Page 83 of Joy to Noel
“Sometimes we have to take what we can get,” Clara sing-songs. “There’s always time to butter him up for next year to try some new dishes.”
Conversation is lively as we eat our food—I order the “Uncle Frank, You’re a Cheap Steak,” which is exactly the same as their regular mediocre steak, but I don’t bother pointing that out to Clara. As people exchange stories about funny holiday traditions, I even share some childhood memories without any arm-twisting from Madison.
“I had seen the concept of Thanksgiving in movies, and my mom talked about it, but I don’t think anything can prepare you for the blob of cream of mushroom soup getting dumped onto canned green beans when you’ve never had green bean casserole before,” I say, laughing along with the group.
I sit back in my chair, one arm casually draped behind Madison, and observe the easy friendships around the group. As I mindlessly stroke Madison’s shoulder with my thumb, I’m struck by a sense of peace. Although most of this crew has spent the majority of their lives together, they’ve also heartily welcomed first Clara, then Madison, and even me into the group. Made us feel like we belong, like we fit in seamlessly with them.
Yes, I have always loved and will always love my family. But outside of my blood relatives, I’ve never experienced that phenomenon of “finding your village.” Your people. I thought it was a myth that never happened in reality the way it does in movies.
The faces around this table feel like my people.
“I’ve decided to stay in Noel permanently,” I suddenly announce. All eyes look to me with varying degrees of surprise. There’s a shortmoment of shocked silence beforeallof the voices are clamoring with demands for more information.
Beau finally holds up a hand to quiet the cacophony of questions. “What are your plans, exactly? Are you going to stay on as the plant manager at Pure Fur All?”
I answer as honestly and directly as I can. “I haven’t one hundred percent decided what I’m going to do job wise. I can’t continue in the specific position with Holden that I’ve had for the past several years—not unless I’m based in Houston and willing to travel the majority of the year. Which I’m not willing to do anymore. I like the community here, so I’ll figure something out in order to stay. That might be with Pure Fur All, but I honestly don’t think so. I’m leaning toward starting my own fractional business coaching or operations consulting business.”
Madison’s eyebrows shoot up in a “this is news to me” expression. I haven’t told her anything about it because the idea only germinated this afternoon. It may not be a full-grown plan yet, but it’s where my gut is pointing.
Davis suddenly pounds the table, making all of the women jump. “This is fantastic news. I’m so glad you’re sticking around, man.”
There’s a chorus of agreement around the table. Clara caps things off with, “I think this calls for a toast. A round of ‘He’s an Angry Elf’ drinks for everyone?”
When the bright red drinks arrive, we clink glasses in the middle as Sydney declares, “To Liam and Madisonbothbecoming official Noel residents!”
Chapter thirty-four
Madison
I’ve been waking up stupid early for the past six days in a row. Pretty much ever since Liam unexpectedly announced to all of our friends that he’s putting down roots here.
Everyone was so legitimately happy. Which made me feel all sorts of warm and weepy inside to see him surrounded and welcomed by friends.
It also made me feel all sorts of panicky since I don’t have an ironclad plan to be able to stay in Noel. And Ineeda plan. With Liam committed to staying and all of our friends wanting me here, I have to figure out a way to make it happen.
If only Madison Joy Editorial would take off the way I need it to. I don’t know what else to do—I’ve made every connection I possibly can, sent every uncomfortable “cold” email, consistently posted professional graphics on social media, and received nothing but five-star reviews from all of my clients. I do have a couple of repeat clients with new manuscripts in the pipeline, but I’ve never had more than two or three clients per month.
And that’s simply not enough to pay my bills. I’ve been able to put off making a responsible move since I’m not paying rent with Liam, but wehaveto move out of this house in six weeks. Not to mention we need to stop being roommates and simply be boyfriend and girlfriend for a while if we’re not going to rush the relationship faster than we should.
These are the thoughts that infiltrate my dreams and short-circuit my sleep cycles. I’ve started applying to every freelance copywriting position I can find that allows remote work. Unfortunately, my honed-in expertise in proofreading is not helping me land any of those positions.
My “how am I going to make a livable income?” anxiety is spiraling to an all-time high. And it’s leaving behind a reverberating echo:Do the responsible thing, Madison. Do therightthing, Madison.
I’m curled up in a not-very-comfortable chair on the back patio, gripping a mug of the English breakfast tea Liam brought back from London. Steam curls up and disappears into the morning fog, a mesmerizing dance of mist. The backyard of the rental house is nothing to write home about, but the crisp, fresh air is helping me think more clearly. Between the tea and the blanket I’m wrapped in, I’m a comfortable temperature, able to appreciate the cool gray of the sky as it slowly changes colors with the sunrise.
The patio door opens behind me, and Liam comes out dressed in joggers and a long-sleeve athletic shirt. Luxury, of course.
“Morning,” he says before bending down to kiss me. “What are you doing up so early?”
“Just awake,” I say, leaving it at that.
“Want to join me for my run?” Liam asks, a teasing tone in his voice.
I scoff. “Absolutely not. If you ever see me running, I expect you to step in and rescue me from whatever is chasing me.”
He laughs heartily, the sound like a sunbeam cutting through the foggy morning. “Okay, I’m heading into the office early. Keep it hush hush, but we’re officially offering the plant manager role to Beau today. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when I tell him.”
Liam’s excitement brings tears of joy burning behind my eyes. His contentment in Noel and eagerness to make a friend’s day is such a stark contrast to his attitude when he arrived here. Back when he had very vocal judgments about small towns and a total disregard for anyone’s opinion.
