Page 95 of Wrapped with a Beau

Jamie smiles. “Elisha, you know what it sounds like to me? Like you’ve made up your mind about that job offer.”

The second he says it, she knows it’s true. She talked herself out of it almost as soon as Veronica laid all her cards on the table. She just didn’t turn it down flat at the time because, well, Ves.

“Dad, do I have a few minutes before we eat? I want to send an email really quick.”

“Sure, honey.”

So while her dad flips more pancakes and listens to her mom sharing the Goa group chat’s latest gossip, Elisha tugs out her laptop and starts to type.

To: Fox, Veronica

From: Rowe, Elisha

Dear Veronica,

I hope this email finds you well. Having had some time to think about your generous offer, I’ve reached a decision. It may not come as a surprise to you that, with genuine regret, I have to decline.

I know you won’t agree with my reasons, but as someone who just struck out on her own, I also know that you admire women who take their own initiative. I believe that if I seek magic, I can find it. And I think there’s nowhere in the world that’s ready to be found more than Piney Peaks. As my former mentor, I hope one day you’ll see what I can do and be proud of however far I get in my hometown.

Wishing you a happy New Year!

Elisha Rowe (she/her)

Film & Digital Media Liaison

Piney Peaks Chamber of Commerce

Chapter Forty-Nine

Ves

Ves doesn’t have an Ebenezer Scrooge epiphany moment that magically and irrevocably changes him overnight. Rather, it happens over many small moments, over time. But they all include one person, and she doesn’t haunt him so much as make him whole.

December 31st, 11:55 PM

Ves: Happy New Year’s Eve [sends picture of himself, Arun, and Cade in suits]

Elisha: HAPPY NYE!!!

Elisha: How is the Iyers’ party?

Ves: They’ve gone all out. It’s even bigger than last year’s. [sends picture of the room]

Elisha: WOW so fancy fancy

Ves: I’d trade it for Piney Peaks.

Elisha: Yeah no

Elisha: If you think Mistletoe Miscreants are bad, wait for the NYE Midnight Miscreants

Ves: Tell them you’re spoken for.

Elisha: I think I’ve learned my lesson about claiming nonexistent boyfriends haha

Ves: He could exist.

Elisha: Ves

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