Page 59 of Merry Little Hate Notes

“I’ll think about these ideas,” I offered, even though I knew I would probably do everything she’d suggested. “I should probably get back to work.”

“Just a moment,” my dad finally chimed in. “I’d like to speak to you about your plans moving forward now that you’re staying. We should probably discuss Holly’s as well. I’m not sure if it makes sense for you two to continue working together if you’re dating.”

“I agree with you.”

Mom and Dad both looked taken aback.

“Don’t get me wrong,” I added. “I love working with Holly. She’s incredible, but that’s the problem. She’s too good for this job.”

“I’ve tried to promote her several times,” Dad defended.

“I know. But honestly, I don’t think her heart is here.”

“What are you saying?” Dad asked.

“I think we need to prepare ourselves for Holly leaving.”

“Has she said something to you?” Mom asked.

Not in so many words. But I read between the lines when she had spoken about her mom. And I’d seen her in action. Someday, Holly was going to realize she could have her dream. For her sake, I hoped it was sooner rather than later. “It’s not what she’s saying—it’s who she is. For as good a BDR as she is, it’s not her.”

“Do you want me to fire her?” Dad seemed uncomfortable with the thought.

“Of course not. Nor do I want to work with anyone besides her until she decides what her next steps are. I just wanted to warn you.” For the next bombshell, I folded my arms and looked straight at my father. “Once Holly leaves, I’d like to be moved into an executive role. I believe I’ve earned it.”

Dad and Mom grinned at each other as if there were some inside joke between them. What did that mean?

“I’ve just been waiting for you to come home and ask,” Dad informed me.

Mom reached over and took my hand with misty eyes. “We’re so proud of you.”

I squeezed Mom’s hand, thinking that had been easier than I thought it would be. “Thank you.”

“You deserve it, son.” Dad beamed with pride.

No matter how old I was, my parents’ approval meant the world to me. I stood, feeling a little taller. “We’ll discuss terms later. Right now, I need to go make a gingerbread house with the woman I love.” Not to mention listen to her serenade our coworkers.

“That’s so sweet,” Mom cried. “And it’s all because of me. You canthank me later.”

“I’m going to thank you now.” I laughed. “Thank you.” I kissed her head.

I just hoped all her scheming didn’t go to waste once Holly learned the truth about me.

HOLLY

“YOU NEED TO ACT LIKE you don’t like me,” I whispered out the side of my mouth, half listening as Camille told us the rules of this team-building exercise. Brandon and I sat at a bistro table filled with all the supplies to make a gingerbread house out of graham crackers.

“Why?” Brandon whispered back.

“Women in the bathroom are noticing.”

“Which women?”

“That’s confidential.” I smiled. Dang it. I probably shouldn’t have done that. It was way too flirty.

“So then I probably shouldn’t give you this.” Brandon reached into his pocket and slid a note to me under the table.

Two notes in one day? This was getting serious. I liked this new game. Even though I feared the bathroom-crew-that-was-probably-a-gang I was involved with, I braved gazing down and read,I’ll stop the world and melt with you.Oh, that was adorable. He was going to make me lose all self-respect and kiss him before the talk happened. I wasn’t sure why he hadn’t told me yet. Hello. I was obviously into him.

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