmas, Amias."

"You babysitting Noah?"

"For a bit."

"You babysit a lot," he said.

I wasn't sure if he was mocking me, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Not really. Just my nephew whenever his parents needed it. And now this little one so his parents can dance."

Noah yanked at my hair. I'd left it loose again. I liked it. I had not given up my all-black style, but I was thinking of adding some color during my two weeks in the sun. I didn't have a whole lot of money but I would be making more in my new job so I could splurge a little.

"The decorations look great," Amias said, making small talk.

I wasn't even looking at him, just rocking Noah and playing with him. The room did look great. Around us, the holiday spirit was alive and vibrant. Garlands of evergreen and holly draped across the room's perimeter, their rich green hues accented by the occasional burst of red from berries and bows. The windows, usually offering a clear view of the city skyline, now framed scenes of frosted glass art, with delicate snowflake patterns catching the glow from the string lights woven around the window sills.

Above, the ceiling was transformed by a canopy of soft fairy lights, giving the illusion of a starlit sky, while the gentle flicker of candlelight from the tables added warmth and intimacy to the room.

A corner had been set up as a photo booth, complete with a backdrop of snowy scenes and a table of props that ranged from Santa hats and reindeer antlers to feather boas and playful elf ears. People were making faces and trying different props as they took photos.

The aroma of spiced cider and fresh pine mingled in the air, drawing guests towards the refreshment table where a feast of seasonal delights awaited. Platters of cookies, fruitcakes, and gingerbread houses made by team members were displayed alongside savory treats.

At Midas, the annual Christmas potluck organized by the engagement team had become a cherished tradition

I'd miss my colleagues when I left I thought. I'd miss Mila for sure. She was the closest person to a friend I had here. I'd miss Ethan because he was an amazing manager. I hoped Conrad would be as good a boss.

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