One Bright Christmas

by Katherine Spencer

  “That’s what I would do. They’re giving the clothes away. You won’t believe it.”

  I didn’t buy one thing for myself this Christmas, she rationalized. And I’ll have a job soon. I deserve a new pair of shoes at least?

  She weighed the pros and cons as she scanned the fridge for some breakfast. She saw a lime, a scallion, and a take-out container of something that looked like it belonged across town in the Museum of Natural History. Under a glass case.

  Finally, a cup of yogurt. The obvious choice. She opened it and ate it, careful not to look at the expiration date. Then she took a shower and headed to the gym.

  A few hours later, after a workout, a swim, and a soak in the hot tub, she was feeling mostly herself again. Lauren was back in the apartment, dressing for her quick and disciplined shopping trip, when her phone buzzed.

  Isabel’s name came up on the screen, and Lauren took a deep breath before answering. She could be calling about anything, Lauren reminded herself. You may have missed a question on one of the ten thousand forms the human resources department sent you.

  But the senior attorney was not calling about that. The message was short and sweet. Very sweet. “We’ve made our decision, Lauren. A little sooner than expected. I’m happy to offer you the position,” Isabel said.

  “Really? That is such amazing news. Thank you.” Lauren felt her knees go weak. Her possible future boss went on to describe the salary, starting date, and other necessary footnotes. Lauren barely heard a word.

  “You should see an email by the end of the day confirming all the details. With the long weekend coming, we wanted to let you know today.”

  “I appreciate that. And I’m really very excited. And honored,” Lauren said honestly. She swallowed hard, unsure if she should continue, though something urged her to say more. “I’m going to think about all this and get back to you right after the New Year. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Of course. Take all the time you need.” Lauren could tell from her tone that Isabel had expected Lauren to accept the job on the spot. But slowing things down to her own pace showed that she was a good attorney, didn’t it? Though Lauren knew that wasn’t the reason at all.

  A short time later, Lauren was packed and heading down to a parking lot to pick up her car. She called Shela, feeling sorry to interrupt her work, but this time a text wouldn’t do.

  “Hey, what’s up? Finding everything okay?”

  “I’m good. But I need to get back home. I’m sorry to run out on you like this, but I can’t stay for the party tonight.”

  “Is something wrong? I hope everything’s all right with your family?”

  “Everyone’s fine. It’s just me. There’s something I need to do, and . . . it can’t wait. I don’t think I’d be much fun tonight anyway. I think my party meter hit the limit last night,” she admitted with a laugh.

  “I get it. No worries. It’s about that guy with the pig, right?”

  Lauren sighed. Was everyone in her life going to refer to Cole as “the guy with the pig” forever? Seemed so. “It is. And, you won’t believe this, but I got that job. They called a little while ago and made an offer.”

  Shela squealed—worthy of any squeal of years past. Lauren pictured her bouncing in her leather desk chair. “Lauren, that is awesome! Why didn’t you say that sooner? Now I really don’t get why you’re going back. Isn’t this what you wanted?”

  Lauren couldn’t answer. The valet had brought her car, and she automatically exchanged the keys for a tip, then slipped behind the wheel.

  “I thought I did. But now that I got it, I’m not sure, Shela. I’m not sure at all. Listen, I have to drive now. I’ll call you later. Thanks for everything.”

  “It would have been fun to tear up the town with you, Willoughby, but I’ll manage on my own.” Lauren was sure her friend would, too. “You’re a complete ninny, but I love you.”

  “Love you, too,” Lauren replied, carefully easing out into traffic.

  “I bet you never made it to Bloomie’s, either,” Shela scolded.

  “Nope. But I downloaded the app. I’ll catch up on the sales while I’m driving. I have plenty of time.” Of course, she was teasing.

  They laughed and said goodbye again, and Lauren was on her way to New England.

