Page 13 of Wrapped in You

"Not today, thanks," the woman said.

Sophie checked her name tag and saw it read: Cara. Which department was she in?

Cara read Sophie's curiosity and announced, "I'm Derek's assistant."

Sophie's lips formed a round O. Her job must be the worst in the world.

Behind her, Natalie and Brent had forgotten about their second round of cookies. They'd begun flirting outrageously and giggling in a way that suggested they were overly tired and hungry.

"Can I get you anything else?" Sophie asked. "There's leftover cinnamon rolls? Biscuits? The bacon's cold, but you can always heat it in the microwave."

Cara laughed openly. "I've never tried that. Does it work?"

"I have a special trick," Sophie said mischievously.

"A magician never reveals her secrets," Cara said. "I get it."

On the other side of a group of camera guys, Derek marched back and forth and muttered angrily into his phone. Sophie burned to know who he was talking to. But she guessed Cara was too professional to share.

"I saw him ripping into you a few times," Cara said tentatively.

Sophie sniffed. "It's cool. I'm used to unhappy clients."

Not that I've had many clients at all.

"He's getting back into the rhythm of things," Cara said. "Being a director is no easy feat."

"I imagine not," Sophie said.

She wanted to say,It's pretty easy to be nice to people. It's pretty easy to show respect.

But she didn't want to get into any more trouble.

"Let me give you a cookie for the road," Sophie insisted.

Cara closed her eyes and smiled. "Fine!"

Sophie wrapped a reindeer and a star with two napkins and watched Cara slip the package into her pocket.

Cara took a breath. "It's really magical around here. The air is so fresh and clear. It's almost enough to make me forget Los Angeles exists."

Suddenly, Isaac, Mike, and Beck stormed up to her. Excitement made their cheeks ruddy.

"We want to go to the best bar in town," Beck announced.

"And we want you to show us where it is!" Isaac said.

Sophie laughed. At first, she reached for her typical excuse—that she had tons of work to do back at the head kitchen. But the truth was, Tommy and Piper had been prepping for tomorrow's meals all day today. Tommy had just texted a "thumbs-up" to indicate it was nearly finished. Sophie's only real plan for tonight was to drop off the van, go to the grocery store, and maybe make soup. She planned to eat the soup in front of a Christmas film or a rom-com from the early 2000s.

"Did somebody say the best bar in town?" Natalie chimed in from behind them.

Beside her, Brent beamed.

"We need a local with the very best tips," Isaac pressed.

"And we're going to need more of those Christmas cookies," Beck affirmed.

Sophie cackled. When was the last time she went out and had a good time with new friends? Culinary school? Even then, she had to go home early to call Jeremy on the phone.