Page 83 of UnLucky Christmas
“Maybe they decided they want to spend the holidays with their daughter in their newly redecorated home.”
She shrugs. “That’s fine, but they don’t have to be here tonight.”
I laugh. “Your parents are fun. Everyone loves them.”
“I know, and I love them too,” she whines. “I just don’t enjoy watching them griding on each other while they sing terribly. You know my mother—she thinks she sounds good.”
“I can’t believe they just finished the renovations yesterday,” I admit. “You’d never know this was a construction zone only a few days ago.”
“It’s crazy,” she agrees. “I didn’t want to tell you, but I was panicking because I didn’t think they were going to finish in time. My mom scheduled the cleaners to come this morning, it was a complete disaster, and there was dust covering everything.”
I’ve always loved this house. It reminds me of a mountain resort with a big fireplace and tall ceilings. There’s a large deck outside with a hot tub and a firepit.
“Anyway, when’s Grant coming?” Janelle swoons, elbowing me in my side.
“He’ll be here later. He’s been slammed at work since a lot of people already left for the holidays.”
She nods. “I know the feeling.”
She twists a garland around the banister.
“Are you ready for the big dinner at Betsy’s?”
I make a face. “As ready as I’ll ever be. It’s going to be so weird seeing my mom with another man in our house. And my poor dad is still recovering. Thankfully, he’s at my aunt’s house or else I wouldn’t go.”
“I can’t imagine,” she says. Just then the doorbell rings. “I’ll get it. That should be the caterers.”
She heads for the door, and I reach for my phone. My mom added me to a group text message with Ben and Emme. She included the menu for dinner and highlighted the items Bill would be making. I know she wants us to like Bill but pushing him on us isn’t a way to do that. It’s an adjustment and it will take time.
Janelle comes in holding two trays and heads toward the kitchen. Two of Kiki’s Kickass Catering Staff are right behind her with more food. I put my phone away because I’m done worrying about family stuff. Tonight is about enjoying time with my friends at my favorite event of the year, and I want to soak up every bit of it.
Callie and her fiancé, Joey, are the first to arrive. She hands me a bottle of wine and gives me a hug.
“I’m so happy you were able to pull this off,” she says. “And I can’t wait to meet this new man of yours.”
I force a smile. I haven’t told Callie that Grant and I are seeing each other. He assured me it wouldn’t be an issue where work is concerned. At least no one walked in on our first kiss in the lounge, and we’ve agreed to keep things very professional if we have any interaction at the office.
“He’ll be here in a little while. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Janelle and I continue greeting people. A lot of them are people she works with who I’ve met over the years.
Janelle’s parents always know how to make an entrance. Her mother is very theatrical. She immediately floats around the room greeting people with air kisses.
“Whitney, my love,” she exclaims, holding out her arms to embrace me.
She gives me a tight hug and then studies me carefully.
“Thanks again for letting us have the party here.”
She waves her hand. “Of course, and I’m sorry about my little scheduling mistake. Janelle was ready to disown me.”
I giggle. “It’s fine. The renovations look fantastic.”
She moves on to greet more people just as Ben and Emme arrive.
“I didn’t miss any karaoke yet, did I?” Ben asks worriedly.
I laugh. “No.”
