Page 1 of Unwrapping Romance
Chapter One
Sierra
The wind bites as I step off the curb, holding up my hand and signaling the approaching cab. Instead of stopping, the driver sped up, barreling through a slushy puddle that splashed all over my black dress pants and long black coat.
“Asshole!” I shouted, holding up my middle finger.
“Tis the season,” a woman spoke, walking by.
If I’d heard those words one more time, I would lose my shit. Another cab was rolling down the street, so I stepped in front of it, making the driver slam on his brakes. Opening the door, I climbed inside.
“Are you crazy, lady? Do you have a death wish or something?” the driver yelled.
“Isn’t everyone a little crazy this time of year? 359 W. 45thStreet,” I said.
After swiping my card, I climbed out and entered the coffee shop. Looking around, I saw my friend, Becca, waving me over to a table in the corner.
“What happened to you?” Her brows furrowed as she stared at the filthy muck all over my pants and coat. “Wait. Let me guess. A cab?”
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree played overhead, further ruining my already shitty day.
“Yep. The asshole sped up when he saw me.” I took off my coat and sat in the seat beside me.
“Here. Drink your coffee.” She pointed to the cup sitting before me.
“Thanks, Becca.”
“How did the interview go?” she asked.
Picking up the warm cup, I took a sip of coffee and savored the bold and brilliant taste.
“It didn’t. The office manager, Lydia, said I was overqualified and wasn’t sure why the temp service would even send me. This is the fourth time I didn’t get the job this week. What is wrong with me?”
“Were the buildings/offices decorated for Christmas?” she asked.
“Unfortunately.” I tipped the cup to my lips.
“And did you make a statement about the decorations?”
“No,” I lied as my brows furrowed.
“Truth, Sierra. I know you.” She pointed.
“Fine. All I said was that it looked like Christmas threw up, and someone should clean it up.”
She sighed and rolled her eyes. “It’s your own fault nobody wants to hire you with that attitude. Maybe try to refrain from telling potential employers that it looks like Christmas threw up all over their office. Not everyone feels about the holidays the way you do. You need to respect other people’s joy this time of year.”
Blah. Blah. Blah. It was the same lecture every year at this time.
“Anyway, Brad and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year, and we want you to come. We will not take no for an answer.”
“You’re cooking?” I cocked my head. “Have you ever cooked a turkey?”
“Yes, I’m cooking. No, I’ve never cooked a turkey. But I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos, so it’ll be fine.”
“Thanks for the invite, but I already have plans.”
“No, you don’t. You spend the holidays alone, locked up in your apartment, eating Chinese food, and watching Netflix.”