  She was soon over the bridge and made good time through the Bronx. She had started out early enough to miss the worst traffic. With any luck, she would reach Cape Light by five or so, if she made the minimum of stops and pushed the speed limit.

  The decision had been impulsive, but once the thought had come over her, she couldn’t fight it. Maybe the only way to find out what she really wanted was to sort it out with Cole now that the choices were clearly set before her?

  She wasn’t really sure what she hoped to accomplish by going back. All she knew was that she had to see him. Not tomorrow, not two days from now. But as soon as possible.

  What if he had plans tonight? A party somewhere. Or a date?

  Lauren brushed the scenarios from her mind. She’d get there early enough to catch him before he went out. Or she’d just crash his date and spill her guts? In her usual fashion?

  “Love has no pride,” she recalled her aunt saying. It didn’t seem to have any common sense either, she reflected. The wild ride seemed crazy. But totally compelling.

  Her estimated time of arrival was very much on track, she noticed, as she passed the exits for Peabody and Salem. She felt bleary-eyed and hungry but pushed on. Only half an hour or slightly more to go, and it was just past three. She would have to stop somewhere and freshen up as much as possible before she went to see Cole, she decided. But not home. Too many questions. She’d face those soon enough.

  Her phone buzzed, and she saw Joe’s name and number on the screen. He was probably calling with a question about one of the cases she’d been working on.

  “Hey, Lauren, how’s it going?” he greeted her. “I heard they welcomed you back to the city with a sign in Times Square.”

  She knew he was only teasing, but there was tiny note of derision in his voice as well. “That’s right. Just in time for the big crowd there tonight to watch the ball drop.”

  “Seriously, how was the interview? Did it go well?”

  “I had a good feeling about it, but I’m not sure what the results will be,” she said as honestly as she could.

  He didn’t seem to notice she was in her car, and she decided not to tell him she was driving back. For a variety of reasons.

  “I have some news for you. After that little piece in the Globe came out about Maddie’s case, we’ve been flooded with inquiries.” A business reporter from the Boston Globe who specialized in the tech industry had written an article about the claims against Dendur Software for discriminatory practices against women—and about the big settlement. It had appeared online, too, and had been picked up by other outlets that covered the industry.

  “Potential clients, mainly women, who want to make similar claims against employers,” Joe continued. “I never pictured myself as a defender of women’s rights. But I’ll sure feel a lot prouder about it than fighting for the rights of golf course sod.”

  Lauren laughed at his comparison. “I agree.”

  “My point is, any chance at all of you handling this area of the practice? Even for a few months more? I know it’s not your specialty, but you certainly have a talent for it, and I’d pretty much leave you alone. Maybe the idea is a little tempting for you? You don’t have to answer now,” he quickly added. “I just wanted you to know what was going on. I’ll need to refer some of these women to other firms. But I definitely need a new attorney to cover this territory. Maddie really wants me to.”

  Lauren was interested to hear that coda to his message. Her intuition had been on target about those two.

  “I will think about it, Joe. I’ll let you know soon.”
>
  “That sounds perfect. Enjoy your New York visit, Lauren. Happy New Year.”

  It had been enlightening and it was over, she nearly told him. But she stopped herself just in time. “Same to you, Joe. Give my best to Maddie.”

  “I will,” he promised. She could tell he was smiling when he replied.

  The call had surprised her. And confused her, offering even more possibilities. Was this one of those “jump off the cliff and wings will sprout” moments? Or was it the gift that arrives in a shape you didn’t imagine, just like Reverend Ben talked about in his Christmas Eve sermon?

  Half-dazed from the long drive, Lauren knew it was not the best time to figure it all out. All she knew for sure was that her future looked a lot different right now than it had twenty-four hours ago. Maybe she did have more choices than “stay for Cole” or “leave for her career.”

  When she reached the cottage, the sun had already slipped behind a fringe of trees just beyond the barn, tinting the horizon with a rosy glow. She saw the red truck parked nearby and a light on in the sitting room. She felt so nervous standing at the door, she nearly ran back to her car, but she finally forced herself to knock.

