Page 43 of One More Yule Log

“Absolutely. Thank you, Ben. Happy holidays.”

“Make sure you come in and get your bonus at the staff party, or holler and I’ll have Linda cut a check you can pick up.”

“Oh, you’re a star. That will really help with the bills.”

“I’ve got your back.” He would make sure she had what she needed. Too big or not, Dale had always tried to make sure his people were taken care of.

“Thanks, Ben. I’m so sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too, honey. Bye.” It was true—he was sorry. He was sorry that he couldn’t do this like Dale had. But then, he had done this part over and over. It was doing this and Dale’s job too.

He put his phone down and dropped his head in his hands. Fuck. They had RSVPs. People were expecting to be at the venue. What was he going to do?

He guessed he would call the venue first. See if he could find out what they could do for him. He was the boss, after all.

His phone rang, and Ben moaned, just not wanting to look. Oh. Gray. Please be not cancelling.

“Hey, honey.” He fought to keep his voice even. “How goes?”

“Good. I am covered with flour. Do you want me to get anything on the way to you? I have to stop and get some sinus stuff. My allergies are killing me. Damn hibiscus tea cookies.”

“Oh man. No hibiscus for you, huh?” He shook his head. “Can you grab me a cherry Dr Pepper?”He needed fizzy caffeine.

“You got it. I’ve got a load of, uh, ugly sweater cupcakes. Yeah. That’s what we’ll call them.” Gray chuckled.

He laughed, too, and it started out forced and ended up honest. “Thanks, babe. I needed that.”

“You okay? You sound stressed.” He could hear a mixer go on in the background.

“Just work shit.” Which stressed him right the hell out.

“Well, if there’s anything I can do, holler.”

He snorted gently. “You sound busy.”

“Nah, that’s Alice making a batch of cookies for her daughter’s church group. We’re doing good today.”

“Excellent. I’ll see you in a bit?” He needed a hug, an adult, a friend.

“God, yes. I’m leaving in about twenty.” He heard Alice murmur something, and Gray laughed. “Ten. She wants me out so she can rob my supplies blind.”

“No wonder Liv likes her so much.” He cracked up. “See you soon, babe. Bye. Love you.”

It wasn’t until he’d hung up that he realized what he said.

5

Gray floated to the back to grab his coat, his feet hardly touching the floor.

“Boss? You been drinking the Mexican vanilla again?”

He blinked at Alice. “No. No, it’s just going to be a good evening. You need anything else?”

“Nope.” Her eyes narrowed. “What happened?”

“Huh? Nothing. I just get to go see Ben now.” Who had said “love you” just like that.

And it hadn’t been “love you, bye,” like this thoughtless thing. It had been on purpose.