Page 49 of Christmas with Brother's Best Friends
Ryan’s jaw tenses a degree as our eyes meet. There’s so much that he wants to say, but he can’t speak a word of it right now.
“Emma, this one is for you,” Josh says, making my eyes snap away from Ryan. He stands in front of me with a rectangular box wrapped in red and white wrapping paper. “It’s from me and the guys.”
My eyes widen in surprise as I take the gift from him. I glance over at Max, who’s on the far side of the sectional away from me, seeing a small smile on his face. I kind of wish I could open this with just them, but I quickly remember that other eyes are on me.
“Oh, wow. Thank you,” I reply with a light smile before tearing off the paper to reveal the newest edition of the tablet that I use for work and personal art. My jaw drops as I lift my eyes to Josh, who grins in satisfaction. “This is like $3,000. You bought this for me?”
Ethan and Andrew exchange glances. I know those looks. They're working backward in their heads, calculating intent. This wasn’t just a thank-you gift—it was personal. Too personal.
“$3,000? Damn, that’s kind of an expensive gift,” Andrew comments as he shares a surprised look with Ethan.
I feel Ryan stiffen a little beside me as Josh merely shrugs. They didn’t think getting me such a big gift would look odd?
“This update wouldn’t have been the success that it is without her help,” Josh replies as he looks at my parents and my brothers. “This is more than just a Christmas present from us. It’s a thank you for all the hard work you put into this project.”
His words touch me deeply, making my heart ache as I gaze down at the expensive drawing tablet. They even got the right brand. They pay attention.
They care.
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Excuse me—I need a minute.”
I slip into the kitchen, trying to breathe through the sudden wave of emotion.
“I’m so sad you won’t be working together anymore,” Mom says, leaning against the door frame. “I don’t know what Emma is going to do now. I don’t think she really knows either.”
My eyes dart to her. “Mom, I don’t want to talk about that right now.”
Mom frowns at me. “I was just saying. Maybe they know someone looking for an artist.”
“Graphic designer,” I reply in a clipped tone, my embarrassment cutting into my patience. I don’t want to talk about how I’ll betemporarily out of a job at the end of this contract. “I do more than just draw things.”
“She didn’t mean anything bad by it, honey,” Dad speaks up from the next room. “We’re just worried about you. That’s all.”
I know that they care about me, but I’m a grown woman. All of their concern makes me feel like they don’t even believe in me. I’ve been successful for this long, but that still doesn’t stop them from worrying that I’ll fail.
It stings.
I step back into the room, my need for a private moment clearly failed.
“She’ll easily land another client after us,” Ryan says as he sits up a little. Maybe no one else can hear it, but I can sense the defensiveness in his voice. “She deserves a little break, though. We’ve been working her hard.”
“Very hard,” Max adds. “I’m sure her email will be full of people wanting to work with her after the holidays.”
“We were lucky to snag her for December,” Josh says with a light laugh. “She’s very sought after.”
I give them stiff smiles, but I wish that I could tell them to stay quiet. They’re just being nice defending me, but it makes me feel even smaller. “Anyway—”
“But it would be so nice if she could settle somewhere for more than a few months. Or at least work with the same client for more than a few months! I can barely keep up with my own daughter because she’s always all over the place,” Mom says as her hand rests on her chest like her heart aches.
“I’m not all over the place,” I tell her, wishing that she wouldlistento me. It’s like I’m stuck in a glass box, and no one can hear what I’m saying through the walls. “I told you that I’m looking for a big contract, but you have to give me some time. I haven’t even gotten my last payment for this job!”
“I just want to know what you’re doing next,” Mom replies, giving me a perplexed look like I’m not making any sense by being upset.
“She’ll tell us when she knows,” Andrew says. “But it’s the holidays. It’s time to relax and spend time with family, not worry about work.”
“Yeah, I’m doing everything I can to forget about work today,” Ethan adds. “The holidays end tomorrow for me.”
“Well, I didn’t mean to make a fuss,” Mom says as her brow furrows in disappointment. “I just want to make sure my kids aren’t in trouble.”
