Page 23 of One Foggy Christmas
No, I don’t think it’s time I talked to my parents.
I tried a day or two after the funeral, and it just didn’t work out. Tensions were too high. None of us could adequately express our feelings and frustrations without hurting someone else. We’re not communicating well.
At this point, avoiding the problem with my parents is easier than fixing it.
Maybe time will smooth out the rough edges and hurt feelings. Right now, my grief is too raw.
NASH
“Since it’sFriday afternoon and the seminar ended early, are we free to go home instead of back to the office?” Allen asks as we leave the hotel where the conference was held.
“Pretty please!” Harper leans toward me with a hopeful smile.
I glance at my watch for dramatics, but I already know it’s around one-thirty, and I already know I’m not making my employees go back to work for the rest of the afternoon. That would just be cruel. Plus, I’d also love an early start to my weekend.
“I guess you’re free to go.” I say it like it’s such a sacrifice, but I’m sure everyone figured we’d be done for the day.
“Best boss ever!” Victor slaps me on the back as he walks by.
“Yes, thank you!” Harper spins, facing me as she retreats. “I’m going to go get a pedicure.”
“I’m taking a nap.” Reggie salutes us before leaving.
My gaze skitters to Sadie. She has her phone out, searching Google Maps.
“Looking for something?” I step toward her, leaning in to see if I can help with directions. A hint of her perfume carries up to me with the outside breeze. I’ve spent enough time around Sadie these last three months to know she doesn’t wear the same scent every day.
She has a perfume wardrobe. Some days, it’s a floral smell. On other days, I catch a scent of warm vanilla. Today, I sense a whiff of jasmine. All I know is, Sadie smells amazing every time I get close to her.
Her head lifts. “Isn’t that big silver thing around here somewhere?”
Amused by her description, the corner of my mouth rises. “Are you talking about The Bean in Millennium Park?”
“Yes!” Her eyes brighten. “Is that around here somewhere? I’m embarrassed to say I’ve lived in Chicago since July and haven’t seen it yet.”
“I’ll take you there.”
“You?”
The wideness of her eyes makes me rethink my offer. “Unless you don’t want me to.”
“No, I’d love that. I just figured you’d have something more important to do on a Friday afternoon.”
“I’m an important guy. Obviously, I have important things to do at any given moment, but I’m offering my tour guide services to you. Free of charge.”
“Well, if they’re free, how can I say no?”
A smile breaks loose over my lips as I tilt my body in the direction of The Bean. “We’re headed this way, then.”
As we walk, I keep my hands in my pockets as a signal to Sadie that this is a completely platonic tour. It’s still work hours, and ever since I overheard her conversation with Stetsonat Tate’s funeral, I’ve pulled back on the flirting I had already pulled back on. Flirting twice removed. I don’t think that makes sense, but it sounds good, so I’m keeping it.
“You know, The Bean is just a nickname. It’s actually called Cloud Gate because the steel plates reflect the city skyline and clouds.”
“I didn’t know I would get commentary and facts with my tour.”
“I aim to please.”
“If you do a good job”—she throws me a side smile—“maybe I’ll tip you when the tour is over.”
