Page 2 of Merry with Me

“Okay. So, I need to meet with Dr. Thompson. Got it.”

“In the past, he’s just agreed with everything I want to do. I don’t expect any flak from him.”

“So, I’m going to do all the work.” I laugh.

“You’re going to organize, yes. You have the power to delegate, and do so as you see fit.”

“To Dr. Thompson?” I ask.

Hilary shrugs. “Sure, it’s in his contract that he needs to take part. I just never pushed the issue. I don’t know how much help he will be, but if he gives you any trouble, let me know and I’ll take it to Tom.”

“Oh, I’m sure it will be fine.” I wave her off. The last thing I want is the grumpy doctor to be even grumpier by me telling on him. Besides, being able to have free rein with the gala is pretty damn appealing. My mind is already racing with all the ideas I can implement.

“I know we have lots of community events that the hospital is going to have a presence at that you are in charge of. If it gets to be too much, you let me know, and we’ll delegate that as well.”

“I’ve got this.” I’ve been looking forward to all the events since I started. Who cares if I have to put in a few more hours than normal? This is my dream job, and I’m basically living my best life during my favorite time of year. It won’t even feel like work.

“I’m confident that you do.” Hilary smiles as she stands. “I’m here as a resource, and if you need me to jump in on any task, let me know. I know how overwhelming this can be, and you already have a packed workload with the holiday season approaching.”

“Thank you. I’ll let you know if I need anything.” I stand and hold out my hand. “Thank you for trusting me with this. I won’tlet you down.” Hilary shakes my hand, then steps out of my office.

I plop back down in my chair and, with shaking hands, dig my phone out of my purse. I fire off a message to my parents in our group chat. My family has several, but this one is just the three of us. We have one with my siblings too.

Me: Guess what?

Mom: You’re dating someone?

Dad: Who do I have to kill?

Me: Dad, I’m twenty-two. I’m allowed to date.

Dad: Says who?

I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling. I could have predicted that’s exactly what my dad was going to say in his reply.

Me: I get to organize the Christmas gala. I’m in charge!

Mom: That’s great, Blake.

Mom: We get to work together. I’m so proud of you.

Dad: Great job, sweetheart.

Me: Thank you. I’m so pumped. Anyway, I need to get back to work. I just had to tell someone.

Mom: Come over for dinner tonight. We’ll celebrate.

Mom: Bring Isla.

Dad: Isla, I approve of.

I can picture him smirking down at his phone.

Me: We’ll be there. Larry will be too.

Dad: Larry? Who the fuck is Larry?

Mom: Declan, language.

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