Page 1 of UnLucky Christmas
CHAPTER ONE
Aflocked Christmas tree or unflocked Christmas tree? That is the question.
Although I probably don’t need a new tree this year, considering I bought the most stunning, 9-foot, prelit tree two years ago and it’s still in perfect condition. There is a big difference between things I need and things I want. Isn’t that one of life’s greatest dilemmas?
Christmas trees are very important in the Cortland family. It’s sort of a rite of passage.
Truthfully, I thought my mother was going to disown me when I decided to cross over to the dark side and switch from a real tree to an artificial one. That was considered blasphemy in our family. You’d think I told her I joined a cult or decided to never have children. Both of which would be unacceptable to Betsy Cortland.
I can still remember her horrified expression and her disapproving tone as she said—
“An artificial tree. Oh, Whitney, what would your grandmother think?”
She especially didn’t like my response when I reminded her that my grandmother wouldn’t care because she’d been dead for five years. I knew better, but that didn’t stop me from pushing the envelope, which probably made things worse.
Nevertheless, it’s December and the most wonderful time of the year, and I’m ready to celebrate—with a brand-new trendy tree. I continue to scroll through the pages of gorgeous, flocked trees on my laptop screen. The glorious white branches give off winter wonderland vibes, and I’m here for it.
I’m supposed to be typing up a report for my boss, Callie but this massive discount on holiday items isn’t going to last long. It’s all about priorities. The report can wait a few minutes, and Callie also happens to be my friend, so she’ll understand why this is so important in this moment.
My phone buzzes, which is another distraction from the tasks I should be working on. I have two texts waiting for me—a message from my boyfriend, Pete, asking where I want to go for dinner and a text reminding me of the dreaded annual checkup especially for women. Ugh. I guess it’s too late to switch doctors. I’ve been meaning to do that ever since I ran into mine at the gym. I’m probably making a bigger deal out of it than need be, but seeing your gynecologist outside of the office is awkward because—well, isn’t it obvious?
I start typing a response to Pete.
Sushi or Italian, your choice.
This was a normal conversation for us. We’re both tired of being indecisive about what to eat, so we started a new thing where one of us suggests two options and then the other person must choose. We alternate, and so far, it’s working out well. It doesn’t take us as long to choose a restaurant as it used to.
My phone buzzes again.
Sushi.
I smile to myself before replying.
Perfect. See you tonight.
Pete and I have been together for about seven months, and he’s an ideal boyfriend. He’s easy going, laid-back, and good-looking. As excited as I normally get about the holidays, this year should be even more fun because Pete is in my life. His birthday is on Christmas day, so we’re planning to spend the day with his family and Christmas Eve with mine. It’s a win-win since it’s Cortland tradition to have a big Christmas Eve dinner.
I return to my online shopping. The flocked trees are all the rage with the social media influencers, so why not live a little. After reading a few reviews I add one to my shopping cart, and a feeling of exhilaration washes over me.
I take a screen shot and send the picture to my friend Janelle.
Check out my latest purchase.
Janelle and I have known each other since meeting through a mutual friend a little over ten years ago. Janelle is loyal and direct. She’s the type of friend you can always count on to be honest with you. Everyone needs a Janelle in their life.
Aren’t you supposed to be working? And omg—I LOVE it. I want one.
Janelle is a focused, corporate executive who takes a lot of pride in her work. Her career had always been her number one priority until she met her boyfriend, Brian. The truth is she’s secretly a romantic at heart, whether she wants to admit it or not.
I know—it’s gorgeous. My mother will probably have a coronary when she sees it. Artificial is bad enough, but an artificial tree that looks like it has snow on it. Forget it. Oh, and I am working. Sort of.
Don’t get me wrong I enjoy my job, but it isn’t the most important thing in my life. Thankfully, being a social media director has its benefits, and searching topics on the internet is part of the job, that could very well include flocked Christmas trees. Yes, I’m reaching but you never know. I send Janelle another text.
We need to send out the party invitations. The clock is ticking.
Janelle and I have hosted a big Christmas party for our friends the last four years, and it’s always a huge hit.
I’m on it. I’ll call you after work.
