meantime, put away the crossword puzzle and pack your bags for Denver.
Your hot non-husband,
Wes
June—Six Months Ago
From: Penelope Gold
To: Wesley Kane
Subject: EMERGENCY
Wesley,
You’ve probably heard this, but I still feel the need to write this email. I know you won’t answer if I call. So here goes.
My father is gone.
He isn’t dead. Honestly. But apparently last night he packed his bags and got on a plane for Tibet, where he has entered a monastery. He has sworn off the business, his house, his marriage to my stepmother, and all his worldly possessions. He has shaved his head and now wears only a robe, and he’s never coming back.
Obviously, this is a problem.
Don’t panic.
(I’m panicking.)
No. I’m not panicking. I have this under control. I’ve been putting out fires since five o’clock this morning, because I’m the only one who knows how this place runs. I’m so pumped with strong tea I could power a small country. I will handle this.
To be honest, as crazy as it sounds, I’m not completely surprised. My father has been pulling away from everything lately, especially the business. He’s seemed really distracted. Last week he started giving away the things in his house—putting the TV on the lawn with a sign on it that said FREE. My stepmother was horrified. Now I can see what was really going on.
But this isn’t going to impact the merger. Everything is already in motion. We still can’t get out of this stupid marriage, though. You said that to rescind the marriage agreement, my father has to sign. So right now, unless someone is willing to go to Tibet with a contract in hand, you and I are screwed. Figuratively, of course.
Yours in panic,
Penelope Gold
To: Penelope Gold
From: Wesley Kane
Subject: Re: EMERGENCY
Penny,
I appreciate the email, but you’re right, I already knew about your father. My dad called me about it at six o’clock this morning. Apparently he got a call from a Tibetan pay phone, right before your father went up the mountain.
Are you okay? I’m asking seriously. You’re taking care of the company and your stepmother and whatever else, but who is taking care of you? Your father just bailed out of your life, Penny. I’m throwing out my rule right now. I just called you, but you didn’t pick up. If you need anything, even just to talk, please call me.
Don’t worry about the marriage thing. We can get around it if my father signs the new contract. I think. As far as I know, Dad is still here. We’re not out of hope yet.
Call me,
Wes
September—Three Months Ago
From: Penelope Gold
To: Wesley Kane
Subject: I’m okay (for now)
Wesley,
I’m sorry it took this long for me to write an email. And I’m sorry I didn’t call you. It was very sweet of you to offer, and I tried, but I found I just couldn’t. I had to keep it together.
A lot has happened since my father left. My stepmother legally divorced him, sold their house, and moved to Florida. Apparently she’s already dating someone new and plans to marry him. Bye-bye, Janice.
I’ve kept the company going by working day and night. I don’t sleep very much. When I’m not in the office, I’m on my laptop in my apartment, working and drinking tea. I don’t have a circle of friends or much of a social life.
And you know what? I’ve made a decision. I’m coming to Denver.
You win. There’s nothing left for me here. I think that a new start could be what I need. My father already made a new start, and so did my stepmother, so I may as well follow suit.
I see you’ve had the marriage waiver drawn up and you sent me a copy. Thank you for that. I’m ready for some change, but getting married would be a bit much.
To be honest, right now this merger will be good for The Christmas Experience. With our CEO gone, there isn’t any leadership, and the company will be shaky on its own. The Board of Directors doesn’t want to appoint me CEO (they say I’m “not qualified”) so I am stuck doing much of the work for none of the credit, just like I have for my whole career. Frankly I’m tired of it.
So let’s do this merger, and NOT get married, and everything will be just fine. I’m already looking for an apartment. Do you think I should buy skis?
Yours,
Penelope Gold
From: Wesley Kane
To: Penelope Gold
Subject: Re: I’m okay (for now)
Penny,
I know every real estate agent in town. I’ll get one