Christmas Cheer (The Novella Collection: #4)

Chapter 1

Whitney

Standing at the picture window of the winter cabin I’m staying in for the next three months, I sip at the mug of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream.

My mind wanders to my husband, who I had caught flirting continuously with our neighbor. I have my suspicions that something is going on, but after two years of his continual flirtations with any woman in his vicinity, I’ve finally had enough.

He should receive the divorce papers today, and as I’ve not received a single message or call from him since I’ve arrived here, I’m not sure he even realizes I’ve been gone for two weeks!

The one thing I am happy about is that we had no children. I wanted to wait until he had progressed in the investment firm where he worked, and I had established my publishing career. I have a good job now, which I’m grateful for.

Kyle has reached an acceptable level in the firm, and he’ll be making a decent living in the future.

I’ve asked for nothing in the divorce except my vehicle and that he leave my savings alone.

I’ll not touch the rest, which includes the house, his vehicle, the bank account we use for everyday spending, and his savings account.

It will be very interesting to see what happens next. But I hope he doesn’t fight this because I’ve had enough, and just want a clean break. I can make his life difficult, and I have evidence that he’s been texting her messages that no married man should send.

My friend Maylee, who we all in my small circle of friends call Lee, is a divorce lawyer. She’s not happy I’m not taking more from Kyle, but she understands why I want a clean break too. I’m sure she’ll do everything she can to get my divorce over with as quickly as she can.

Hearing my work phone ping, I walk into the kitchen and place my mug in the sink before picking up my phone where I’d left it on the table. Seeing Lee’s name, I know Kyle received the papers.

“Hi, Lee.”

Lee giggles. “Girl, Kyle received the papers, and he threw a tantrum a six-year-old would be proud of. I’m not sure he’ll sign them as he totally gave my processor a hard time spouting he has not cheated.

Well, he obviously thinks watching the neighbor for hours, fixing her faucets, and other stuff is just being a helpful person, and not a mental affair. ”

“I’m going to continue renting the cabin, Lee. Give myself some time. I can work from here, and Gerald said he’ll continue to block any contact from Kyle. Let’s be honest he never liked Kyle, so cutting him out of his circle won’t bother Gerald at all.”

“He’s a good boss. It’s lucky you can work wherever your laptop is in the world.

Assessing the manuscripts sent to you for publication is something you are good at, and Gerald relies on.

” Someone speaks to Lee, and she quickly speaks again.

“Sorry, Whitney, I’ve got to go. An urgent case just came in. ”

“I’ll talk to you soon,” I reply before she cuts the call. I’m not sure where we go from this point, but I know Lee will tell me what to do and when to do it.

I left my personal phone and my car at Lee’s house. Kyle has no way of contacting me at this point because Gerald gave me a new email address. Clever Gerald!

The rental is in my name, and since Lee had my name changed back to Brooksbank from Smythe even though my divorce isn’t completed, I’m sure I have some time to stay away from the spotlight.

I feel I can take a breath, relax some, and come to terms with the fact my marriage is over.

It’s been over a long time if I am truthful, and the fact we’ve not slept together in months is telling.

When you are thirty-two and not having sex within your marriage, I think it probably says it all.

“Damn,” I mutter to myself and turn, grabbing my purse, keys for the cabin, and for the rental SUV parked outside. “I’m going shopping!”

After parking at the busy main street parking lot, I wander down the street checking out all the windows with the pre-Christmas items. I can’t stop myself from smiling when I check out the children’s shop window where they have decorated the display window with elves, snowmen, reindeer and baubles.

A little girl inside the shop notices me looking and gives a small wave. She is the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time. With short curly hair, and the rosiest of cheeks. She reminds me of Shirley Temple in the movies. I give her a small wave in return and then continue on my wanderings.

I pick up a completed tree, with baubles, bows and tiny stars. It’s only around two feet tall, so I can place it on the table in the corner of the living area of the cabin.

Passing a jeweler, I stop and my eyes notice a pretty necklace. I open the door and step inside. Point to the necklace and ask the young man serving if I could look at it.

Up close, it is prettier than I first thought, feminine on a fine chain.

It’s a daisy, which I know Lee has always loved the simple look of.

The daisy is gold with flecks of silver, and the single stone in the center catches the light.

