The Trouble with Christmas Read Free

so she could face the day and the rest of her life. “I have to work. It’s December, the restaurant is crazy busy.”
    “I told Alfredo you needed time off,” Avery said, very sure of herself—like always. “And you do. If you want it, he’ll give you your job back when you return. I even helped line up a temporary pastry chef. It’s your choice about whether you return after the holidays. I’d rather have you start your own business,” Avery said, like it was the most natural thing in the world to arrange her friend’s life.
    Always so willing to help, Lily thought wryly. To fix her life. She knew she had to stand on her own, but Lily had to admit it felt good to be taken care of after such a blow.
    “You’re incredible. You really are. Thank you, Aves,” Lily said, her heart lightened a little bit at the thought of a trip to Indigo Island.
    The remote Sea Island was like a second home to her. She’d even thought it would be fun to open her bakery there, but Bob had laughed off that idea as unreasonable.
    “So let’s get started. We won’t return until after New Year’s. A whole new year and a new start when we get back.”
    Lily looked down at the diamond ring sparkling on her finger and swallowed a sob. She wasn’t quite ready to take it off. And where would she keep it safe, anyway? She took a deep breath and stared out at the grey day. Another new start.

Chapter Two
    LILY
    ‡
    S he finished zipping her suitcase at the same moment the doorbell rang.
    “You better be ready, we’re all waiting!” Avery yelled through the door.
    Lily smiled. What would she do without her best friend? I’m thirty years old, suddenly single and adrift. She opened the door and Avery burst inside. My best friend is my only constant.
    “Wipe that frown off your gorgeous face, immediately,” Avery said pulling her into a bear hug.
    Avery wore a light blue cashmere sweater, khaki jeans, and ankle boots. She looked chic and ready for an island adventure. Lily looked down at her own outfit – black turtleneck, black jeans, black boots – and sighed. She looked as gloomy as she felt.
    “I hope you’re ready because the Putnams wait for no one, as you know!”
    “I’m all set, but are you sure Sergio is okay with this?” Lily said, imagining her boss and all of his Italian temper boiling over at her departure. She needed her job, especially now.
    “Yes, I’m positive. It’s all worked out,” Avery said, with her breezy confidence.
    “Okay, I have no idea how you did it, but if Alfredo’s can manage without me during the holiday rush, well, they might decide they can manage without me forever.”
    “Impossible,” Avery said and grabbed Lily’s suitcase as she pulled her toward the front door. “They’re hosting a guest pastry chef from Paris, a guy who just happens to have always wanted to visit America. He’s a friend, from when I studied abroad. It worked out perfectly. Under the table, of course.”
    “You’re amazing,” Lily said, and pulled her apartment door behind her tightly. “Thank you.”
    “Anything for my best friend, Lils,” Avery said and led her down the walkway to the white limo, with the Putnam orange P emblazed on the door, waiting at the curb. The driver hopped out and helped them inside and then took care of Lily’s suitcase.
    “It’s been forever, John, how are you?” Lily asked.
    “Great, same as always, Miss Lily. It’s good to see you,” John said. “To the airport, then, Miss Avery?”
    “Yes, please,” Avery said, then turned to Lily. “I’m so excited. This will be like Christmases during high school when you were always with us.”
    Lily wished she could share Avery’s excitement, but she felt empty. It wasn’t at all the same, Avery was married and Lily was supposed to be engaged. She forced a smile since she didn’t want to bring everyone down this holiday. “Your family has always been so kind to me.”
    Avery smiled, accepting Lily, as always, just