Chapter 121

Chapter 121

The director of hospital had barely settled back into his office after an afternoon meetin

d him, she bolted over, “Uncle.” when he heard the familiar clatter of footsteps in the hallway. Sandra was practically lying in wait outside his door, and as soon as she spotted

The director didn’t seem thrilled to see her, “What are you doing here again, Sandra? Haven’t I told you not to come around if it isn’t important?”

“I’ve been listening, I swear. Haven’t come by in days. But today, Uncle, I’ve really got some big news for you.”

Sandra shamelessly followed him into his office, and as soon as the door shut, she blurted out, “Leanne and Curtis have really gotten divorced this time. They went to the city hall this morning and made it official.”

The director raised an eyebrow, his face a picture of contemplation, “Serious?”

“Cross my heart. I heard it straight from her.”

“That’s got nothing to do with you.” The director was wary, though. After all, he had no beef with Leanne and didn’t see the point in risking the Richardson family’s ire over a minor squabble with a small-time doctor.

“Just keep your nose clean, will you? And stop pestering her. I don’t need any more headaches.”

“But,” Sandra pleaded, her voice edging toward desperation, “Now that she’s divorced and without any backing, can’t you just get her to give back my promotion spot?”

The director slammed his hand on the desk with a force that made Sandra jump, “Give it back to you? Do you think promotions are a game? Or are you trying to say you didn’t cause enough of a scene last time?”

Chastened, Sandra shrank back.

“Get out of here and go back to work.”

“Uncle…”

He shot her a glare that sent her stomping out of the office in a huff.

Christmas was in full swing, and Joy had ditched her co-workers’ party to celebrate with Leanne at her place.

She had smuggled out a fully decorated Christmas tree from the office, lugging it up the stairs with great difficulty. The tree was grand, adorned with all kinds of baubles that kept falling off as she schlepped it along. By the time it was safely in the living room, both women were bending over with sore backs.

“Your boss is lucky to have you,” Leanne panted.

“You’re telling me. I just landed him a huge deal.”

Joy even brought a couple of bottles of wine. They sat cross-legged on the car Leanne, trying out a new recipe, had prepared a lasagna that was, well, questic te

“Are you sure this is lasagna and not a stack of wet rags?” Joy couldn’t help but comment after her third bite.

Leanne’s pride deflated a bit, “Is it really that bad? I thought it was somewhat edible,

“Well, they do say when you’re starving, even a boot might taste good.”

The conversation trailed off into silence as Joy poured them both generous glasses of red wine, “Here’s to ditching deadweight and starting anew.”

Leanne clinked glasses with a smile. “Ch

to that.”

They hadn’t even finished their first drinks when the doorbell rang insistently. Joy hopped up, “I’ll get it.”

But as she opened the door, she immediately tried to slam it shut again, only to have the visitor wedge their foot in the crack, persistently pushing forward.

“You’re breaking my toe.” Selina cried out, grimacing in pain.

Joy retorted fiercely, “I’ll break more than that if you don’t back off.”

The two scrapped at the door, almost warping it in their struggle, until Jeremy’s resigned voice came from outside, “Ms. Campbell, for my sake, let her in. She just got her cast off.” “Great, she brought reinforcements.” Reluctantly, Joy relented and opened the door. As Leanne emerged from the living room, she was surprised to see the sibling duo.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“We’re delivering holiday cheer,” Selina said, taking charge and grabbing a pile of takeout from Jeremy, “We’ve got pizza, pasta, fried chicken, barbecue, and desserts. Whatever you’re craving, we’ve got it covered.”

Joy’s eyes fixed on the food with undisguised longing, yet she teased Selina, “I’m in the mood for ice cream cake.”

Selina clenched her teeth, “I’ll order it right now

Leanne, remembering her own awkward request to Jeremy about “flowers” a few days ago, still felt a little embarrassed, “Did you come just to drop off Selina?”

“Not e

entirely,” Jeremy admitted, “My folks are out of town, and Selina insisted on joining you guys for the holiday. If it’s not too much trouble, could I tag along?”

it would have been rude to turn them away, especially during the festive season.