Page 10 of A Very Bossy Christmas

“Oh for shit’s sake.”

“Is it Declan?”

“Yes. I haven’t even been gone for two minutes, and already he’s texting me.”

“Lucky. No boys ever text me.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Chapter Four

DECLAN: What is the name of that terrible woman at your desk?

MADDIE: That’s Holly. The floater. Be nice to her!!!

DECLAN: She’s always smiling at me. It’s creepy.

MADDIE: She’s a really nice person who is good at her job.

DECLAN: When are you coming back?

MADDIE: I literally just left.

DECLAN: That is not an answer.

MADDIE: I thought I made it clear that I’m not coming back to the office tonight.

DECLAN: Unacceptable.

MADDIE: What exactly do you need me to do tonight that can’t be done by Holly?

DECLAN: I need you to sit at that desk and not smile at me like a creep.

MADDIE: Trust me, that is exactly what I’ll be doing tomorrow and for the rest of my unbearable tenure as your assistant. Anything else?

MADDIE: Anything? Else? Speak now or forever hold your peace.

MADDIE: For tonight, anyway. Like I said, I’m not expecting any Christmas miracles.

DECLAN: Everything else, Cooper. Everything else. Good night.

* * *

DECLAN: Cooper? You there? One more question.

MADDIE: Always here for you, Declan!

DECLAN: Well now, that’s more like it.

MADDIE: You should totally come meet us for dinner at Panera after we go to Best Buy LOL

DECLAN: Are you drunk right now?

MADDIE: Would you like me to be?

DECLAN: Kind of. What’s the name of the new guy at the mayor’s office? The younger one with the beard? I don’t know how to ask the floater to get him on the phone for me.

MADDIE: Um. Zac?