The Christmas Mission by Karen Malley

Author:Karen Malley [Malley, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522399117
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2022-09-22T00:00:00+00:00

6

“Oh, no. What happened?” Michael asked Steve. It was the middle of the day, and Steve never showed up unannounced in the middle of the day. Something was either very wrong or very right.

“I’m sorry, man,” Steve said. “She’s not who you think she is.” He sat in a chair and then immediately stood back up.

“Who?”

Steve hesitated. Sighed. Looked Michael straight in the eye. “Your girl, Nicole.”

Michael sank back into his chair. “If this is about her past, she already told me—”

“It’s not about her past, Steve said. “It’s about earlier today.” He refused the seat Michael offered and paced the office. “You’ve been raving about her so much that I decided I go check her out. You know, get a smoothie, lay eyes on the woman who’s got my best friend all in knots.” Steve stopped midstride and turned to look at Michael. “I’ve been debating all afternoon on whether to tell you—”

Dread balled in Michael’s throat. “Is she seeing someone else?”

“She was talking to this older guy. The last thing I heard was him saying he’s proud of her for being Daddy’s little girl and snuggling up to Michael Cavanaugh.”

“She was talking to her dad?” Michael asked.

“Charming family she comes from,” Steve said. “The guy said you were the answer to all their money problems.”

Michael buried his head in his hands. “She told me he was in prison. She seemed so genuine. She even pretended she didn’t want to go out with me because of my money. How could I be so gullible?” Steve’s words settled like lead in his stomach.

Steve patted Michael’s shoulder. “I’m really sorry, but I needed to tell you.”

Michael sat up and fixed his gaze on Steve’s. “You did the right thing. I clearly don’t have the best judgment where women are concerned. Thanks for telling me.”

~*~

Nicole’s shift ended, and she toyed with the idea of walking over to Michael’s store. Maybe he’d give her some advice about what to do about her dad. He might even pray with her again. Or kiss her again. The memory of last night almost pushed away the stress of her father’s visit. Almost.

Her internal struggle didn’t last long. She headed to the store.

“May I help you?” asked a stocky salesman, not the same man she’d spoken with earlier in the week.

“I’m not shopping, thanks,” Nicole said. “I was wondering if Mr. Cavanaugh was available.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, he’s gone for the day. Would you like to leave him a message?”

Tomorrow was Sunday, and Michael didn’t work Sundays. Surely she’d talk to him before he was back at work on Monday. “No, that won’t be necessary. Thank you.” As she walked back across the mall, she once again gazed at the line of children waiting for Santa. Workers dressed as elves handed out candy canes. It being Saturday, the line wound halfway across the courtyard. Nicole smiled. If she were to talk to Santa, she would’ve wished for Michael. She checked in by text.

I really enjoyed last night. Could

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