Page 28 of Christmas Kisses
Agnes shrugged, “The video wasn’t working. So I have no proof. But why would I believe you over my son? He has never given me a reason to not trust him.”
Brenya let out a soft breath, “And I have? I have worked myself to the bone for this store. Going above and beyond to get you sales when bookstores are slowly going away. And you accuse me of theft? I have worked twelve hour shifts for two years because you didn’t want to come into your own store to help me out. Without complaint, I might add. And this is the thanks I get? Alan getting his way? Trying to get me in trouble, when I didn’t accept his creepy advances? Well, I am done. I quit. I have proof from each record I kept for you, and I know not all the videos are bad. Alan has been stealing from you for years. And now, I am done. Have a great life Agnes.”
She took her key off the ring and handed it to the old woman and then walked out, once again avoiding looking at the Santa display.
She could feel Jensynn there and knew he was watching her, but her life was falling apart and she needed a minute.
Getting in her car, she put her head on the steering wheel, and shut her eyes.
Today was not at all what she was expecting it to be.
And she hated it. She thought that she would spend the day at work, the work she loved, watching the man she loved and then they would go home and make love.
Again. And now? Now, she was sitting in her car, no job, no man, and no hope.
She sat, just breathing through the pain of it all and then with a shuddering breath, drove away.
Leaving her heart behind.
-----
She went to her moms. Needing to see her and her Grandma.
When she pulled in the driveway, she was grateful to see that Grandma was here.
She got out of the car, and walked to the front door, and then inside.
She felt at peace for the first time all day and when she went in the kitchen, her mom and grandma were there, sipping some hot chocolate and talking softly.
They looked up when she came in and her mom smiled, “What are you doing here? I thought you would be at work.”
Brenya nodded, tried to tell them all, but instead burst into tears.
Both of them stood and hurried to her side, pulling her into a warm comforting hug.
Then her mom was leading her to the table and a cup of hot chocolate was placed in front of her.
When she calmed down enough to drink it, and tell them what was wrong, she did.
Telling them first about her job, and Alan and how she had gotten fired because she had refused his advances.
Her mom was appalled and her grandma was pissed.
Astryd stood, “Let me go talk to this Agnes. She needs her neck wrung.”
Brenya shook her head, “It isn’t worth it Grandma. I loved that job, but I won’t be treated like that. I knew that yesterday and while it hurts, I am actually just relieved. I don’t need that in my life. A man like Alan is always going to get his way, and I refuse to be his victim. So, it’s okay. Really.”
Astryd sat back down with an annoyed huff and pouted for a minute until Brenya gave a soft laugh.
“Next time someone hurts me, I give you permission to be blood thirsty.”
Astryd smiled and patted her hand, “It’s all I ask.”
Brenya shook her head, chuckling.
Her mom, Brynn touched her cheek, “Now, tell us what else is wrong? I know you are troubled. And not about your job. Your heart pains you. Your soul is unhappy.”
Brenya knew that her mom had that uncanny ability to read people like a book.
