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She promised to talk to Jonny about the work area where the toys were so they could decide how many people would be helpful and at what point there would be too many hands to be efficient Conversation shifted to ner so her this year while Noelle and Bailey discussed the best brunch casserole for post-present-opening Christ

After lunch, Shelby walked out with Madeline

“You okay?” her friend asked as they crossed the street

“Still feeling horrible about forgetting the toys”

“You know the probleht? You aren’t the Grinch”

“I was so caught up in the guy that I let soo”

Shelby waited until they were on the sidewalk before facing her “Stop beating yourself up Honestly, as the last time you were this crazy about someone?”

“I can’t remember”

“Exactly So enjoy every ood tiet painted, children will be happy and you still get to have hot monkey sex with you-knoho”

Madeline hugged her friend “You’re a very nice person”

“So I’ve been told”

They started walking again Madeline unfastened her jacket “It’s really waro ere in the rees”

“It’s very strange weather,” Shelby said “The weather guy said it was going to stay waret sideswiped by a polar vortex So there’s still a possibility of a white Christmas”

“I hope we get at least a light dusting The kids always love that” Not towould be

They reached Paper Moon Shelby s yourself up all afternoon?”

“I have a couple of appointuilt But I will probably still have a little self-loathing”

“As long as it doesn’t go on too long You’re a good person, too It’s okay to mess up once in a while Everyone still loves you”

“Thanks”

Madeline went into the store and walked to her office After hanging up her coat, she turned to her desk Sitting next to her keyboard was a s from the local candy store

Inside was one perfect, dark chocolate truffle Her favorite kind There wasn’t a note, but she kneho had delivered the sweet to her Because Jonny was nothing if not thoughtful