Page 77 of Wait a HO HO HO Second!

“Then he told her that desperation wasn’t a good look. Although he had no idea why she did what she did, he didn’t want to hear her excuses. She was terminated from Van Adler Holdings immediately.”

Joy’s head pounded once as her eyes flew open, letting in too much light. Squinting, she tilted her head in confusion. “Why was Sabrina at the mall again this morning?” She checked her watch. “It’s only ten, and we aren’t opening until eleven because of the snow. Is Kian here?”

Flustered, Marci flapped her arms. “I didn’t know how to get rid of her last night, so I told her to come back in the morning when Kian would be here! I was too worried about you to worry about her.”

“So she showed up before we even opened?” Joy asked, surprise making her blink. “She was really all in.”

“When she showed up, banging on the metal gate, I texted Kian.”

“That’s why he left so early,” Joy deduced.

Marci nodded. “Kian told me last night that if she showed up again, he wanted to confront her. I have to say, he didn’t mince words.”

“Last night, he minced no words with me either,” Joy admitted. “He said he loves me, not Sabrina, and he’s going to prove it. Then he said this isn’t what it seems, and he can prove it once he talks to his lawyer?”

Marci held up her hands. “Literally in the dark on that one, but once he finished with Sabrina, he told me he had to head out for a few hours. He asked me to arrange for you to be brought back here from the hospital and to make sure you didn’t leave again.”

“Not that I can. My car is officially toast.” Joy grimaced. “I hope they can fix it.”

“Oh! I talked to Steve at the body shop, and he said there wasn’t much damage. The grill is cracked, and one headlight is broken, but that’s it. He said the snow must have cushioned the slide into the ditch. He figures the deer damaged the grill and the headlight. He’ll have it repaired after Christmas.”

Joy sighed. “Well, thank goodness for that.” Grabbing a popper, she shook her head. “Can I just say I’m embarrassed about last night? Taking off into the storm was reckless. It was as if autopilot had kicked in and I'd lost control. I had to get to Lorelei and ask why she’d put Kian back in my life if I couldn’t have him. Which,” she said, giving her forehead a gentle smack, “was a ridiculous thought. Lorelei would have no idea he’d return to Snowcap Ridge or that we’d get involved.”

“You weren’t looking for answers,” Marci clarified. “You were seeking comfort, and Lorelei was always the one you turned to. It made sense that you’d seek her comfort when you were hurting, even if you had to go to her grave to find it. I’m glad Kian figured that out because I was so scared I couldn’t think at all.”

With Marci’s hand in hers, Joy squeezed it. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed and fought it out with her.”

“That’s not you, Joy. You are joy, not drama. You make people happy, not angry. Besides, engaging with Sabrina would only have caused bigger problems. For some reason, she thought this little stunt would get Kian’s attention so they could pick up where they left off. At least that’s what I gathered from their little tête-à-tête this morning.”

“Did Sabrina leave the mall willingly?” Joy asked after swallowing.

“Kian made sure of it by asking security to escort her out. I haven’t known him that long, but the HO-HO-HO Santa wasn’t in that room. It was all Mr. CEO.”

“Well, I hope HO-HO-HO Santa returns because we have an event in eight hours.”

“Do you think you’ll be able to go, or would you like me to stand in for you? You’re just helping with the gifts while Santa does his HO-HOing, right?”

“That’s the plan,” Joy agreed, taking another bite of a cinnamon roll. A moment on her lips, a lifetime on her hips. She had no problem with that, given how much Kian loved her hips. “Let’s see how I feel about two this afternoon. We don’t have to be there until five. Maybe I’ll be okay. If not, we can pivot.”

“Sounds good. I’d better get down there to open the rest of the mall for business. Kian should be here any moment—”

“Joy,” Kian said, opening the door to her apartment without knocking. Before she could blink, he pulled her into his arms, his lips pressing against her neck. “Are you okay?”

“All good,” she promised, rubbing his back as he sat beside her. “Just a slight headache, but Marcus sent CinnaPOP Poppers to cure it.”

Kian didn’t laugh or even crack a smile. He just stared at her, cradling her face in his hands as though that could heal her. “I’m so sorry about last night. Sabrina is gone from my life and from Van Adler Holdings.”

“That’s what Marci said. I can’t say I’m sad.”

Marci pointed to the door. “This is where I take my leave. I’ll man the mall today. Just take the day to rest, and maybe you can manage the hospital tonight.”

“Thanks, Marci,” Joy said, motioning around as though her friend would understand she meant everything. “Don’t be afraid to come get me if you have any major issues, but I know you can handle it without me.”

With a nod and a wave, Marci left, clicking the door shut behind her.

“Marci said you had to leave for a couple of hours to see your lawyer?” Joy asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. “What’s going on? Is there a legal issue involving Sabrina?”

“No,” Kian said, taking off his winter coat. “The Sabrina situation has been settled. I have August handling her termination to ensure there’s no conflict of interest.”