Holiday Escort: A Christmas Novella Read Free Page A

detail.
    They made Jen feel so uncomfortable that she told me upfront she probably wouldn’t travel with me again. Nothing against me at all.
    I felt horrible for putting her through that, but what was worse was how embarrassed I felt. My parents had no hope for me at all. Their disappointment was very clear to Jen, which is why she shows me pity here and there.
    I don’t mind it because it helps me keep my damn job, but it can be very annoying to think about. We try to avoid talking about it, but every Christmas it ends up a topic of discussion somehow.
    Now, it’s easier to laugh about it. But the first year—boy, it was tough to even ask Jen for an extra pen.

Chapter 3
    P iper

    I t feels great to finally be off the clock.
    Four days free from work and two of those precious babies have to be spent with my dreadful family.
    Dropping my satchel on the table, I make my way to the kitchen, pulling down a glass bowl and a box of popcorn.
    While it pops, I head for the landline phone. The red light is blinking, which can only mean one thing: Mom called.
    She only calls my house phone. She obviously has no idea what a cellphone is used for. That woman needs to get with the century.
    I press the button and her obnoxious voice comes through.
    “Piper! I’m so glad I called. So, Jansen just called about the shopping list and told me you are bringing someone with you! Would that someone finally be a man ? Oh, Pipey, if it is, I am so happy for you! It’s great to finally hear some good news about you. What’s his name? His favorite wine or beer to drink? What does he like to eat? We can always have Jansen make a special meal for him if he’s allergic to anything. Does he like sweet potato casserole? Oh, and be sure you don’t bring any of that silly popcorn with you. Last time you stayed, it took hours for the maids to get the kernels and the smell out of the bedroom. It’s not good to eat late, you know? You have to take care of your body, Pipey.”
    I roll my eyes. “Ugh. Shut up.” I press the button, cutting her off midsentence. I refuse to deal with her before I have to.
    The microwave beeps and I go back for it, dumping the popcorn in the bowl and sinking down on my suede recliner.
    Matthew will be here in a few hours.
    Fortunately the house is clean—probably because I’m hardly ever home. Unlike Mom, I like to clean my own things, not hire a maid to do so.
    The phone rings again and I let it go to voicemail. Of course it’s Mom again.
    “Oh, Pipey! Are you in? If so, I also wanted to tell you that we are doing a white elephant exchange again! Make sure you buy something nice before you come. Something people might actually enjoy, you know? Call me back, if you will. I need to know if this friend you are bringing eats meat.”
    “Meat? Seriously? What kind of man doesn’t eat meat?” I mutter.
    I roll my eyes, digging into my popcorn, glad when her voice is finally done streaming.
    I turn on the TV, tuning into reruns of Sex and the City to pass the time.
    It isn’t until I’ve fallen asleep on the couch after the second episode, when I hear a knock on the door.
    Startled, I spring up, but in the process I drop the entire bowl of cold popcorn on the floor. “Shit!”
    Another knock.
    “Uh—just a second! I have to—” I almost trip over the rug, but fortunately I catch myself. I sweep up the popcorn, dumping it in the bowl and then in the trashcan in the kitchen.
    After I tidy up the living room a bit, the magazines on the coffee table, I zoom for the door.
    When I swing it open, Matthew is standing there, his head in a slight tilt, his eyes mellow. “Everything all right?” he asks. “Bad time?”
    “No! Of course not.” I step back, allowing him in. “Please come in. I was just—well, I’ll be honest. I fell asleep and lost track of time.”
    “You tired?”
    “Sorta. Worked late a lot this week.”
    “Understandable. You edit for a magazine, right?” He glances over his shoulder as I