The chain will not scoop down to her cleavage, which I know she hates.

It’s around collarbone length. It will be an ideal Christmas gift, and I know one she’ll wear and not leave at the bottom of her jewelry box.

“I’ll take it, thank you.” I watch as the young man boxes the necklace and gives me a bright smile.

“That’s a hundred and twenty dollars.”

I hand him my card and wait for him to complete the sale before tucking the gift into my purse and walking outside where it’s starting to snow. Lightly, but enough for me to think if it gets heavier I’ll head back to the cabin rather than get caught driving in it.

I hustle towards my vehicle but notice a food truck selling the best-smelling burgers, and my stomach rumbles loudly in want. I quickly make my way over and ask for a double cheese and if they can wrap it for me to take home.

The music in the truck is playing softly with Christmas songs, and I recognize For King and Country’s Little Drummer Boy. I can’t help but hum along as I just love this version of the song.

Taking the burger back to the SUV, I tuck it inside my jacket on the passenger seat, and head home. I didn’t get as much as I thought I would. But the tree and the gift for Lee are a start.

Later, after I’ve eaten the burger and cleaned my hands and face because you know, they are a little greasy, I poured a coffee. After lighting the log fire I took a seat on the couch with my feet tucked under.

Relaxing and thinking about my situation I decide to find somewhere permanent here in Eastonville. There have to be some properties for sale that I could purchase and make a fresh start?

After finishing my drink, I rinse out the mug, place it on the drainer and head to bed. Tomorrow will see the start of the rest of my life.

Placing my purse, a folder to keep any information I collect today, and my phone on the passenger seat, I’m ready to set out. It’s busy as it’s the run-up to Christmas, so everyone is out, bustling around buying gifts, food and any necessary decorations.

I smile at mothers who look frazzled with all they are doing. Grandparents are babysitting I imagine, by taking children shopping to give parents a break, and probably a chance to hide gifts. I’ve even seen fathers carrying children on their shoulders.

It’s all a scene of love and family. Something I don’t have anymore, but I can survive and create a better life for myself. Walking into the realtor’s office, I give the woman a smile. “Good morning. I’m looking for a small house or cabin to purchase.”

“Please take a seat and let me look on the system as to what we have that may catch your eye.” Pointing to a table with a computer the woman takes a seat as well. “My name is Lou. Short for Louise. Would you like a drink?”

“No, I’m fine thank you.” I look around and see posters with a selection of cabins, but a small house on the wall next to where I’m sitting catches my eye. “This looks like something I’d be interested in looking at.” I point to the house and look at Lou who is nodding.

“That only came into the office two days ago. It’s a lovely house, actually.

We will list it as a cottage. Single story, no basement.

Three beds, two baths and perfect for a small family.

It has hardwood floors, with no carpeting anywhere in the place.

Good-size rooms, plenty of cabinets in the kitchen, and a walk-in closet in two of the three bedrooms.” Flicking something on the screen, she looks up at me.

“The asking price of the place is low because the yard needs work. It has a carport and drive, but the green area is fairly rough to be honest. The price is $310,000. But, I think you could probably get it for $290,000.”

“I would like to look at it if at all possible.” I like the look of the cottage, and I’m sure I could tidy up the yard myself as I’m not scared of hard work.

“If you can fill in all the details, I can book an appointment for you to look at the place.” Lou hands me a form to fill in, and I place my details down. I can understand why they do this as they want to know you are serious and not wasting their time.

Once done I give it back to Lou, and she checks it over. “Great, so when can you be available?”

“Any time at all. I’m working from home at the moment, so I can switch when I work with no problem. I would like to see it ASAP.” I stress that because I don’t want to keep paying the cabin lease if I don’t have to.

“I can meet you at the property on Friday if that is suitable for you?” Lou looks up from the computer monitor, and I give her a nod. “Great. Is nine in the morning too early?”

“No, that works for me.” Lou hands me her card and a copy of the poster I was looking at. Now I have the address and am all set to view. “Thank you, Lou. I’ll see you on Friday.”

I get back to the cabin as the snow starts to fall.

It’s been falling on and off for two days but thankfully, so far not enough to cause any problems. I hope it stays that way for now because I hate driving in the snow.

I’m always so worried about crashing if ice is hiding underneath the pretty, fluffy stuff.