  During the long drive back, she had practiced what she might say, but all her well-planned words flew out of her head as the door swung open and Cole stood there staring at her.

  “Lauren, I thought you were in New York.”

  “I was.”

  “I thought you had that interview and you were going to stay a few days.”

  “I had the interview. But I came back.”

  “So I see.”

  She swallowed hard. He wasn’t making this easy, was he?

  “Can I talk to you? For just a minute or two?”

  “Sure, come on in.” He stepped aside and she entered. He still looked puzzled. “I was just about to pick up Phoebe. She’s at a playdate.”

  Lauren rubbed her hands together, then put them down at her sides. “This won’t take long.”

  He didn’t invite her to sit down, and she felt awkward doing that without the offer. He stood at the door, his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a denim shirt with a black T-shirt underneath and looked very . . . woodsy. And very handsome. And very unlike all the men she’d seen in New York over the last two days.

  “How did the interview go? Did you hear anything yet?”

  “They made me an offer.” She watched his reaction.

  He nodded but didn’t smile. “Good for you. When do you start?”

  “I didn’t accept it yet.”

  He looked surprised. “But you’re planning to. I mean, that’s what you came to tell me. You came to say goodbye, right?”

  She shook her head, her words catching in her throat. “No. That’s not why. I came because I had some time to think. Well, not like that exactly. I really didn’t think very much at all. It’s just when I heard that I got the job, it didn’t seem to matter as much as I thought it would. I thought if they wanted me, I’d be jumping for joy and say yes on the spot. But I didn’t. I just couldn’t.”

  “Why not? I don’t understand.” He walked closer and stared down at her. She could have reached out and touched him, but she didn’t dare. Not yet.

  “It didn’t feel right anymore. This thing that I really, really wanted—getting another big job and moving back to New York, showing myself and everyone else I wasn’t a failure . . . I thought it would just drop into some empty spot in a big jigsaw puzzle that I call my life and make everything perfect and complete.”

  She looked up at him, struggling to put her complicated feelings and fuzzy insights into words. “But between the time I left New York and went back there, something changed. All the pieces on the table got moved around. This solution I was so sure about? It doesn’t fit.”

  He tilted his dark head to one side, listening. “Why is that, do you think?”

  “Because I met you. And Phoebe. You two mixed it all up.” She sighed and met his dark gaze. “Thanks a lot, pal,” she added, finally making him smile. “I don’t know, maybe my imagination is too limited? Wasn’t saving Wilbur something to be proud of? As big as any win in a law firm?”

  “Phoebe and Wilbur would say so,” he agreed quietly. A warm, familiar light had returned to his gaze, giving her courage to go on.

  “The thing is, I thought the city was my world, the place where I belonged. But I don’t think so anymore. Maybe my world is wherever you and Phoebe are. I know I won’t be happy away from the two of you. No matter how many lawsuits I win or big settlements I negotiate. If I stay, will you give us one more chance?”

  Cole looked shocked for a moment. Then his face lit up with pure joy. He stepped forward and took her in his arms, practically lifting her off her feet. She felt as if they were back on the pond, spinning together on the ice.

  “Would I give you a chance? I’ve twisted my brain in knots trying to figure out how we could make this work. If you took that job, I thought Phoebe and I might move, too. To be near you. I drove my poor sister crazy when she was here, talking about you.”

  “You did?” Lauren was horrified. “Nothing like good advance press.” She hoped Cole’s sister didn’t despise her now for torturing her poor brother.

  “She was glad to hear that I met someone who could make me care so much again.” He paused. “I’m just worried about you. Is this going to be enough? Are you going to regret turning down that offer?”

  “Not for a minute. I was so dumb to think it was just a choice between here or the city. There are so many possibilities for me. I see that now. And a real relationship will always require give-and-take. And some risk. How can I ever feel shortchanged when I’ll truly have it all? You, Phoebe . . . and an adorable pig?”

