Heart of Clay Read Free Page B

Christmas dinner.
    “Hey, Laken,” Callan said with genuine
warmth. “It is so good to hear from you. I could use someone calm
and friendly on the other end of the line for a change.”
    Laken laughed. “That bad, is it? How many
more events until you get time off for good behavior?”
    “We’ve got three more days of parties and
frivolity here at the center and I have an event tonight and
another tomorrow. Then I can collapse into a mindless heap before I
have to make Christmas dinner. How about you? Are things crazy at
the store?” Callan often admired Laken for following her dreams and
opening a successful gift shop at the Tenacity Mall.
    “Yes. But I decided I needed to talk to
someone who wasn’t demanding a better price, free gift wrapping, or
something I don’t carry in stock.” Laken laughed before taking on a
more serious tone. “Callan, why don’t you call off Christmas
dinner? No one will mind. I know you’re worn out and it’s going to
be too much for you.”
    “Absolutely not!” Callan sat up in her
chair, unwilling to cancel plans made weeks ago. “I’ve got this
down to a science. It’ll be fine. Besides everyone expects dinner
as usual and I can’t disappoint them. You’re still coming aren’t
you? Just having you and Jenna there is a huge help to me.” Jenna,
married to Callan’s younger brother Josh, was close to Callan and a
great support to have when the family all descended at her
home.
    “Of course we’re still coming if you still
insist on having everyone over.” Laken didn’t mask the exasperation
in her voice. “You know I’m completely hopeless in the kitchen, but
what can I bring?”
    “You aren’t hopeless. Look how far you’ve
come in the last year or two. You’re at least trying to learn to
cook and I’m very proud of you.” Callan tried not to laugh thinking
about all the disastrous failed recipes Laken had made before she
found a few things she could successfully prepare. “It would be a
big help if you could bring your raspberry punch. I’ll make mulled
cider and that should keep everyone happy.”
    “Just so you know, I plan on kidnapping you
after Christmas so we can have some girl-time,” Laken said with a
note of authority that did not foster any argument.
    “As long as it includes some decadent
dessert we shouldn’t eat, I’m in.”
    “Agreed! I’ll check in with you in a day or
so. Don’t work too late.”
    “You know me.”
    “Yes, I do. That’s the problem.” Laken
sighed, envisioning Callan working herself into a state of complete
exhaustion. “I’m serious. You need to take better care of yourself.
You work way too hard.”
    “You worry too much.” Callan felt
uncomfortable with the direction the conversation headed. “Thanks
for calling, Laken. I have to run. Talk to you soon.”
    Callan hung up the phone and finished eating
her sandwich between client calls. She spent a few minutes
answering emails before deciding to take a quick break to stretch
her legs.
    She walked around the entire circumference
of the conference center. With more than thirty-thousand square
feet of meeting space, they could accommodate a wide variety of
events, meetings, celebrations, and conferences.
    The center really was beautiful, located on
a little knoll above a creek. Terraced lawns provided the perfect
setting for brides striving to create a dream wedding. White lights
draped the bushes outside, creating a fairyland at night,
particularly when they glistened through the snow.
    As Callan rounded the corner nearest to the
business offices, she almost plowed over Arty.
    “Sorry, sir,” Callan said, trying to breathe
through her mouth to avoid inhaling his mid-day reapplication of
cologne.
    Arty stared up at Callan, appearing dazed
and confused, before he took a step back and wandered down the
hallway.
    It hadn’t taken Callan long to figure out
she intimidated Arty simply because of her size. He seemed to have
a genuine problem with women who