Page 34 of Frostbite & Mistletoe
Wednesday, December 17
When Kymberlie pulled her phone out of her back pocket, Melissa Hartmann’s name flashed on the screen. Perfect timing.
“Speaking of getting things done, it’s the bride,” she told Gabriel and Tyler.“Probably calling to make sure we’re still on track for Christmas Eve.” She flashed them a triumphant smile before tapping the Answer button.
“Melissa! I was just about to call you with some great news. We just passed inspection, and we’re officially reopening tomorrow. Everything is all set for your reception.”
The silence on the other end stretched a beat too long.
“Melissa?”
A shaky intake of breath came through the phone, followed by a voice that sounded nothing like the cheerful, organized bride Kymberlie had been working with for the past months.“Kymberlie, I… I don’t know how to tell you this.”
Fuck. More bad news?A ball of ice congealed in Kymberlie’s stomach.“What’s wrong?”
“The wedding is off.” Melissa’s voice cracked on the last word.
Kymberlie felt like someone had just punched her in the gut, driving all the air from her lungs.“I’m sorry, what did you say?” she croaked.
“Jason and I… we…” A sob broke through.“We’re not getting married. I found out he’s been cheating on me with his ex. He said he’s sorry and he won’t ever contact her again, but I can’t… I just can’t go through with it. I told him we’re through.”
The floor seemed to tilt beneath Kymberlie’s feet. She turned away from Gabriel and Tyler, not wanting them to see her face.
“Oh, Melissa, I’m so sorry,” she managed.“What an awful thing to happen to you.”
“I know this probably puts you in a terrible position,” Melissa continued, her words tumbling out between hitching breaths.“With Christmas just a week away… I feel so bad about the short notice.”
Kymberlie’s mind raced, calculating the financial impact of this fresh disaster even as she tried to find words of comfort.
The Hartmann-Koenig reception was supposed to be her financial salvation—a full-service event with an open bar, steak dinner for a hundred and fifty guests, and a hefty venue fee.
“Don’t worry about that right now,” Kymberlie said, keeping her voice gentle even as panic clawed at her throat.“Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
Another sob.“I’m fine. I’m staying with my sister. I just—I can’t believe this is happening to me!”
Kymberlie closed her eyes, her own problems momentarily eclipsed by genuine sympathy for the bride. Her wolf whined in shared distress.“I’m so sorry, Melissa. Look, I know you’ve got a million things to deal with right now, but please don’t worry about the reception. We can figure that out later.”
“I already called Cinnamon + Sugar about the cake and canceled the DJ,” Melissa said.“They’re keeping their deposits too, of course. It’s all such a waste.”
The word“waste” hit Kymberlie like a physical blow. All that money, all her plans, all her own desperate hopes—wasted.
“Listen,” Kymberlie said, the words escaping before she could stop them,“I know you’re in a rough spot right now. If you need the deposit back, I’m sure I could work something out.”
Tyler’s eyes widened. He shook his head frantically and stage-whispered,“No! What the fuck are you thinking, Kymber?”
“No,” Melissa echoed, surprising her.“No, that’s okay, Kymberlie. I appreciate the thought but you’ve probably already ordered all the food and booze. And I know your place almost burned down a few weeks ago. I can’t ask for that money back on top of everything else. I knew the deposit was nonrefundable when Jason and I signed your contract.”
Relief and shame warred within Kymberlie. Melissa and Jason’s deposit had been substantial—five thousand dollars—but it wasn’t nearly enough to save her. Not with the stack of invoices on her desk and the food and drinks she couldn’t return.
And without the remaining payment for the reception, Kymberlie wouldn’t be able to cover payroll to reopen the club. Micah, Zoey, and Karl had all found temporary holiday jobs over at the Bearpaw Springs Lodge, but they were pinning their post-New Year’s hopes on The Hair of the Dog reopening.
“Thank you. And I’m really sorry about what happened to you,” Kymberlie managed.
“I should go,” Melissa said.“I just… I wanted to tell you myself.”
After they said their goodbyes, Kymberlie stood motionless, phone still pressed to her ear long after the call had ended.
Her radiant glow from passing inspection had vanished, replaced by a cold, heavy certainty: she was going to lose everything.
