Claire: Last I checked?No.
Dad: I'm so sorry.
Claire: It's OK!How is Carol?And why are you up so late?
Dad: It’s not by choice, believe me.Her grandkids have worn me out.Must rest up for round 2 in the morning.
Claire: She's a special lady.Maybe you should put a ring on it?!
Dad: Maybe you should mind your own business!
Claire: Haha never!
The cursor blinked.Claire hesitated.
Claire: I guess you're wondering…
Dad: Well, I'm not one to pry.
Claire: Like hell you aren't!
Dad: It’s my right!Whatever you decide, I support you.No matter what.
Claire: I know you do.Thank you.
Dad: Have you told him about the job?
Claire: Not yet.He's been on the phone all night.
Dad: Well, he can't stay on the phone forever.
Claire: You don't know Calvin.
Dad: Lol.Goodnight.Sending all my love.And a little for Calvin too.I’ll talk to you tomorrow.Merry Christmas!
Claire: Merry Christmas!I love you!xoxo
She opened Instagram, but the distraction was short-lived.A quick search of Netflix rendered nothing to her liking.She returned to her task of tidying her inbox and trying to stay awake.When her phone pinged with another text, she realized she’d nodded off.
Cally: Mrs.Claus?
Claire: It's Ms.Claus.No r.
Cally: Is it now?Maybe we should do something about that…
Claire: It's not that easy.
Cally: Why not?
Claire: Because we'd have to be in the same room.
Cally: Santa's been here.There's a box with your name on it under the tree.
Claire: Santa promised to meet me in front of the fire over an hour ago.
Cally: Don't be mad.It couldn't be helped.
Claire: It never can.
