Page 115 of Check the Halls
“I can explain,” Alyssa says, her voice desperate.
“Please do,” I answer coolly.
She opens her mouth but closes it again. She knows she doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Chanda looks at me and I know she’s waiting for me to take the lead.
“Human Resources will be in touch on Monday morning, but consider your employment with the Love and Light Foundation terminated immediately.” My voice is steady, calm. “You are not to set foot in our office ever again, and a security guard is waiting to escort you off the premises.”
Alyssa rises without meeting my eyes. Her shoulders are tight, her face averted, as she sulks to the door and slips out of the room without another word.
Chanda lets out a deep sigh. “You handled that with far more poise than I would have, knowing someone has been undermining you for months.”
I straighten, smoothing my palms over my skirt. “Thedamage is done. I’d rather devote all my energy to the Gala now.”
Chanda steps closer and beams at me with pride. “I always knew you were the right person for this job. You’ve exceeded every expectation—and my bar was already high.”
Her praise makes my chest swell. “Thank you, Chanda. Truly.”
She cups my elbow and steadies me. “No, thankyou. Now tell me—what’s next?”
I feel my face break into a confident grin. “We give this town a party.”
CHAPTER 39
BEN
“Ladies and gentlemen,” my voice travels across the darkened ballroom, “As we bring this unforgettable evening to a close, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude. Your generosity and support make a profound difference in the lives of so many children, giving them the opportunity to grow, thrive, and discover their potential through sports.”
Annika steps closer to the microphone beside me. “Because of you, young athletes will have access to the training, equipment, and experiences they need to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of the game. Your kindness goes beyond the playing field—it shapes futures, strengthens communities, and creates lasting memories.”
“Before we say goodnight, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible individuals who made this evening possible. To our event organizers, volunteers, decorators, sponsors, and everyone behind the scenes who orchestrated this spectacular night—thank you.”
I scan the packed ballroom as I wait for the last clapsto fade. Tonight’s benefit has hummed along like a well-tuned engine. In just three hours, we’ve heard heartfelt testimonials from coaches whose teams’ futures were secured by this fundraiser, feasted on a delicious menu of roasted winter vegetables, honey-glazed ham, and miniature peppermint mousse cups, and laughed at the antics my own team mascot, Otto the Otter, dressed in a full Santa suit. He handed out candy canes to guests and posed for countless pictures.
“Finally, a Gala of this caliber doesn’t come together on its own—it takes vision, dedication, and countless hours of hard work.” I pause, knowing I’m going off script. “To the Love and Light Foundation’s director of operations, Madelyn Clairmont. Your passion and commitment have created an unforgettable evening for everyone lucky enough to be here.” It may not have been on the cue cards, but my tribute to Maddy gets the biggest round of applause of the night.
“On behalf of all the children whose lives you’ve touched, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Annika adds. “May the spirit of the season bring you joy, and may we continue working together to make a lasting impact. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!”
There are pictures. And more pictures. Then handshakes. So many fucking handshakes. I feel like I talk to all four hundred people in the room before I’m released and free to do what I want.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the man of the hour!” Will calls as I approach my friends’ table. Before I can sidestep him, he throws his arms around me and lifts me off the ground.
The group, consisting of Beth, Foster, and Austin all whoop their approval.
“You did amazing.” Beth gives me a hug when Will sets me down.
“Yeah.” Austin grins, lifting his glass as if to toast me. “Who would have guessed that you knew so many words.”
“I thought they were going to auction you off to the highest bidder,” Foster continues, sounding a bit disappointed.
“Oooh! There’s an idea for next year.”
I turn to find Maddy wearing a cheeky smile and that fucking dress. I pull her into a kiss because I just have to, drawing catcalls and whistles from the table.
“I was only kidding,” she whispers when she pulls away. “I would go bankrupt before I let someone else take you home.”
There’s several free chairs at the table, but I still pull Maddy into my lap. I wrap my arms around her and she relaxes back against my chest. I breathe her in, ignoring my friends’ running commentary on the night, just grateful to be here, with her.
“He did okay, but I think you should find someone better next year.” Will says as he reaches for his wine glass.
