Holly Garland on Santa's Lap [COMPLETE]

Chapter 33 ~Meet the parents~

Like a cruel echo of our day filled with auditory torture, the chime's notes twist into something dissonant, like the score of a thriller.

"I got it!" I shout, pressing down on Tony's shoulder to my left, stopping him from standing all the way up. It's reflex for him, but my family would find it weird if he answered the door for their visitors.

"Thanks, sweetheart," my mom says casually while serving Tony another helping of salad.

I head to the door, feeling a little on edge, even though I know there's no real danger.

It's not like someone's gonna attack me with all these people around.

But just in case, I peek through the peephole. All I see is a blur of white swirls. Flowers? Another delivery guy?

The incessant ringing of the chimes pushes me to open up anyway. The sound is driving me crazy.

"Good evening, Gingerbread! Sorry we're late!"

"We?" I echo, completely stunned at the sight of Nick standing on my parents' brownstone porch, holding a bouquet just as massive as the last one—if not bigger. Except this time, it's white.

"Good evening, Miss Garland," a voice adds. It's a man I never, in a million years, thought I'd see here. He steps into the light, moving out of Nick's shadow, lifting a felt Borsalino hat in a gesture straight out of an old movie.

"Mr. Paxton?" I blurt out.

"That's right," he answers, holding up a large manila envelope in his hand. "I'm here on business."

What, they came all this way just to make sure I got my termination letter?

"Holly? Who's there, sweetheart?" my dad asks, walking up behind me to see who could be visiting at this hour. "Oh, it's Nick! Hi ! You made it after all?"

"Yeah, hi ! I managed to free up some time," Nick says with a grin. "And I brought my dad, just like I promised at Christmas."

"Good evening, Mr. Garland. Daniel Paxton, from Paxton Software," he introduces himself, shaking my dad's hand. "Sorry to show up unannounced, but I really needed to speak with your daughter."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all! You're both welcome! Holly, what are you waiting for? Let them in!" My dad gently nudges me aside to open the door wider, ushering them inside and gesturing for them to follow him.

Mr. Paxton trails behind his son, who acts like he owns the place. Only now do I notice they're both carrying bouquets.

Is this some sort of softening-the-blow tactic?

I can't believe the nerve of these two. But what can I do? I let out a long sigh and follow them to the dining room.

Apparently, they've decided to air out dirty laundry in front of my family, and I already know it's going to be mortifying.

My mom greets them with her usual warmth, inviting them to join us at the table, which they gladly accept.

Drew and Becca look as surprised as I feel about the sudden arrival of unexpected guests, but after some quick introductions and my family's enthusiastic reception of Nick, the mood becomes cordial again.

Weirdly enough, Tony doesn't seem surprised at all.

I'm sure he's behind this twisted ambush. Traitor!

Note to self: tomorrow morning, toss Tony's Switch into the blender and serve it to him as a smoothie with his damn pancakes!

"Becca, could you grab some extra place settings for our guests?" my mom asks my sister-in-law, clearly thrilled.