Nat winced. “Sir, I understand how it looks, but this situation is more complicated than?—”
“No,” he cut her off, his voice cold. “It’s very simple, actually. You crossed a line. Private interaction with guests is strictly forbidden. You know that, and you did it anyway. Inviting a guest to your parents’ house for Christmas? Are you out of your mind? Effective immediately, you are terminated. I’ll send someone else over.”
The finality in his words was like a punch to the gut. Nat stood there, phone pressed to her ear, barely breathing. He hung up before she could protest further, and Nat stared at her phone before she slowly turned back to Sofia and her family. Her mother, father, and Zoe were looking at her with concern, and Sofia’s smile had faded.
“What happened?” her father asked.
Nat’s throat felt tight. She forced the words out. “I just got fired.”
Silence descended. Her family’s faces registered shock, then anger and sadness. Sofia stood, crossing the room to her side. “Carla?”
Nat nodded.
“I’m so sorry,” Sofia said, her voice trembling. “This is my fault.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nat sat cross-legged on her couch, watching as Sofia paced the small space of her living room. They'd excused themselves from her family's house, needing time to process everything that had happened.
"I'm calling him," Sofia said, pulling out her phone. "This is ridiculous. You were providing exceptional service. The best I've ever had at any lodge, anywhere. He has no right to fire you over this."
Nat couldn't help but laugh, though it came out slightly hollow. "Maybe don't phrase it exactly like that. He'll just assume it was a different kind of exceptional service." She raised an eyebrow. "Which, to be fair..."
Sofia stopped pacing and turned to her, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "Nat, I'm serious. This isn't funny."
"I know, I know." Nat sighed, running a hand through her hair. "But there's no point arguing with him. The rules were clear - no personal involvement with guests. I knew what I was risking." She patted the space beside her on the couch, and Sofia finally sat down.
"Still, it's not fair," Sofia said softly. "You shouldn't lose your job because of me."
“Technically it was because of Carla,” Nat said with a sigh. She took Sofia’s hand, studying their intertwined fingers. The truth was, while she felt a flutter of panic about the lost income as well as the loss of future income, she couldn't bring herself to feel truly down. Not with Sofia here. "You know what's weird?" she said. "I should be devastated right now, but I'm not. I mean, yes, I'm worried about the money, but that's mainly because..."
"Because of your parents' bakery," Sofia finished for her. "I know. And speaking of your parents..." She turned to face Nat fully. "They're wonderful, Nat. Your whole family is. I've rarely met such warm, genuine people. The way they welcomed me, and that beanie your mother made..." She trailed off, emotion catching in her voice.
"They liked you too," Nat said. "And Zoe loves you.” She reached up to cup Sofia's cheek, her thumb brushing against her skin as their eyes met. "They see what I see – an amazing woman who's kind and genuine."
Sofia shook her head, leaning into Nat's touch. "They deserve the world, Nat. I've never..." She swallowed hard, struggling to find the words. "I've never seen such love within a family. The way your parents look at each other, how they support Zoe's dreams, how proud they are of you... it's beautiful. You're so lucky."
"I know," Nat said softly, understanding the weight behind Sofia's words. She thought about Sofia's upbringing, the strict household she'd described, the absence of celebrations and warmth. It made her heart ache. "Listen," she said, scooting closer. "I'm not going to pretend losing my job isn't scary, because it is. But being with you, it’s worth it. More than worth it." She shrugged. “And I’ll find another job, even if it’s just a temporary one. Hospitality always needs people.”
Sofia looked at her questioningly, and a smile tugged at Nat’s lips despite everything. Because somehow, sitting herein her apartment with Sofia, even unemployment didn't seem insurmountable. It felt like a door opening rather than closing – she just had to be brave enough to walk through it.
"Listen," Sofia said, her tone growing serious. "About the bakery. I could help your parents. It wouldn't be any trouble for me to-"
"No," Nat cut her off gently but firmly. "They'd never accept that. They're too proud. Besides," she added, "it's not your problem."
Sofia's brow furrowed. "But itismy problem. You lost your job because of me. Because Carla called your boss and complained. Because I showed up at your parents' house on Christmas Eve and stayed for Christmas morning. Everything that's happening is because of me."
"Sofia." Nat turned to face her fully. "I made my own choices. Nobody forced me to invite you for Christmas, or to stay at the lodge that first night, or to..." She felt her cheeks warm. "Well, you know. Everything that happened between us - I wanted it all. I still do."
"I want it too," Sofia whispered. "But you’re the one paying the price."
“Having more free time to spend with you isn’t paying a price. You’re leaving the day after tomorrow. At least now we can walk around openly together. We could go skiing, or I can show you around town.” Nat squeezed Sofia's hand, already mentally planning places she wanted to share with her.
Sofia bit her lip, a hint of nervousness crossing her face. "Actually... I've been thinking about that. About leaving, I mean." She took a deep breath. "I don't have to be back at work until January second, and I was wondering if... if maybe I could stay with you until New Year's Day? If you don't mind, that is. I know it's a small space, and-"
"Yes!" Nat interrupted eagerly, making Sofia laugh. "I mean... yes, of course, you can stay. I'd love that."
"Really?" Sofia's entire face lit up.
