Page 34 of Storybook Christmas

Finn’s vibrating with nerves when he says, “Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Sutton, but my temporary employment contract ends today. I’m not going to renew it.”

Isaac’s face turns a disturbing shade of purple, swatting a hand when he says, “Whatever. Good luck. You’re all going to regret it.” Then he storms away.

“Come with us, Lace.” Finn nods toward the door. “To Queen Bean.”

“Sure.” I shake my head to clear the fog. “What about your grams, Finn?”

“She’s resting comfortably. She always feels better after her treatment.”

“I’m glad.” So, it seems like whatever his grandmother has is chronic, but there’s treatment for it? That information provides some relief.

And speaking of his grandmother’s treatments, how is Finn going to pay for them without his day job?

Suddenly, all my problems seem insignificant.

14

The Gift

WHEN FINN ANDI sit at the bean-shaped table with our mochas, Bertha takes a seat on the opposite side of the booth with her crown cup cover.

They both look like cats that swallowed the canary.

I cock my head. “So, what was all that about?”

“Check your email, Lace,” Bertha says in her FBI voice.

I pull out my phone to see an email from Heather Gallinger, Editor-in-Chief of Blueprint Press. The subject: Employment Opportunity.

My pulse kicks up again, and that buzzing in my ears returns.

The email is three lines, and it says, “Ms. Callahan, I’d love to discuss a senior editing opportunity with you. Sage Katz said you’re an amazing editor, and she’d love to have you back if you’re open to it. I know it’s Christmas Eve, so please feel free to call me any time after Christmas day. Best, Heather Gallinger.”

My stomach flip-flops.

I look between Bertha and Finn. “You two took a job at BluePrint Press, didn’t you?”

“The hell we did,” Bertha says.

My face puzzles. “But they promoted you at Sutton & Sutton, Finn.”

“Exactly.” His brows raise. “They promoted me to senior editor when they should’ve promoted you. I can’t work for a company that treats women like that. Anyway, BluePrint Press gave me the job I deserve—associate editor,witha pay raise.” Finn smiles. “BluePrint is a smaller publisher, but an amazing equal opportunity company.”

“Oh,” I utter.

Joshua didn’t blink when Sutton & Sutton promoted him and not me. And Joshua doesn’t deserve the space he’s been renting in my head. He deserves nothing, which, from now on, is exactly what I’m going to give him.

Finn, on the other hand, who struggles financially from his grandmother’s healthcare costs, just gave up a senior editor job opportunity to support women’s equality. I should be shocked, but I’m not. That’s Finn. “I don’t know what to say. You two are amazing.”

“Nope. Don’t give me credit for being amazing.” Bertha swats a hand. “BluePrint Press gave me a pay raise and a Christmas bonus.”

Finn and I chuckle.

Bertha continues, “BluePrint’s stealing all the Sutton & Sutton employees they can get. They know that we’re sharp, experienced, and underpaid. We’re low-hanging fruit.”

My smile grows. “I’m fine with being plucked.”

“Say it.” Bertha reaches into her purse and pulls out something, and hands it to me. “Congratulations, Lacy Barbara Callahan. You’re nowthedebutGrab Life by The Ballsgraduate.”

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