The Santa’s words ring in my ear. “I curse you to bad luck for a year unless you do three good deeds.”
Knowing it’s purely coincidence, I shake it off, frustrated, and call Atlanta.
“Meet me at Skyline Bar & Grill. My appointment canceled.”
Atlanta and I were going to meet later this afternoon anyway, so we might as well meet now. I feel a tiny twinge of guilt. She’s working on a big project, but I need her.
Chapter 2
Atlanta
“What happened?” I eye my boss, his features marred with worry.
He stares off into the restaurant interior. “I just don’t understand it.”
“Did he give you any reason?”
“No. Just said he was going in a different direction, which makes no sense. We were all set at 4:30 yesterday.” A shadow crosses his face, like he’s remembering something that unsettles him, but then he blinks it away.
“What?”
“No. It’s nothing.”
I reach across the table and lightly touch his forearm, instant sparks igniting. His eyes find mine, and I jerk it back.Inappropriate, Atlanta.He’s your boss.
“I won’t judge, Holden.”
“This parking lot Santa cornered me and started listing off things about me. Personal things. Then cursed me to bad luck unless I perform three good deeds.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t want you to think badly of me.”
“I won’t.”
He takes a deep breath. “You know that elderly couple a few houses down from me? The ones with the large Craftsman?”
I know the house instantly. It’s a striking home, two-stories with a charming wrap-around porch and abundant three-car garage.
“Well, he knew that I called the HOA about their inflatable Halloween decorations.”
“Holden! You didn’t!”
He cringes. “They don’t fit with the aesthetic of the neighborhood.”
“They’re in their eighties, Holden.”
“You said you wouldn’t judge.”
“No. I said I wouldn’t think poorly of you. But I have to judge you a little for that. But that’s not why the client left. It happens.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
I swallow, knowing now is not the time to ask about the promotion. All the red flags are there, but do I heed them? Nope. I plunge forward, compelled to ask the question I already know the answer to.
“And what about the promotion?”
He watches me, his brown eyes stormy, holding mine. “It’s not the right time, Atlanta. We’re right in the middle of the holidays. You know we have a bunch of new jobs lined up for the first of the year. Let’s get through the holidays and circle back and revisit this conversation at the first of the year.”
