Page 19 of Storybook Christmas

“That’s it. That’s all I want to say, jeez.” Mom pats her blonde hair that’s pulled into the perfect up-do with gold flowered pins. “Now, I have to get ready for your announcement, Eleanor. I’m off.” Mom floats away as if she’s not wearing six-inch heels.

My face twists as I look at my sister. “What announcement?”

Eleanor winks, but it’s forced. “You’re about to find out.”

I scowl, preparing to scold her, but she doesn’t give me the chance because she rushes back to her seat.

As Finn and I make our way to our table in the back, he says, “So, your mom. No pressure or anything.”

I smile. “I told you.”

“Yeah, you did.”

“Hey, can we sit here?” I ask my pre-selected “date” for this evening.

He looks back and forth at Finn and me before he says, “Sure. I’m leaving as soon as dinner’s over.”

I take a seat. “I’m Charles Callahan’s daughter, Lacy. So, you got better places to be?”

The guy turns ghostly before fumbling out, “No, sorry. I just had a prior engagement—”

“I’m just messing with you,” I cut in. “We’re out of here as soon as we can eat, too.”

“Oh.” The guy swallows so hard his Adam’s apple bobbles. “Cool. I’m Lincoln.”

“Nice to meet you, Lincoln,” Finn says, taking a seat beside me.

After we get served appetizers of mini beef tourtieres, honey-mint lamb skewers, and spicy crab tapas, the table goes silent. It’s abundantly clear that the food is the reason two-thirds of this table is here. The remaining one-third doesn’t feel all that hungry, but I nibble on a skewer.

Once all the guests are seated and servers are bustling around, my parents step onto the stage before Dad walks up to the podium.

He doesn’t have to do anything else—just his presence silences the room. “Welcome, everyone. I’m so glad you could join us for the annual Callahan & Callahan holiday affair.” He smiles, but it’s stiff, practiced. He goes into his usual speech of what a great year the firm had, and how he’s looking forward to next year. Then, when my mother joins him, he says, “Before dinner is served, Barbara and I have a big announcement to make. Eleanor, will you come up here, please?”

My sister makes her way up to the stage, smiling with rosy cheeks as she stands next to my parents.

“Eleanor, you have always made me and your mother proud,” Dad gushes. “But we are most proud of you right now. I’m thrilled to announce that at thirty-two, Eleanor Callahan-Warner has made partner here at Callahan & Callahan. Theyoungestpartner this firm’s ever had.”

The room erupts in applause, and I clap along, trying to keep from rolling my eyes—I can’t believe Eleanor kept that from me. Was she nervous I’d be jealous? I glance at Finn, who’s looking at me with pity.

I hate that. I wave him away. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

“Thanks, everyone.” Eleanor speaks into the microphone. “I’m thrilled to be joining Callahan & Callahan’s partners. I’m excited for things to come, like our new in-house, bilingual daycare center that’ll be available to all employees starting January.”

Applause erupts, and I join in. It’s great that my family is helping their employees to have the best work-life balance possible.

Eleanor hesitates, looking at Mom and Dad, who are on the side of the stage. “And I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I’ll be using that daycare center come June!” A glowing smile takes over her face as she rubs her tummy.

Mom lets out an uncharacteristic squeal and rushes over to her, pulling her into a tight hug. My dad joins in.

I hold back a gasp. My sister ispregnantand didn’t tell me?

Mysister, who was just annoyed at me for not letting her know I was bringing a date to tonight’s party, didn’t tell me she was making partner or having a baby?

In fairness, she clearly didn’t tell mom or dad about the baby either, but still. Eleanor has always told me everything, regardless of if Mom and Dad knew—especiallyif mom and dad didn’t know.

The scene in front of me glazes over, and my heart pulses in my ears.

I’m not sure if I’m more angry or sad. Equal parts both?

---