Page 64 of Babies for the Christmas Grump

Marjorie: Girl, what’s going on? You sound like you need a vent session. Spill it.

I let out a sigh, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment before starting to type.

Sunny: Well, first, I’m on the front page ofBoston Heritage Monthlynow. Because, of course, that’s how my life is going these days. They wrote this whole article about how I’m “revitalizing” the hotel, and my name’s plastered everywhere like I’ve got it all together. But really, I’m just trying not to fall apart completely.

Marjorie: Hold up, what? Front page? Okay, that sounds huge. But I can tell by your tone that you’re not exactly thrilled about it.

Sunny: Not at all. It’s a nightmare. I didn’t know this was happening at all, and I’m just… scrambling. The gala’s coming soon, and I can’t even keep my pulse steady half the time. I feel like I’m going to pass out.

Marjorie: Oh, no. That doesn’t sound good at all, babe. Are you… okay?

Sunny: I don’t know. I feel like I’m cracking up. I thought I could handle this, but the more I try to focus, the worse I feel. My body’s betraying me, and it’s like it’s all piling up at once. I’m literally dizzy all the time now, and I can’t stop shaking. I just… I don’t know how to keep it all together.

I press send and wait for her reply, biting my lip nervously. Marjorie’s always been my rock. If anyone knows what I should do, it’s her.

Marjorie: Okay, okay. No more pretending, got it. You need to slow down, Sunny. But I get it… this whole hotel thing, it’s a lot. What can I do to help?

I take a deep breath, nodding as if she could see me.

Sunny: I wish you could come and visit! But apart from that, I’ll be okay. Dex keeps telling me to rest, but how can I when there’s so much left to do? I’ve got to make the gala perfect. The pressure’s insane. Especially now.

Marjorie: You’re allowed to take a break, Sunny. And you’re not going to mess everything up. You’ve been doing a fantastic job, even if you don’t feel like it. Trust me. I’ve just looked up the article online, and it’s cool.

I rub my forehead, the headache pounding behind my eyes as I type my reply.

Sunny: I wish I could believe that. Honestly, I’m kind of ready to crawl into bed and not come out for the next week, but the gala’s right there, and I can’t mess this up.

Marjorie: How are things going with the grumpy CFO?

Sunny: He has his own drama. His mother is here, and it doesn’t look like they have a good relationship…

Marjorie: Ugh, that sounds rough. You’ve got a lot on your plate, babe. You can’t be everyone’s rock right now. Not even Ryder’s. You need to take care of yourself.

I sigh, feeling a mixture of frustration and exhaustion at the truth in her words. She’s right, but I can’t seem to stop trying to hold everything together.

Sunny: Thanks, M. I needed to hear that more than you know.

Marjorie: Anytime. And seriously, you need to sleep. I’m sending you some positive vibes from Chicago, and if you need me, I’m always just a call away. We’re all still here for you, no matter what.

I smile at her text, even as the dizziness starts to crawl back.

Sunny: Okay, I’ll try. And I’ll be better tomorrow. Promise.

Marjorie: Promise. Sleep tight, you crazy badass. Talk soon, love you!

Sunny: Love you too.

I set the phone down and take one last deep breath before pulling the covers up around me, letting my body sink into the mattress.

The world can wait. For now, I just need a moment of peace.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Ryder

December 14th

It’s earlywhen I walk into the hotel lobby. The place is still quiet except for the faint hum of the heating system and the occasional tap of heels on marble as Pearl makes her way into the breakfast hall.