Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Parker
I walk away from her door completely dumbfounded. She just kicked me out and pushed me away without a single chance to get to know her. Still, as I stood shell-shocked, I understood that she was right.
How can we even be a couple when we have a very big discrepancy in our outlook on Christmas? It would matter in the future, especially if we have a family. I’m sure I could get past it, but could she believe me? We both need time and I need to prove it to her.
As soon as I’m in my car, I’m thinking of ways to prove that we can work.
Even if I could get her to see that her love for Christmas outweighed my dislike, I have another problem or two.
One is my schedule. She has no idea that I work seventy hours a week.
Caroline thinks the Christmas thing was bad; I only have one day off, and that was mostly a choice.
That has to change this week. I’m sure several people around me would be happy about it.
My assistant would love for me not to drive her insane with massively long hours.
I get to my condo and have no idea what I’m going to do next. Snow starts falling down, turning the view from my penthouse window of the Chicago skyline into a giant snow globe. It’s beautiful, and I believe that she would like it.
I press my hand against the glass, thinking of ways to win her over. I know very little at this moment. My mind goes straight to A Christmas Carol and Scrooge’s redemption. Of course, I am nowhere near as bad as him, but I still don’t like Christmas.
Laying on my sofa while staring up at the ceiling, my phone beeps with a text from my sister.
Chloe: I saw your car was gone. Is everything okay?
I shoot her a quick, angry text.
Me: No, everything is terrible.
She calls me right away, and I pick up. Before she can speak, I explain my frustrations. “Apparently you told her how miserable I am when it comes to Christmas.”
“Oh, yeah.”
I stand up in frustration and start pacing. “Well, she essentially slammed the door in my face and told me there was no way it would work between us.”
“I’m so sorry, Bro. I never meant to do that.”
I sigh. I can’t be mad at Chloe. She’s not the asshole who hates the holiday. “No, it’s not your fault. I have a major malfunction when it comes to Christmas, and you were right to warn her because I’d ruin her favorite holiday.”
“Well, if she’s not worth changing for, then maybe it’s for the best.” I’m not planning on telling her anything else until I’m sure of my success.
“You’re right. I’m going to let you go. I’ve got to get up early in the morning. Good night.”
“Good night.” I toss my phone on the sofa and then run my hands through my hair.
“What the hell am I going to do?” I sigh and pace through my condo, walking across the living room and into the kitchen.
I see a Mexican takeout menu on my fridge, and I think of a plan.
It will be a little difficult to come up with ideas, but I’m going to give it a try and see if she is willing to accept my gifts.
****
“Good morning, Mr. Ames,” my assistant greets me with my cup of coffee.
“Thank you. Come into my office in ten minutes for a quick meeting,” I say as I stroll past her and close the door behind me.
I have to make a lot of calls, but I have several business matters that are going to take up my day.
Turning on my computer and looking at my calendar, I think about the holiday schedule.
We are closed from the twenty-fourth through the fourth.
It’s a long break for the office, but that doesn’t mean I’m not working.
The rest of the staff have days off because we are closed.
“Sir, you needed to have a meeting?”
“Yes, please have a seat.”
“For the rest of the week, I’ll be ending the day at six.” Her jaw slackens, but she quickly adjusts her expression.
“That’s good, Sir.”
“It may just be the new schedule unless something happens, so that means we’ll need to rearrange any parts of my calendar that keep me in the office or in meetings late in the evening.”
“Yes, Sir. Is there anything else you need me to do?”
“Not yet, but I will be busy for the next hour before my call with the investors and I don’t want to be disturbed.” She nods and then excuses herself. As soon as she closes the door, I search for the first gifts. It takes me forever to pick each out and then get them here on time.
My assistant knocks on my door. “It’s time for your call with Mr. Feazell.”
“Thank you,” I mutter, closing the tabs and then opening the docs I need before taking the call.
“Hello, Mr. Feazell.”
“Thank you for taking a call with me so close to the holidays. I’m leaving to visit family, so it would be great if we could strike a deal today.”
I’m more than ready to get back to picking out gifts for my reluctant angel. “Well, then, let’s get down to business.”
Our call lasts longer than I expect because he starts talking about his family, and I feel envious. “Do you have a family, Mr. Ames?”
“Only a sister, but I hope to one day have a family.”
“It’s amazing.” Maybe I’m crazy because I just met this woman I am obsessed with, or maybe it’s a Christmas miracle. I stare at the photo of my mother on my desk, and for the first time, I don’t feel completely angry.