Page 28 of Big Mistletoe

I carry my boxes inside and force a smile when one of the women comes over to greet me.

For the next few hours, I keep busy. I have Christmas music playing on my phone, and even though I’m faking it, I keep smiling. I’m afraid if I stop, the tears will start, and I’m trying to save that for when I’m alone in my apartment.

11

NICK

I’m halfway through a meeting when my phone buzzes on the table. I glance down and see Joy’s name. I smile instantly, wondering if she’s changed her mind about lunch. I pick up the phone and read the message.

Nick, my landlord called and has another apartment ready for me. I’m going to go ahead and move in today. Thank you for letting me stay with you and for everything you’ve done for me. I really appreciate it.

I read it again. What the hell? I stand so fast my chair rolls backward, and everyone in the room looks at me.

“I have to go,” I announce.

One of the guys starts to say something, but I’m already walking out. I call Joy, and it goes straight to voicemail. What the fuck?

I call again and get her voicemail again.

I grab my keys from my office and then go out to the truck. As soon as I sit down, I text her.

Call me.

I wait for her to read it or respond, but she does neither. I text her again. Joy, answer your phone.

I try calling again, and it goes to voicemail.

I start my truck and spin my tires pulling out of the parking lot.

I drive straight home, but her car isn’t there. Maybe I beat her here.

I run inside, and I don’t even have to go upstairs. As soon as I open the door, it’s like I can feel her absence. I see the key on the counter, and my stomach turns.

Even knowing she’s gone, I still run upstairs to the room she kept her clothes in and yank open the closet. Everything is gone.

I lean my head back and scream into the room. I pull out my phone and call her again, but she doesn’t answer. Think, Nick. Where would she be?

I immediately call her landlord, and he answers on the third ring.

“Hello?”

“This is Nicholas Winters. I need the new address for Joy Holly.”

There’s a pause, and I repeat what I said. Even I can hear the desperation in my voice. “I need the address.”

He hesitates. “I can’t give you a tenant’s personal information.”

I grit my teeth. “She was staying with me because the pipe burst in your apartment.”

“I understand that, but I still can’t⁠—”

“She’s not answering her phone.”

“That doesn’t mean⁠—”

I cut him off. “Give me the address.”

He goes quiet.