Page 22 of Vixen's Guide to Christmas
“I really do,” he says. “That’s probably the saddest part of you not dating since we’ve been in Nashville. I mean, hearing about men like Captain Sweatpants? The Lip Biter? Or maybe my favorite, Johnny Talks Alot? Now those were the days.”
I roll my eyes at that. I’m just glad that he didn’t bring up The Cheat. “Talks Alot was the last date I went on in Los Angeles almost two years ago, and somewhere, if you listen really hard, he’s now moved on to a presentation about why Blackberries are going to make a comeback.”
Logan laughs as he reaches into his suit jacket. “Well, I’m sorry again that you’re doing me this favor. And I hope that these can make up for it.”
I take the envelope from him. “What’s this?”
Logan gives me a warm smile. “Merry Christmas, Katherine.”
I can barely believe my eyes when he pulls out an airplane ticket, along with a card that says words I have to read a few times to make sure I’m seeing right.
“Logan! A one-week, all-inclusive vacation in St. Lucia? Why? No. This is too much.”
He shakes his head and holds up his hand as I try to give the envelope back to him. “Frankly it’s not enough.”
“Is this my Christmas gift? Because if so, then I drastically underspent.” And here I was thinking that I knocked it out of thepark when I found a collection of vintage video game posters. “Why did you do this?”
“Because I can,” he says. “Partly because you’re doing me this favor by going to Timberline. Declan’s a nice guy, and he wants to do right by his hotel. Been in his family for a few generations. I know this isn’t the kind of client you usually take on, but you going out there means the world to me.”
“Is he talking to anyone else?”
Logan shakes his head. “I didn’t get that impression, but I didn’t ask, either.”
“No worries.” It was really just for my edification. Whether they are or not, I’m still going to give them the same level of presentation. “But Logan, going out to the Timberline Inn doesn’t warrant an extravagant trip.”
“It’s not just that,” he says, leaning over and grabbing my hands. “The gift was happening no matter what, because you deserve it. You got my life and my company on track. You helped me navigate the toughest year of my life. You’ve been my best mate for more than ten years. And I know that I’m not here without you. This ticket, this vacation, is just a small thing I can do to say thank you. For everything.”
I don’t cry often, but dammit, he’s going to make me sniffly.
“I really don’t have words,” I say as I stand up and walk around the desk. “Thank you. For everything.”
He stands up, and we share a hug. I know a lot of times he’ll thank me for helping him navigate his business waters, and helping get SpaceCraft and GameTech to where they are today. But I owe this man everything. If it weren’t for him, I’d be still working, and frankly, hating, my job in the corporate hustle and bustle. Now he’s given me the job of my dreams and is allowing me the space to keep growing my business as well. He’s supported me every step of the way.
I don’t know what luck was cast upon me the day we met—two awkward freshmen standing next to each other at orientation—but I’ll forever be eternally grateful for that day.
“You’re welcome,” he says as we pull away. “Now, please go enjoy yourself.”
“I’ll try,” I say sarcastically. “Three days at a quaint, rustic, hotel followed by seven days in paradise? How will I ever manage?”
7
grayson
There'ssomething to be said about a leisurely drive. I remember my grandpa doing it when I was young and was always confused about why he was driving just to drive. Once I asked him where he went, and I was baffled by his answer: he said he went to three states just that day to see the sights and picked up some syrup because he passed a road-side stand. Granted, we lived in New England, which made all of that possible. But still. I didn’t get it.
Then I became an adult and realized how relaxing it could be just to hit the road. Yes, I’m on my way to the mountains for work, but this three-hour drive has been just about me, the road, the podcast I found that goes further in depth to some of the greatest sports stories of all time, and my car snacks.
Yes, there are snacks that are only allowed for road trips. And Nerd Clusters are those snacks.
Oh, and thinking a time or two about Kat. Okay, more than two. The woman has altered my psyche in some way. It hasn’t even been two days since I last saw her, but I can’t get her out of my head. Our text exchange from earlier doesn’t help that.
Grayson
Hope you have a good trip. Safe travels today.
Kat
Thanks. Not on the road yet. Packing to be gone for multiple days is never easy.
