"Are you glad for the move?"
I glanced up at James, wondering if he was going to reveal what he knew about my recent move. I hadn't given him details, but whatever I hadn't told him, Mrs. Curtis surely had. Even without the details, there was enough there to know that this move hadn't been planned.
"So far, I love it. I feel fortunate to have gotten a great job, and I look forward to moving into a new place soon."
"Moving? You don't have a place to live?" Amelia looked at James as if she was asking him why he wasn't looking out for me better.
"Ms. Pearson's living arrangements will be settled shortly."
It was my turn to look at him with a questioning expression. What was he talking about? Maybe it was that bonus he said the company offered that I knew it didn't. Perhaps it was dumb not to latch on to what he was offering, but I was desperate to earn my way on my own, not out of pity. I needed to prove that I was a strong woman who could make it on her own.
Amelia had the same expression, but finally, she turned to me. "What are you doing for Christmas? Do you have family here?"
"I don't have family here." I left it at that because it felt pathetic to say I had nowhere to go on Christmas.
Amelia looked at her brother and then at me again. "If you have nowhere to go on Christmas, you have to come over to my and Max's place tomorrow."
I waved my hand. "That's very kind of you, but—"
"You should come." James brought his drink back up to his lips as if he was being nonchalant, but there was a tension in his eyes. If I saw it, surely, his sister did too.
But if Amelia did see it, she didn't acknowledge it. “It's settled. You’re coming. James, will you give her my address?”
I shook my head. "You're very kind, but I couldn't intrude. "
Amelia reached out, putting her hand on my arm. "James and I have grown up without a real family, without a real Christmas, our entire lives. This year is going to be our very first Christmas with a family, my husband and my son, and my husband's family, and James, of course. And now you."
I glanced at James, hoping he might get me out of this. He took another sip of his drink, clearly not planning to intervene. Did he want me to go? Was this a test of some sort?
"I think it's wonderful that you're having a traditional Christmas. I know it's going to be joyful and happy, but I'm not family—"
"It doesn't matter. Friends, family. We can't have too many people to care for in our lives, don't you think? I hope you will reconsider. I can understand that it might be awkward for you, but it would please me to no end if you would come."
"I'll think about it," I said, mostly to stop her from asking. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Not because I didn't want to go but because somewhere deep inside me, yearning burned. I wanted to have the sort of Christmas she was talking about. Growing up, my Christmases were fairly traditional. But as I saw the enthusiasm, joy, and love in her eyes, I wasn't so sure those elements had been a part of my family Christmas. The realization brought pain. I thought I'd been raised in this perfect, loving household, with parents who were strict and controlling, yes, but I believed it was because they loved me and wanted the best for me. Now I knew better. Everything they’d done, they did for themselves. I felt a little bit guilty about feeling angry considering I had everything I needed, a home, a family, clothes, and food. But I realized I didn't have the love from them that exuded from Amelia toward her family.
James finished his drink and nodded to Amelia. "You need to drag Max over to talk to George Keyes. He’s up to something with Dad."
Amelia's gaze whipped to him. "What? I thought he was just wanting you to get—"
"Yes, he wants me out as CEO, but Ms. Pearson discovered that he's visiting Dad in prison."
Amelia's gaze turned to me. "What? Why?"
I shrugged. "I don't know why, but it could be suspicious. Then again, maybe they're just old friends."
James laughed derisively. "Partners in crime, more like. I'll get to the bottom of it eventually. Hopefully, before they vote me out as CEO." He glanced at me, and again, there was something in his eyes that told me there was something going on.
He turned back to Amelia. "I hate to be like Dad and use your husband, but maybe the two of you will consider it for a good cause."
Amelia patted him on the shoulder. "That's why we’re here, big brother. I show off my shiny husband and flaunt his powerful New York family." She looked at me. "It was nice to meet you, Ms. Pearson."
"You too.”
She turned and walked off toward the tall blonde man she’d been with when she’d been talking with James. She threaded her arm through his, giving him a slight tug. He leaned down to listen to her. He turned back to look at me and James, and then his eyes scanned over to Mr. Keyes and he gave a nod. Together, they walked over to George.
"Don't you like your wine?" James asked.
I looked down at the glass that I hadn't taken a sip from. I lifted it to my lips and sipped. "It's very good.” To be honest, I didn't know that much about wine.