Page 47 of Jasper

“Which turkey should we use?” He had them both sitting on the island, studying them like he was trying to decide between world peace or world hunger. His look was that intense.

“I still don’t see why we needed to buy another turkey. The one we had was fine.”

“It was small. This one is bigger.”

“By two pounds.”

He shrugged. “It’s still bigger.”

“Then cook that one, and we’ll save the other one for Christmas dinner.”

He chewed on his lip and finally put the smaller one—which wasn’t really that much smaller—back into the freezer.

Her phone buzzed in her back pocket, and she pulled it out. Chris’s smiling face blinked at her, and she sighed. She’d hoped this call wouldn’t come until after Thanksgiving, but bad news always came before holidays. She knew that intimately.

“Hey, Chris.”

“Sloane.” He sounded somber, and she knew it was bad news. Dammit. “How are you and your cousin?”

“Fine. Thanks for asking. So, what are you calling about?” No need for idle chit chat if he was calling to fire her.

“That’s what I always liked about you—right to the point. The producers and HR talked and have decided that your no-call, no-show violated your employment contract, and they’ve decided to let you go. I’m sorry, Sloane.”

Her stomach suddenly felt like lead.

“It’s not like I didn’t expect this, but thanks for letting me know, Chris.”

“I fought to keep you on staff, but I was outvoted. I did, however, threaten if they tried to blackball you in the industry, I’d make sure there wasn’t a photographer in the area who would work with them. And they know I can do it.”

“You didn’t have to do that, Chris, but I appreciate it.”

“I’m so sorry, Sloane. I wish this had turned out differently.”

“It’s fine. Like I said, I expected it, given all the problems from before. Well, I’ll let you get back to work. Thanks for the call.”

“Oh, before I forget, there was a woman here looking for you. She said her name was Amy Durst.”

“I don’t know anyone by that name.”

“She told me she was an old friend from college trying to track you down and asked if I knew where you lived. I didn’t give your information out, of course, because as you know, we can’t give out private information, but I did tell her you were out of town and unavailable until after the holidays.”

“What did she look like?”

“Tall, dark hair, beautiful.”

“Not ringing a bell, but thanks for not giving her my information. I don’t know her.”

“Sure thing. Let me know if you need a reference. I’ll be glad to give you one.”

“I’ll take you up on that, Chris, but have a good Thanksgiving.”

“You too, and again, I am so sorry.”

Sloane disconnected the call and put her phone on the island.

“Bad news?” Jasper asked.

“I got fired.”