Underneath My Christmas Tree by Tawdra Kandle

Author:Tawdra Kandle [Kandle, Tawdra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-08T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

December 5th

Elizabeth

“I understand, Mr. Greig. I know it’s Christmas time, but I sent your first invoice in March. Your case settled last January. You haven’t paid anything, and I have expenses, too.”

A blast of angry male voice burst out of the receiver, and I held it away from my ear, cringing. This was the part of my job I most hated. It was also the top reason I was almost definitely going to hire a secretary early next year, no matter how much paying that salary cut into my bottom line.

“Yes, I know you didn’t plan to be sued. But you were, and you retained my services to represent you. Oddly enough, the electric company doesn’t seem to understand when I tell them I can’t pay my bill because you didn’t budget enough money to cover my fees.”

There was a loud click on the other side of the phone, and I sighed as I hung up. At this point, I had two options: I could write off his unpaid bill, or I could farm it out to a collection agency. Neither was appealing to me, but I really couldn’t afford to let my invoices slide.

“Tough day?”

I looked up to the doorway of my office. Trent leaned against the wall, his worn baseball cap in one hand.

“Unfortunately, it was a typical day.” I stretched my back, twisting in my chair. “I hate making collection calls, so I leave it for the end of the afternoon. And then I go home all mad and frustrated. Sometimes I’m forced to drink multiple glasses of wine.”

Trent smirked. “I feel the same way, but with me it’s usually beers. Or shots of whiskey.”

“I’d be with you there. I’m an equal opportunity imbiber.” I glanced at the clock. “Are you leaving?” The Christmas tree lot stayed open until nine o’clock during the week, and Trent worked just about every night.

“I was supposed to work, but Uncle Nolan found out that they’re having a big Christmas light ceremony tonight on Main Street of Crystal Cove, so I’m heading down there to man a booth. I have to hand out flyers advertising the tree lot. Oh, and I’m giving away candy canes, too.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I’d rather be here selling trees, but Uncle Nolan doesn’t want to go, and he doesn’t trust Joe or Andy to handle it. So I get the honor.” He tapped one finger against his thigh. “You wouldn’t want to go with me, would you?”

“Me?” I wrinkled my nose. “You want to take Scrooge into the heart of Christmas central?” I’d been candid with Trent about my feelings toward Christmas from the day he’d offered to bring me a tree for my office, free of charge. He teased me about my anti-holiday stance, but he never pushed me to change.

Trent blew out a sigh. “You’re not Scrooge. And I don’t feel like sitting there by myself. As my one and only friend in the state of Florida, I’m pretty sure you’re required to go with me.

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