  His wide smile and dark, shining eyes were all the answer she needed. Then he said, “Lauren Willoughby, you’re the last thing I ever expected. But I love you. More than I can ever say.”

  Lauren felt as if she’d just been struck by lightning. In a good way, she decided. “Funny, I feel the same about you.”

  Before she could say more, Cole dipped his head down and kissed her long and hard.

  “That’s one way to shut me up,” she whispered against his lips, then pulled him close again.

  * * *

  * * *

  It was almost dinnertime on Thursday. Estrella had gone home early but had left a platter of baked chicken with string beans and plain roasted potatoes in the refrigerator—Lillian’s favorite meal. Ezra wasn’t in the mood for it. He wanted something special for dinner. After all, it was New Year’s Eve.

  “New Year’s Eve. Who cares? It’s just another faux holiday. Cooked up by big business. So arbitrary. Many cultures celebrate the New Year on a completely different date,” Lillian reminded her husband.

  “I understand, dear. But I see no harm in it. I think it’s good luck to ring in the new with a special meal and a toast or two,” Ezra said. “I found a very fine bottle of wine in the rack, and we’ll order Chinese food. And watch the festivities on TV?”

  She sighed. “If you insist. I doubt I’ll last until midnight.”

  “We’ll see,” he replied pleasantly as he set off to track down the wine.

  Teddy followed him everywhere, shadowing his step as if he were a toy dog, pulled on a string. Lillian thought it was uncanny. It had been useless to try to put any limits on the dog’s whereabouts in the house. If he was kept from Ezra, he peered at them from a distance, looking forlorn, and even whined a bit. Lillian couldn’t bear the sound. And she didn’t dare risk Ezra getting into another snit.

  All she knew was that for the past week, ever since Ezra had found the mutt and brought him in, her husband had been more cheerful than . . . well, Mr. Rogers.

  If Ezra wanted Chinese food for dinner and needed to watch some silly, simpering newscasters standing out in the cold all nig
ht in the middle of New York’s theater district, what was it to her? She’d work on her crossword puzzle.

  A few hours later, there they were, seated in the living room. Ezra had set up tray tables and portioned out the take-out food. Lillian didn’t mind the soup, though she always left the wonton dumpling.

  Teddy sat between them on a special couch cover Ezra had found in the pet shop in town. Who could imagine in their wildest dreams that she, of all people, would tolerate sharing her antique silk brocade sofa with a dog? She certainly would have bet the house against that.

  She had to admit, the dog possessed remarkable self-control, especially tonight, with the exotic foods right under his snout.

  He lay between them, like a stone lion, staring at the TV as if he actually understood what was on the screen.

  It was fascinating to observe him. Though she’d never admit it to Ezra.

  Ezra poured the wine and gave her a glass. “Here’s to the New Year, Lily. Good health and many happy adventures for us all.”

  Lillian liked the health part, but the word “adventures” made her wary. She clinked her glass anyway.

  She sipped her wine and gazed down at Teddy. “I suppose the dog was your adventure this year. Is that what you mean?”

  “Maybe. An adventure with a happy ending,” he noted. “And, in no small part, thanks to you.”

  “Me? What did I have to do with it? I thwarted your efforts at every step.”

  “Which made me all the more determined and helped me realize how much Teddy means to me. You relented in the end.”

  “So I did,” she agreed, giving herself some credit. Though the alternative, Ezra’s disaffection, had been too ghastly to consider.

  “You know, Lily, Anatole France said, ‘Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.’” I think that goes double for dogs,” Ezra reasoned. “I hope Teddy is growing on you, a little?”

  “Not yet.” She sighed, worn down by Ezra’s relentless optimism. What did the man expect? She’d been subjected to this animal in the house, against her will, for only a week so far. But she patted the dog’s head very lightly and quickly anyway. He panted in answer, as if to thank her.