Free Holiday Escort: A Christmas Novella by Shanora Williams

shoulders slump a bit, her eyes focusing on the counter.
    I take a sip of my wine, watching her sink into her sadness. She loves Dexter to death. Knowing he was going to call was probably the highlight of her Christmas.
    God, I can’t even imagine how she feels right now. Having someone to love, but not having them with you, not even being able to speak to them. It has to be tough to deal with.
    “Lena,” I murmur, sitting on the barstool next to her. “I’m sure he will call. Maybe in a few hours?”
    “Maybe,” she whispers, glancing at me briefly before dropping her head again. Her mouth twitches as she fights a smile. “You are growing up, Pipey.”
    I grin. “We all are.”
    “No. Seriously. You turned out to be way different than I expected.” She sighs with a smile. “You know… I know Bailey and I have given you a hard time, but after raising Joey and Jana, watching them grow up with such unique personalities… well, I have to say I get it. I get why you took your own course.”
    My eyes broaden. “Oh…”
    “I’ve always been the one that needed to please Mom and Dad. Bailey as well, but she isn’t as intense about it as I am. I mean, there were times when I used to design so much I wanted to get my degree in interior design instead of business or law school, but then Mom or Dad would say what they wanted was better for me—that I needed to do something worthwhile, just in case my passion for designing fell through. So I listened, but let me tell you what— listening to other people will make you a miserable bitch.”
    I laugh.
    “No, seriously. It’s a good thing you didn’t marry Kurt the billionaire and have his babies. It’s a good thing you didn’t rush it—that you get to live. Joey and Jana are turning eight next month. Eight years ago, I wasn’t ready to have kids. But I was given two at once and I seriously thought I was going to die.”
    “Stop it,” I laugh. “They are good kids… well, sometimes,” I add on, picking up my glass.
    “Sometimes,” she giggles. “But not always. I love Dexter and my kids and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in this world, but if I could go back, make my own choices and build my own career, and still have them, I would. Because I know I could have done something better for myself. I was just too stupid and too stuck in my ways, listening to Mom and Dad, thinking they know what’s best since they pretty much have it made.”
    “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You have a great life! Plus, you are the oldest, Lena.” I rub her arm. “They expect you to do what they want you to do because you are their first. It’s tough being the first girl and firstborn, carrying all of that weight, having to live up to the standards and remain a little better than the rest.”
    “Yes, but it will also wear you out.”
    My lips press.
    She looks up at me, meeting my eyes. “Are you happy with Matthew? He’s a handsome guy, by the way. I don’t know how you bagged that man.”
    I let out a coy laugh, as if Matthew is really mine. Oh, get a grip, Piper. “I am very happy with him. We are really good together.”
    “And how long has it been for you guys again?”
    “Eight months.” I nod.
    “Eight? Wow. That’s a long time. Well, don’t let him go. He seems like a real keeper. I can’t wait to get to know him a little more when everyone’s awake.”
    “He’s a great guy.”
    “Great in bed too, apparently,” she says, snorting.
    I gasp, giving her a look of horror. “Oh my God! Lena! You heard!?”
    “I heard enough! I tried not to listen as I walked by to get my cellphone from the living room, but I did catch an earful. Did he say something about Santa giving you coal ?” she chortles, dropping her fork and clutching herself.
    I groan, face palming myself dramatically. “Oh my goodness. You weren’t supposed to hear any of that, Lena.” I can feel my face burning, my embarrassment on full display.
    “Don’t worry,” she says,